Back to the Minnesota Vikings Newsfeed

Vikings rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr.'s versatile skills present him with steep learning curve

Irv Smith Jr. centered a bunch formation to Kirk Cousins’ right side. The Vikings’ elusive rookie tight end then displayed in a training camp practice why the team remains high on its second-round pick, even as Smith Jr. faces the same learning curve that weighs down most NFL rookie tight ends.

A 6-2, 242-pound blur sped past linebacker Kentrell Brothers. Smith Jr. then stopped his crossing route in front of Cousins, juking his head like an NBA guard. Cousins pump faked, Brothers left his feet and Smith Jr. continued his crossing route unguarded into a touchdown catch.

“He’s shown he can roll,” Cousins said.