• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Patriots Draft Profile: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

Patriots Draft Profile: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

April 23, 2019
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

Raiders Opinion: Erasing Past Draft Failures

February 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Thursday, February 25, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Patriots Draft Profile: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

Christopher Simoneau by Christopher Simoneau
April 23, 2019
in AFC, AFC East, Featured, New England Patriots, NFL, NFL Draft, Opinion
Reading Time: 3min read
0
Patriots Draft Profile: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

With the NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, it is time to take a look at the potential targets that could be added to the Patriots’ roster this upcoming weekend. New England has seen many departures via free agency, but they also have a large number of second-year players returning that were either injured or on the bench in 2018. These same players are going to get a chance to compete for playing time, so before getting all amped up about New England potentially drafting 12 players, it is important to remember that only 53 make the team. There will be trades this weekend, and they may be significant (QB Josh Rosen?).

One area New England will focus on is tight end, and this is a good year to try to find a replacement for recently retired Rob Gronkowski. He is impossible to replace, but there is no doubt New England could help Brady out by finding him some strong tight ends. The top two tight ends both hail from Iowa and they are different types of players. T.J. Hockenson, who is just a junior, is the consensus top tight end in the draft. Not only does he have strong pass-catching ability, but he can also block very well. He may be selected in the top ten.

More FromFPC

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021

The second Iowa star tight end is Noah Fant; Fant is more of a pass catcher than a blocker, but his upside is unquestionable, and he will also most likely be gone before New England is on the board, assuming they don’t trade up. These aren’t the only talented tight ends in this draft, and the one they may have their eyes on is a disciple of Nick Saban, Belichick’s buddy.

Irv Smith Jr., a talented tight end out of Alabama, maybe the man the Patriots are looking for to take over the tight end position for the next, I don’t know…decade? That is always the goal with high-end draft picks, and Smith would likely be taken at 32 or early in the second round. Smith isn’t getting the love that the Iowa duo is getting, but he showed at Alabama that he had some serious ability, and he did it facing SEC defenses, defenses that are typically loaded with future NFL stars.

Smith’s father was a first round pick in 1993 out of Notre Dame, and his uncle, Ed Smith, played tight end in the NFL from 1996-1999. The bloodline is there, and that also eliminates some of the issues with getting comfortable in an NFL environment, which gives Smith Jr. has an advantage.

Smith Jr. played his high school days at Brother Martin High School in Louisiana, and it is no surprise he is projected to be selected within the first two rounds. Before selecting Alabama, he was recruited by a staggering 28 schools, with 27 offering him scholarships. Oddly enough, the one school that didn’t make him an offer was Notre Dame, the team his father starred for in the early-90’s. Smith Jr. ultimately chose Alabama over Texas A&M and Texas.

Smith Jr. was on the field as a freshman, but he didn’t record any receptions or statistics; he was on special teams. His sophomore year was better, but he still didn’t out up numbers that jumped out. He finished with 14 catches, 128 yards, and three touchdowns. Again, those are not eye-popping numbers, but the Alabama passing game was a mess at the time, so it was hard to gauge his 2017 season based off of stats alone.

In 2018, Smith Jr. finally had his breakout season, which was a surprise to no one. In 15 games, Smith finished with 44 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. With the focus switching to the passing game, Smith Jr. flourished. Considering last year was the first time he has been given a real opportunity to produce at a big-time school facing a very difficult schedule, there is a good chance that he has room for growth in the NFL.

Smith, who is listed at 6’2, 242 pounds, is not the physical freak that Rob Gronkowski or even the late Aaron Hernandez was, but he is very fluid, moves well and is almost impossible for linebackers to cover. Smith can also fill the H-back or fullback role, and his blocking has gotten better every year. Smith has good timing and good handwork in his blocking, which shows he’ll be able to be a complete tight end in the NFL.

He isn’t the physical specimen that O.J. Howard is, the last Alabama tight end to go early, but he absolutely has Pro Bowl potential. If New England doesn’t take him at 32 but they do have interest, they may have to move up to the top of the second round to make it happen.

 

-Christopher Simoneau is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media.  He covers the NFL and the New England Patriots. Follow Chris on Twitter @chris_simoneau.

Tags: irv smithNew England PatriotsNFL Draft
Share603Tweet377
Previous Post

Draft Day Scenarios for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Next Post

Who’s the Best Fit? Jets have Options at Pick No. 3

Christopher Simoneau

Christopher Simoneau

Next Post
FPC Raiders 2019 Super Early Mock Draft

Who's the Best Fit? Jets have Options at Pick No. 3

Oakland Raiders Draft Prospect

Chiefs 2019 NFL Draft Prospect: WR Marquise Brown

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.67: Lightning Strikes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 25, 2021 at 3:12 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9051375543.mp3
  • Ep.66: Back with the Atlanta Tigers
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6056998385.mp3
  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?
    by Murray Pam on February 25, 2021 at 6:02 am

    While there are no plans to name one this season, Brady Tkachuk should be the odds-on favourite to […]

  • Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    It's been just a small five-game sample, but the 2020-21 version of the Manitoba Moose appears […]

  • Ned, Nino and The New Guy
    by Joseph Wills on February 24, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    Just over a quarter of the season completed, Carolina Hurricanes fans have a lot to cheer about The […]

  • KHL Western Conference Playoff Teams Confirmed
    by Aivis Kalnins on February 24, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    The KHL is fast approaching the most important part of the season the KHL Playoffs and we finally […]

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage