5 prospects who climbed the Vikings’ draft board after the Combine

Irv Smith Jr. – TE (Alabama)

Tight end is definitely a need for the Minnesota Vikings this year. Kyle Rudolph is due a lot of money for next season and his contract will need to be reworked. If Rudolph doesn’t agree to taking a pay cut, he could just be flat out released by the Vikings.

Whether he is released or not, the chances are high Minnesota will use an early draft pick on the position this year. So clearly, the Vikings were keeping a close eye on the tight ends down in Indianapolis at the combine and this big pass catcher from Alabama must have caught their eye.

Irv Smith really impressed during the on-field tight end drills. He showed great overall speed, ran nice routes, and displayed his tender mitts as he naturally caught the ball.

Smith did well in the physical testing drills too, finishing in the top 10 in most categories and running the third-fastest 40-yard dash of any tight end.

Prior to the combine, Smith was considered a borderline second or early third-round prospect.  After his performance in Indianapolis, he should be looked at as a solid second rounder.

Smith definitely someone Minnesota should think about at pick 50 in the second round this year as he’d be a major asset to their offense and another solid target for quarterback Kirk Cousins.