After a quiet Day 1 of free company, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs lastly added a participant to their pool of go catchers on Day 2: tight finish Irv Smith Jr.
Effectively, that wasn’t essentially the title individuals had been searching for so far as offensive weapons go. Nonetheless, the tight finish previously of the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings does have receiving abilities. It’s what made him an intriguing draft prospect out of Alabama within the 2019 class, chosen by Minnesota with the fiftieth general decide.
5 years later, the 25-year-old is seeking to revive his profession in the most effective conditions doable for any offensive participant. Right here’s a better take a look at Smith and his potential affect in Kansas Metropolis:
How he bought right here
In Smith’s second NFL season, he emerged with the Vikings as a complementary risk to extensive receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. He was third on the group in receiving yards (365) and touchdowns (5).
Going into his third yr in 2021, Smith tore his meniscus late within the preseason. That sidelined him for the whole season, and an ankle harm lower his bounce-back yr in 2022 in half.
After two injury-plagued campaigns, Smith signed a one-year take care of Cincinnati final offseason. As a Bengal, he managed simply 115 yards and one landing over 18 receptions, lacking 5 video games all through the schedule on account of harm.
On-field evaluation
In Cincinnati, Smith was primarily used flexed out in a receiver alignment — both the slot or remoted; solely 47% of his go snaps got here from an in-line place. This allowed him to get into routes with out contact off the road.
The #Chiefs are including receiving upside to the TE room by signing Irv Smith Jr
The 25 y/o has all the time had pure expertise as a receiver, going fiftieth general within the ’19 class at 6’2″ / 242 lb
Flashes the playmaking on this TD, blowing by Jordan Poyer right here on a Nook route pic.twitter.com/82ok63Omj6
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 13, 2024
Smith is usually a mismatch within the slot towards the suitable defender.
Right here, Buffalo Payments security Jordan Poyer is in man protection towards Smith, taking part in shaded towards the skin to forestall a nook route. Smith has a fast pretend in however releases to the nook — and does all of it so rapidly that Poyer can’t hold his angle excessive.
The pace at which he runs the route is exclusive for a decent finish. It’s additionally price noting the consolation wherein he excessive factors the ball and completes the rating; not many reserve tight ends might be that pure monitoring passes over their shoulder.
Smith had very restricted utilization in his 1 yr with Cincy, however he flashed his YAC potential over his 18 rec
He is very fast to get upfield after the catch, which helps maximize zone-beating throws
KC can assault base-down go coverages much more if drop Smith in Bell’s spot from ’23 pic.twitter.com/gy46RxhKoy
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) March 13, 2024
Nonetheless, Smith’s most fixed affect on an offense is maximizing yards after catch on shorter throws. His pace and quickness present up as he goes from a go catcher to a ball service; he turns upfield quick after hook routes and is nimble sufficient within the open subject to squeeze extra yards out of catches between zone defenders.
How he suits with the Chiefs
Smith instantly turns into the third tight finish on the Chiefs’ depth chart, filling the function vacated by unrestricted free agent Blake Bell. The swap doesn’t include similar-style gamers; Bell’s strengths with the group had been blocking on run and go performs.
On performs the place Smith would accompany tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Grey in a formation, the offense needs to be extra harmful throwing the ball than it was with Bell. His 2023 participant profile didn’t put as a lot stress on linebackers and safeties to cowl as it will with an even bigger risk.
It stays to be seen if Smith is that greater risk. He has a lot to show as a participant in his fifth offseason, and the Chiefs may nonetheless handle the place by means of the draft. The minimal contract signifies that Smith might want to earn his function with the group, seeking to make an affect just like Jody Fortson.
