h Jr. out of Alabama with their 2nd round Kyle Rudolph Jersey , 50th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.They had the opportunity to trade down with this pick, per..." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteDaily Norsemana Minnesota Vikings communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryVikingsOddsShopAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Vikings 2018 SeasonVikings 2019 OffseasonU.S. Bank StadiumMinnesota Vikings PodcastsFiled under:Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL DraftBreaking Down Irv Smith Jr.New,78commentsCDTShareTweetShareShareBreaking Down Irv Smith Jr.Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY SportsThe Vikings selected 20 year-old tight-end Irv Smith Jr. out of Alabama with their 2nd round, 50th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.They had the opportunity to trade down with this pick, per Rick Spielman, but decided Smith was worth making their pick then and there.So let’s take a look at what Smith brings to the Vikings’ table.Versatile Tight-End With Complete Skill SetIrv Smith Jr. MeasurablesIrv Smith brings a full complement of desired skills at the tight end position to the Vikings.He’s a legitimate receiving threat with good speed for a tight end, with after the catch ability as well.He’s also a good blocker, both run and pass.But where he differs some from the prototypical tight end is his build.He’s a smaller tight-end, going about 242 lbs., and is only about 6’2 3/8”. He lined up in 11 different spots at Alabama, and is more of an H-back in this way - and a good compliment to the other tight ends on the Vikings roster.Overall, apart from his 40 time, Smith didn’t test all that well in agility drills.But the surprising thing is you don’t see that show up on tape very much at all.He may not always have tremendous burst to begin his routes, but he’s not the lumbering type of tight-end you often see - his routes are crisp Irv Smith Minnesota Vikings Jerseys , speedy, and he seems very fluid and with good balance.As a receiver, Smith’s production efficiency at Alabama compares favorably to both Iowa tight ends Fant and Hockenson.His catch rate percentage, yards per route run, and average yards per target were all better, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).In fact, Smith’s yards per route run was tied for best in this year’s tight end class.And last season, Smith was money when targeted.His passer rating when targeted was a whopping 157.7 - best in this year’s TE draft class.Also, for a move or receiving tight-end, Smith grades pretty well.He's down the list overall among tight ends in this draft class, but this includes all the blocking tight ends as well.He has the skill set and promise to improve in this area as well - both pass and run blocking - and most scouting reports commend his blocking ability.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....Smith offers Pro Bowl potential as a well-rounded tight end prospect.- Lance ZierleinTremendous Scheme FitAs it stands now Minnesota Vikings Jerseys 2019 , Smith is very effective as a move or lead blocker from the fullback or wingback position - which is a little unusual in a receiving tight end.Alabama didn’t run a lot of outside zone plays, but you can see in the game films at the end of this piece that Smith is very effective as a blocker in a variety of situations, but particularly as a run blocker, whether a lead blocker or just handling his assignment in-line or from a wingback spot.A versatile tight-end like Irv Smith is an asset in any scheme, but his ability to lead block from the backfield while also being a legitimate receiving threat present real difficulties for a defense in Gary Kubiak’s scheme with Vikings personnel.It would not be a surprise to see the Vikings run a lot of double TE sets with Rudolph in-line and Irv Smith lined up as wing-back just off the line of scrimmage, with Dalvin Cook at tailback and Diggs and Thielen outside.With Smith equally adept as a blocker and receiver, the Vikings can run or pass, take advantage of match-up issues, audible, and keep defenses off-balance by effectively disguising the play.At Alabama, Smith lined up in 11 different spots on offense, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Vikings use him in a similar way.Scouting ReportsHere are some summaries of scouting reports on Smith:Scouting FilmAfter Smith’s highlight reel showing off his receiving ability, there are several game tapes of Smith to give you a better idea of his complete skill set, along with how he was used at Alabama. Overall Irv Smith Jersey Cheap , I didn’t notice many miscues from Smith, apart from one drop and maybe a couple not so great - but not horrible - blocks.On the other hand, you see him make many key blocks consistently throughout the game films, and generally do very well after the catch.Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles: Key Information and First Quarter Open Thread We are about an hour away from kickoff in Philadelphia between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a pretty significant game for both teams, but it sure would be nice if the Vikings could find a way to pull this one out, wouldn’t it?Here is everything you need to know about today’s contest.Time: Sunday, 7 October, 3:25 PM Central timeLocation: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaTelevision coverage: KSTP-9 in the Twin Cities, and FOX affiliates across the country that you can see on the maps right hereRadio coverage: Vikings Radio Network, Sirius Channel 127, XM Channel 225 (PHI feed)Line: Philadelphia -3, over/under 48.5Prediction: Eagles 31 Irv Smith Jersey Womens , Vikings 27Three keys1) Try actually playing defense - The Minnesota defense has been getting torched up and down the field against pretty much every team they’ve played this season. There’s too much talent on this defense for them to continue to be this bad, so they need to figure out their issues and start stopping opposing offenses. If they get into a shootout with the Eagles, I’m not sure if they can keep up.2) Limit mistakes - The Vikings need to win the turnover battle this week to have any chance of winning. They were very good at taking care of the football in their win over San Francisco, and less so in every game since then. When you’re facing a team the quality of the Eagles, there’s no reason to give them extra opportunities, so Kirk Cousins needs to continue making good decisions and everyone needs to ensure they hold on to the football.3) Keep your focus - I’m sure the Vikings have spent their week being reminded of the last time they played in this stadium. They’re still also dealing with one of their teammates fighting a significant issue. However, they need to do what they can to put all of that in the rear view mirror and concentrate on the task at hand. We can’t see the same sorts of lapses that have plagued this team the past couple of weeks if they want to win this game and turn their season around.Know the Foe: Bleeding Green NationTwitter: Right hereFaceBook: www.facebook.com/TheDailyNorsemanTweets by DailyNorseman As usual, we will have a new Open Thread at the start of each quarter, ladies and gentlemen, so keep your eyes peeled for that. With that, enjoy the game, folks!SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!