3 Minnesota Vikings players trending towards draft bust status
By Dean Jones
Irv Smith Jr. – TE
There’s no denying Irv Smith Jr. has the talent to be a productive NFL tight end. Even if these glimpses have been fleeting during his first three years with the Minnesota Vikings.
Playing second-fiddle to Kyle Rudolph during his rookie season was a nice way to blend the former Alabama star into the pros. He did get more in the way of reps in 2020 and even though the yardage was similar to his first year, Smith managed five touchdowns to suspect more might be coming this time around.
Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Smith was placed on season-ending injured/reserve before competitive action began and there is just no telling how he’s going to come back from such a serious meniscus tear at the worst possible time.
The second-round pick has a huge season awaiting him in 2022. If Smith recovers well he could thrive like never before in a new offensive scheme – but that is no guarantee and there is even the prospect of Minnesota bringing in additional reinforcements alongside the player and promising youngster Tyler Conklin.
Smith has every athletic attribute imaginable. But there is no denying his career is teetering right on a knife-edge due to circumstances outside of his control.