Positional ranking: #3
Big Board ranking: #64
Overview
Position: TE
College: Alabama
Class: Junior
Age: 20
Measurables
Height: 6’2 3/8”
Weight: 242 lbs.
Arm length: 31 1/2″
Hand size: 9 1/2″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.63 sec.
Vertical jump: 32.5”
Broad jump: 110.0”
Bench press: 19 reps
3-cone drill: 7.32 sec.
Short shuttle: 4.33 sec.
Strengths
All-around tight end with the ability to play all over the formation. Runs quality routes and smoothly accelerates out of breaks. Creates separation at the top of the route. Gets a great release at the line of scrimmage. Knows how to find open space against zone coverage. Reliable in traffic. Good hands. Excellent focus. Catches the ball away from his body. Has some suddenness to his game. Deceptive speed in the open field. Solid in-line blocker. Can turn or drive defenders when he gets his hands on them. NFL bloodlines as the son of former first-round pick Irv Smith.
Weaknesses
Doesn’t possess elite size or athleticism. Average quickness/explosiveness. Not a high-flying leaper. Seems to be a split second slow getting started. Power and length could give him issues as a run blocker.
NFL comparison
Benjamin Watson – I think Irv Smith Jr. is very similar to Watson as more of an on-the-ground tight end that will simply get the job done and enjoy a decade-plus of production in the league.
Conclusion
Overall, Irv Smith Jr. is an well-rounded security blanket that should be a productive piece for an NFL attack. Smith Jr. will be best used in a system that utilizes a ton of play-action passes and misdirection plays to help him get in space.
I didn’t realize he was Irv Smith’s son.