Increase Smith’s involvement
It is clear the Vikings have a player of real potential in tight end Irv Smith Jr. and this is something they can use even more next season.
The 2019 second-round pick out of Alabama enjoyed a superb rookie campaign that saw him grab 36 of 47 balls thrown his way to accumulate 311 yards and two touchdowns.
This also included an 8.6 yards per catch average and snagging all three of his targets in the postseason for 39 yards. If offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak can get Smith involved more frequently in 2020, then Minnesota could have a potential star on their hands.
There is only so much ball to go around though and with Kyle Rudolph, Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, and Adam Thielen also warranting significant targets, it becomes difficult to use Smith to the best of his ability.
The balance Kubiak needs in an offense will need to be right for quarterback Kirk Cousins to succeed. But having the young tight end thriving down the field more often in 2020 will do the team’s chances of another playoff berth no harm at all.
Smith possesses incredible hands and there is plenty of hope for more improvement. He could become the next great pass-catching tight end in the NFL if he is used the right way by Kubiak.
The Vikings have an embarrassment of riches in the passing game and a breakout year could be coming for Smith in 2020 with Kubiak calling the shots.