Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama #82

6023, 242, 4.63

Notes: From New Orleans, LA. Son of former New Orleans Saints tight end Irv Smith Sr, a first-round pick in 1993. Originally committed to Texas A&M but changed to Alabama. Played sparingly in 9 games as a freshman in 2016. Played in 14 games with 4 starts and caught 14 passes for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2017. Played in all 15 games and caught 44-710-7 (16.1 avg.) in 2018.

Positives: Fine athlete. Excellent natural pass catcher. Very good hands. Highly effective in the passing game. Very good speed for the position and can get downfield and stretch the defense. Outstanding maneuverability. Runs extremely well after the catch. Can make things happen in the open field, break tackles and will fight for extra yardage. Physical blocker. Can hold his own and sustain blocks at the point of attack, and is a good off-the-ball blocker as well. Can line up at the line, in the backfield or out wide.

Negatives: Doesn’t have outstanding size or bulk. Can get stronger and refine his blocking and route-running technique.

Summary: In the conversation to be the first tight end drafted. An immediate quality starter.