Tag: irv smith jr.

Three Vikings players who could change roles

These Vikings players could be in a different situation come 2020.

Minnesota has taken an interesting approach to this offseason.

The Vikings have seen talented veterans leave, but have replaced them with younger players.

The team’s general manager, Rick Spielman told the Star Tribune: “Even though we have some young guys coming in we still have a core part of our defense together with Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith, we have [Eric] Kendricks and [Anthony] Barr at linebacker, Danielle Hunter.”

Now, some players on the Vikings’ young core might have to adjust to new talent coming in. Whether that’s switching alignments, roles or positions all together.

Here are some candidates on the Vikings who might have to do just that in 2020:

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The Vikings need to utilize Irv Smith Jr. more frequently in 2020 

It’s been a long time since the Vikings have had someone as athletic as Irv Smith Jr. at the tight end position.

In 2019, the Vikings had only one pass catcher go for over 600 yards and he is no longer with the team. Stefon Diggs hauled in 63 catches for 1,130 yards and the next closest was Dalvin Cook with 519 yards. 

This is a big reason as to why PFF ranked the Vikings receiving corps 24th overall in their 2020 rankings. The Diggs departure makes the receiving room even thinner than it was originally heading into 2020.

Here are the reasons the Vikings need to use Irv Smith Jr. more:

Too many unproven wide receivers

Wide receiver Adam Thielen was hurt last year, so he only played in 10 regular season games. As of now, there is just too much unproven talent behind Thielen at wide receiver.

The Vikings used their 22nd overall pick that they received in the Diggs trade on Justin Jefferson, but it’s never easy to speculate how a rookie will produce in his first season. Jefferson was productive during his time at LSU, has great analytical metrics and a ton of upside, but that doesn’t always translate over to the next level right away. 

Bisi Johnson showed flashes in 2019 of being a good receiver, but it is still unproven that he can be anything more than a wide receiver three. Tajae Sharpe was also added in free agency, but was never overly productive in his time in Tennessee.  

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Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr.: My tattoo artist stayed with me for like a month

Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. has been getting some ink done this offseason.

Irv Smith Jr. has been working out preparing for the upcoming season, but he’s also been keeping busy with other parts of his life.

For instance, Smith Jr. routed Cardinals’ Byron Murphy Jr. in NBA 2K20, which was streamed live on Twitch.

He also has added some tattoos, a feat he was able to accomplish because his tattoo artist had been staying with him.

“He actually stayed with me for like a month,” Smith Jr. told Gabe Henderson of Vikings.com. “We were just getting to it. It was awesome having that opportunity, cause usually I wouldn’t have the time to do that.”

Asked about how he’s holding up amid the coronavirus pandemic, Smith Jr. said it’s been crazy, but you have to try and be positive.

“I get to work out more, just taking care of my body, little things like that,” Smith Jr. told Henderson. “It’s not as smooth, but it’s definitely something we’re all getting used to.”

PFF looks back on Vikings’ 2019 draft grade

A year later, the site isn’t so optimistic about the Vikings’ 2019 draft class.

Most experts agree that the Vikings did a great job in the 2020 NFL Draft, netting 15 picks including four who could contribute right away.

Michael Renner over at Pro Football Focus took a look at the team’s 2019 NFL Draft, about a year after the fact.

Renner has the Vikings ranked in the ‘below average’ category.

After the draft, Vikings fans were happy with picking center Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick, but he probably underformed as a rookie.

Both tight end Irv Smith Jr. and running back Alexander Mattison looked and still look like solid picks in the second and third round, respectively.

After that, there was no real breakthrough player. Wide receiver Bisi Johnson was a nice surprise in the seventh round, and it looks like Kris Boyd is going to contribute at corner in 2020.

To round out the NFC North, the Packers ranked as above average, the Bears were average, while the Lions were also below average.

As with any draft, we’ll have a much better idea about all of this in a few years.

Who have been the last 10 players drafted 50th overall?

Looking at the previous players that have been taken 50th overall, there are some encouraging picks but more that didn’t exactly pan out.

The Chicago Bears are without a first-round pick for the second straight season, but they do own a pair of second round picks at No. 43 and No. 50.

When considering the previous players that have been taken at 50th overall, there are some encouraging picks but more that didn’t exactly pan out.

Let’s take a look at the last 10 picks at No. 50.

2019: TE Irv Smith Jr., Vikings

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Following a solid preseason, rookie Irv Smith Jr. was gradually worked into Minnesota’s offense. In 2019, Smith had 36 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns, which was more than any Bears tight end last season. The Vikings already have a really good tight end in Kyle Rudolph, so there hasn’t really been a rush with Smith. But with the loss of Stefan Diggs, Smith is expected to get more opportunities in Minnesota’s offense in 2020.

