Irv Smith Jr. wants to make the "big jump" often noted with second-year NFL tight ends, and the Vikings offense needs it, according to head coach Mike Zimmer.
Smith's role steadily grew as a rookie, and expectations are rising for the 2019 second-round pick out of Alabama. Throws are available in the offense after the Stefon Diggs trade, and the Vikings have visions for how Smith — a nimble 6 feet 2 and 242 pounds — can get open downfield.
"Irv has done a really nice job," Zimmer said. "He has a skill set that we need to be able to utilize with the offense.