In 2019, the Vikings had only one pass catcher go for over 600 yards and he is no longer with the team. Stefon Diggs hauled in 63 catches for 1,130 yards and the next closest was Dalvin Cook with 519 yards.
This is a big reason as to why PFF ranked the Vikings receiving corps 24th overall in their 2020 rankings. The Diggs departure makes the receiving room even thinner than it was originally heading into 2020.
Here are the reasons the Vikings need to use Irv Smith Jr. more:
Too many unproven wide receivers
Wide receiver Adam Thielen was hurt last year, so he only played in 10 regular season games. As of now, there is just too much unproven talent behind Thielen at wide receiver.
The Vikings used their 22nd overall pick that they received in the Diggs trade on Justin Jefferson, but it’s never easy to speculate how a rookie will produce in his first season. Jefferson was productive during his time at LSU, has great analytical metrics and a ton of upside, but that doesn’t always translate over to the next level right away.
Bisi Johnson showed flashes in 2019 of being a good receiver, but it is still unproven that he can be anything more than a wide receiver three. Tajae Sharpe was also added in free agency, but was never overly productive in his time in Tennessee.
He fits in with Kubiak’s offense
Wide receiver is a concern, but the Vikings have a tight end group that will be set up for success in Gary Kubiak’s offense.
Kubiak has a tendency to run a lot of 12 personnel, which would likely give Kyle Rudolph and Smith Jr. more opportunities in his offense. The Vikings will need some help in the passing game in 2020 and the receiving ability of Smith Jr. should be one of the go-to options.
He complements Rudolph well
Rudolph is the established veteran at the position, and is arguably the best red zone threat on the Vikings roster. Although he isn’t the most athletic, Rudolph finds ways to get open and has some of the most sure handed hands in the NFL. Irv Smith Jr. complements Rudolph perfectly, being the more athletic of the two.
Rookie tight ends never seem to get out to fast starts but Smith Jr. had one of the better seasons by a 21-year-old rookie at the position. In his rookie campaign, Smith Jr. finished with 36 catches for 311 yards and two touchdowns.
Although these numbers aren’t going to jump off the stat sheet, he finished fifth overall on the Vikings roster in terms of receiving yards. It’s been a long time since the Vikings have had someone as athletic as Smith Jr. at the position, and his play style is perfect for in between the 20-yard lines.