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Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr., representing Timberwolves, routs Cardinals’ Byron Murphy Jr. in NBA 2K20

Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr got the win while representing the Timberwolves in NBA 2K20.

Professional sports have been shut down across the country, but athletes are still finding ways to compete against each other.

For instance, Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. competed against Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. in NBA 2K20, which was streamed live on Twitch.

Unfortunately, fans watching the live stream didn’t get much of a game. Smith Jr.’s Timberwolves routed Murphy Jr.’s Suns 104-62.

Smith Jr. scored 41 points with D’Angelo Russell. He also had 20 with Karl-Anthony Towns.

The virtual game wasn’t very close, but the two still exchanged plenty of funny moments when they were playing against each other.

“What’s the score, 24-7?” Murphy Jr. asked, when that was the score of the game at the time.

“A lot to a little,” Smith Jr. said in response.

Though he did say he’d see Smith Jr. again, Murphy Jr. didn’t seem too excited about playing another streamed game of 2K20.

“I’m never doing that again, though, I can tell you that.”

Smith Jr, however, seems ready for the next challenge.

3 Vikings’ offensive players who need to step up in 2020

Here are three players who need to step up in 2020 if the Vikings have a chance of making a run for a Super Bowl.

The Vikings’ offense had a solid 2019 season, but it wasn’t enough to get over the hump against the 49ers in the playoffs.

Here are three players who need to step up in 2020 if the Vikings have a chance of making a run for a Super Bowl.

C, Garrett Bradbury

The 18th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft was somewhat of a disappointment as a rookie.

He finished with a Pro Football Focus grade of just 57.6, a mark that ranked 30th of 38 graded centers.

Given Bradbury’s work ethic, a natural progression should come in his second season. That could go a long way to improve the team’s offense now led by Gary Kubiak.

TE, Irv Smith Jr.

This isn’t a knock on the 2019 second-round pick at all. He was pretty solid as a rookie, finishing with 36 catches for 311 yards and two touchdowns. I would expect Smith to get more reps as a pass catcher in his second season. There’s a good chance Smith replaces Kyle Rudolph as the team’s main pass-catching tight end.

WR, Chad Beebe

This spot could really go to any receiver with hopes of being WR3 on the depth chart behind Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

The team will surely sign a free agent and/or draft a receiver to compete for this spot as well.

Please not Laquon Treadwell.

For Beebe, he’s a player who has shown potential but hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his two-year career.

It will be a big year for Beebe, 25, financially, too. He’ll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Where does Vikings’ 2019 rookie class rank?

Garrett Bradbury was disappointing, but three other players on the offensive side of the ball were impressive.

With the 2019 NFL season over (besides that one really important game), we know how each team’s 2019 draft class played out.

The folks over at Pro Football Focus ranked every team’s draft class and the Vikings ranked right in the middle of the pack at 15.

Here’s a snippet of what PFF writer Ben Linsey wrote about the Vikings:

Though first-round pick Garrett Bradbury had a rough rookie season — he was constantly beaten by pass-rushers foaming at the mouth to get an opportunity against him — the rest of the Vikings’ class had some bright spots. Their next two selections — tight end Irv Smith Jr. and running back Alexander Mattison — both appeared capable of being starting-caliber players on a good offense.

To recap:

  • Garrett Bradbury: Not as good as everyone thought he would be.
  • Alexander Mattison and Irv Smith Jr.: Probably a very bright future.
  • Bisi Johnson: Looked like a steal in the seventh round.

You would have liked to see more rookies step up, but Bradbury will improve in season No. 2, and both Mattison and Smith Jr. looked to have big roles with this team for years to come.

Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. makes NFL.com’s All-Rookie Team

Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. has been solid for Minnesota in his rookie season.

Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. has been solid for Minnesota in his rookie season.

The second-round pick out of Alabama has 28 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown. While those numbers might not jump out, it’s worth noting that Smith is doing this behind Kyle Rudolph on the roster.

His performance has earned him a spot on NFL.com’s 2019 Offensive All-Rookie Team.

Here’s a snippet of what was written about Smith:

It’s a major upset that neither Iowa Hawkeyes standout claimed this spot, but Denver’s Noah Fant has been one of the most mistake-prone starters at any position and Detroit’s T.J. Hockenson wasn’t much better before landing on injured reserve with an ankle ailment sustained on Thanksgiving Day. Smith has been better than advertised as a blocker while helping to fill the receiving void left by Pro Bowl wideout Adam Thielen’s extended absence due to a hamstring injury.

Smith has a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.9, a mark that ranks 24th among tight ends in the NFL.