Sports
PurplePTSD: Don't Forget About Irv Smith Jr.
Coming into the season, Vikings fans were thinking that Irv Smith Jr. was going to take a huge step forward. Fantasy football managers a ...
K. Joudry
2022-02-20
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Coming into the season, Vikings fans were thinking that Irv Smith Jr. was going to take a huge step forward. Fantasy football managers and Vikings fans were similarly enthusiastic about third-year player.
Unfortunately, an injury in the final preseason game undermined his season. Rather than a third-year breakout, Smith Jr. had to navigate a third-year rehab. Hopefully, he was able to invest more time in film study and understanding the nuances of his position. Perhaps more time in these areas will translate to better on-field production in the future.
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Even if you take a glass-half-full approach, though, there’s no debating that it was a brutal break for him personally and for the team.
In 2022, Irv Smith Jr. will be playing on the final year of his rookie deal. In other words, he’ll likely be supremely motivated to put his best foot forward. Not only does he need to show that he’s fully healthy, he needs to show that he’s deserving of a lucrative second contract.
A 2019 second-round pick, Smith Jr. finished his rookie year with 36 catches for 311 yards and 2 TDs. He averaged 8.6 yards per reception. In 2020, he put together 30 catches, 365 yards, 5 TDs, and 12.2 yards per reception. Keep in mind that he was the backup to Kyle Rudolph and he entered the NFL as a 20-year-old.
Moving forward, fans ought to expect to see Minnesota’s fourth-year TE heavily involved in the offense. If the team shifts to more 11 personnel, Smith Jr. will get the chance to burn it up the seam with LBs trying to cover him. Advantage: Minnesota’s TE1.
There are a number of ways for the Vikings to improve. One of the best, most cost-effective ways is simply to have internal growth. Can several players who are already on the roster emerge? Smith Jr. is a prime candidate to thrive in 2022. If a couple other Vikings follow his lead, the team is well-positioned to take a step forward.
This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
