Vikings Draft TE Irv Smith Jr. with Kyle Rudolph Entering Contract Year

The Minnesota Vikings selected Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. with the 50th overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft Friday. 

Many saw Smith as a sensible addition for the Vikings offense.

The 6'2", 242-pound Smith caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns for the Crimson Tide last season.

The junior is a consistent big-play threat who had seven catches of 25 or more yards in 2018. His excellent speed contributed to that trend, which was evidenced by his 4.63-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. The mark ended up tied for the third-best among all combine-participating tight ends.

Irv Smith Jr. NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report, Grade for Vikings Rookie

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Analysts have provided positive reviews about Smith's potential and body of work. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered a pro comparison to recently retired 15-year veteran Ben Watson, who snagged 530 career passes and 44 touchdowns:

"Smith is still green in terms of overall experience, which shows up in run-blocking and route-running, but he has plenty of talent and is likely to get much better in both areas. He has combination tight end talent but really flashes as a move blocker at fullback or wingback spots. His buildup speed sets him apart as a big, field-stretching option and once he gets rolling after the catch. O.J. Howard was bigger, and a better athlete, but like Howard, Smith offers Pro Bowl potential as a well-rounded tight end prospect."

Smith's age and relative inexperience may be the most intriguing aspects of his potential. He doesn't turn 21 years old until August and only played one full year as Alabama's starting tight end, so Smith is far from a polished product.

Ultimately, he could end up being one of the best offensive players from this year's draft and an excellent pickup for the Vikings.

Minnesota could potentially see him as a long-term replacement for Kyle Rudolph, who's entering the final year of his contract. Should the team re-sign Rudolph, it could have a great tight end tandem for the future.