Which Vikings rookie will make the biggest impact in 2019?

Irv Smith Jr. – TE

Minnesota hasn’t really had a tight end with the athletic ability and talent possessed by Smith Jr. since Visanthe Shiancoe once held down a roster spot for the purple and gold. The Vikings’ newest tight end, however, will likely have a much more productive career in the NFL than Shiancoe.

Last season at Alabama, Smith Jr. caught 44 passes for 710 yards (16.1 average) and seven touchdowns. If he is able to put up similar numbers as a rookie in 2019, Minnesota’s offense would likely be much improved compared to last season.

The Vikings’ all-time record for catches in a single season by a tight end is currently held by Joe Senser, who hauled in 42 passes way back in 1980. Smith Jr. certainly has the talent to surpass that mark during his first year with Minnesota.

With the Vikings, the former Alabama tight end has the opportunity to add another versatile element to the team’s offense in 2019. If Smith Jr. is able to pick up the offense pretty quickly over the summer, then the sky seems like the limit for him in his rookie season.