Can Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. finally emerge?

Part of the reason the Minnesota Vikings let go of longtime tight end and fan favorite Kyle Rudolph after the 2020 season was because of the hopeful emergence of Irv Smith Jr. So far, it hasn't gone the way Smith and the Vikings would have liked. The former Alabama star has started in just 14 games out of a possible 49. Perhaps, under a new regime led by a creative offensive mind in first-year Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, Smith could turn the tide and have a massive season.

In his first two seasons under a defensive coach in Mike Zimmer — Smith missed the entire 2021 season — he combined for just 66 receptions, 676 yards and seven touchdowns. That should be his output for just one season alone, but there are some things that he can build off. He set career highs in first down conversions with (22), yards-per-reception (12.2), receiving yards (365) and touchdown receptions (5). Keep in mind, part of the problem is that Cousins hasn't targeted him nearly enough (47 targets in 2019 compared to 43 in 2020). But when he does, the offense is quite successful. When targeting Smith, Cousins had a passer rating of 134.4 in 2020. If Smith is looking for a massive year in 2022, he will have a great opportunity. He has a new, exciting offensive coach that will want to utilize the tight end a lot. He will also be building off of a better season than he had in 2020. 

The Minnesota Vikings offense is one of the more talented units in the game. They have a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in Cousins. They have a three-time Pro Bowl running back in Dalvin Cook. Receivers Jefferson and Thielen are an All-Pro duo out wide. They just need a strong season from their fourth-year tight end. If Irv Smith Jr. does indeed emerge, they will have an unstoppable offense in 2022 en route to a hopeful playoff appearance.