EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings began preparing for life after tight end Kyle Rudolph three years ago when they drafted Irv Smith Jr. 50th overall.
They found a “perfect fit” in Smith as college scouting director Jamaal Stephenson gushed about all the ways they could use the tight end to create mismatches by placing him out wide, in-line or in the backfield.
Smith’s potential made the Vikings believe they could be more explosive on offense. Now, that hypothetical has a chance to become reality.
Smith, 22, is the top tight end on the roster after the Vikings parted with Rudolph in March after 10 seasons.