The biggest question at each position for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019
By Adam Carlson
Can Irv Smith Jr. live up to the hype?
Here’s a fact: Irv Smith Jr. was a luxury pick this year. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t need to grab a tight end for 2019 but wanted to set them up at the position for the future by grabbing someone to be around for the next few years, especially if Kyle Rudolph and David Morgan move on.
The reason they selected him is simple. Smith can break tackles and move the chains on a regular basis. Plus, he’s a pretty good blocker. He’s a good player to invest in, but that also makes the signing a little risky when they already have players who have established themselves on the roster.
The big question is whether or not expectations for Smith will ever be met. A second-round pick who will need to fight for playing time this season and learn the ropes quickly, he might not even have a connection with Kirk Cousins. Expectations have to be tempered.
Secondary question: Is this the farewell season for Kyle Rudolph?
Losing a player the caliber of Kyle Rudolph would be a bit of a shot to the team. The former Pro Bowl MVP seems to be in negotiations with the Vikings for an extension, but that might be a challenge with the salary cap. For now, it looks like this may be the last hurrah for the tight end in purple and gold.