Using Smith as a third receiving option
While Smith can operate turning short yardage throws into big plays, he also has the ability to stretch the defense away from Diggs and Thielen. Much in the same fashion that fellow rookies Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson did for Iowa, Smith was able to create plays for Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III at Alabama.
To display this, we go back to the LSU tape at the 11:32 mark where Alabama is driving late in the second quarter. Smith is lined up in the slot on this play and simply torches the defensive back at the line of scrimmage. With no physical contact, Smith is able to race to the open area of the field on a corner route and come down with the long touchdown.
Against Mississippi State (at the 0:23 mark), the same thing happens. Nobody gets physical with Smith at the line of scrimmage, he burns a couple of Bulldogs and his speed allows him to get downfield, make the catch at the corner route and put Alabama at the goal line.
While Rudolph has been a productive tight end during his career, more of his money has been made inside the 20s than between them. By adding Smith to the fold, he could be the guy that makes the big play that many wish Rudolph could make.