He complements Rudolph well
Rudolph is the established veteran at the position, and is arguably the best red zone threat on the Vikings roster. Although he isn’t the most athletic, Rudolph finds ways to get open and has some of the most sure handed hands in the NFL. Irv Smith Jr. complements Rudolph perfectly, being the more athletic of the two.
Rookie tight ends never seem to get out to fast starts but Smith Jr. had one of the better seasons by a 21-year-old rookie at the position. In his rookie campaign, Smith Jr. finished with 36 catches for 311 yards and two touchdowns.
Although these numbers aren’t going to jump off the stat sheet, he finished fifth overall on the Vikings roster in terms of receiving yards. It’s been a long time since the Vikings have had someone as athletic as Smith Jr. at the position, and his play style is perfect for in between the 20-yard lines.