The NFL scouting combine answered a lot of questions with the draft next month, and it proved that the depth at tight end is incredible.
T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant are both tight ends out of Iowa and they showed the most potential at the position. These two made it into the first round of Todd McShay’s latest mock draft, but so did Irv Smith Jr. from Alabama. He was McShay’s selection for pick No. 32, which would land him with the New England Patriots.
Here’s what McShay had to say about him:
I really wanted to go defensive line here with Trey Flowers, Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton all entering free agency, but there was just no value. Instead, the Alabama tight end would give the Pats an alternative to an aging Rob Gronkowski. But I’d bet that Bill Belichick trades out of the spot to stockpile extra picks.
Smith Jr. is a 6-foot-4, 241-pound tight end that totaled 838 receiving yards in two years with Alabama. Although he didn’t bring in a touchdown for the Crimson Tide, he was used primarily as a run-blocker. Jon Ledyard from ‘The Draft Network’ had high praise for him and his blocking capabilities.
Elite run-blocking tight end. Has tons of experience in a diverse rushing attack and understands pro-level blocking schemes. Frames his target beautifully and rarely falls off contact. Runs his feet up under blocks and doesn’t settle for stalemates. Looks to finish consistently with hands inside and outstanding grip strength.
The Patriots lack depth at the position after releasing Dwayne Allen, and they are uncertain of Rob Gronkowski’s future — so Smith Jr. would make perfect sense.
