4 ways the Minnesota Vikings offense can improve in 2022
By Dean Jones
Unleash a healthy Irv Smith Jr.
To say things have been frustrating for Irv Smith Jr. of late would be something of an understatement. The tight end’s athletic attributes are unquestioned, but just when things were finally coming together for the Alabama product, an injury struck that resulted in him missing the entire 2021 campaign.
Hopefully, for Smith and the Vikings, he’ll be all systems go next time around. This will be one final chance to prove his worth as a legitimate No. 1 at the position before his rookie contract comes to a conclusion.
Providing there are no ill effects from meniscus surgery that required around 4-5 months of rehabilitation, this will be a significant asset for the Vikings to call upon. Especially as the trade for Chris Herndon blew up in their face and Tyler Conklin left in free agency for the New York Jets.
Smith is past the point where one can say he is a player of promise. Now is the time to deliver and Kevin O’Connell’s presence could be the key that unlocks his true potential.
Given the abundance of weapons in the passing game at Minnesota’s disposal, Smith should get plenty of space to do damage. Something that could see the fourth-year-pro put up the numbers needed to get another deal in Minnesota next spring.