The Green Bay Packers appear heavily interested in one of the best tight ends in the 2019 NFL draft class.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers have met with Irv Smith Jr. at the combine and are expected to set up an official team visit with the Alabama tight end, according to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com.
Smith (6-2, 242) caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games for Alabama last season. He is widely considered one of the top 50 players in the draft class and one of the top two or three tight ends, along with Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant.
An accomplished blocker and receiver, Smith would likely be a terrific fit in LaFleur’s run-heavy, tight-end friendly offense.
NFL.com compared Smith to Ben Watson, calling him a “well-round prospect” who has “Pro Bowl potential” at the next level.
“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,” wrote Lance Zierlein.
The Packers need depth and a future starter at tight end, an increasingly important position in the LaFleur offense. Smith could be a legitimate option for GM Brian Gutekunst at No. 30 or No. 44.
