With their second selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings added another weapon to their offense with the former Alabama tight end.
Kyle Rudolph’s eyes likely lit up a bit on Friday after the Minnesota Vikings revealed their second-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
At pick No. 50, the Vikings went out and grabbed tight end Irv Smith Jr. who spent his college career at Alabama. Minnesota has now taken two players on the offensive side of the ball with both of their draft selections this year.
Smith measures in at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds and he was one of the most impressive tight end prospects available in this year’s draft pool. He possesses a unique combination of speed and strength and he will be a great addition to the Vikings’ offense in 2019.
In 15 games at Alabama last season, Smith hauled in a total of 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. He is the highest tight end selected in the draft for Minnesota since they added Rudolph in the second round back in 2011.
New Minnesota offensive advisor Gary Kubiak likely had a big influence on the team going with a tight end in the second round this year. Kubiak has coached a number of outstanding tight ends during his NFL career including former Denver Broncos All-Pro Shannon Sharpe.
The selection is also a clear indicator that the Vikings are doing their best to surround quarterback Kirk Cousins with enough talent to succeed in 2019. By adding center Garrett Bradbury in the first round and Smith in the second, Cousins’ job should be a little easier under center next season.