Irv Smith Jr. is the best tight end fit for the Bills in the 2019 draft.
When it comes to the Buffalo Bills, the tight end position has been a need for the team over the past few years, and if they want to address the issue, this draft is full of great options. But one, in particular, stands out and seems like a perfect fit for the Bills; Irv Smith Jr.
6-foot-4, 241 pound Alabama product Smith Jr was one of the nations best tight ends his junior year. After having to sit behind now Tampa Bay Buccaneer tight end O.J. Howard during his freshman year, Smith was able to showcase his talents at full display this past season. With plenty of tight end options in the draft, why is he the best fit for the Bills?
First, Smith is an incredible blocker on the field, both in run or pass blocking situations. Smith has shown the nation that his blocking abilities are like no other, which is something the Bills need. For a team that is known for being run heavy and also looking to improve its passing game, especially the blocking to allow more time, Smith would bring that much needed time to allow for the Bills offense to shine.
Secondly, Smith is a great pass catcher. Often you see tight ends who are used more for blocking purposes and not for catching, but Smith is a two-way player who can showcase both his blocking and catching abilities on any given play.
During his last season with the Crimson Tide, Smith totaled 44 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. He also was a great run blocker for NFL Draft standout running back Josh Jacobs.
Smith’s catching ability is a huge plus for the Bills because they haven’t utilized tight ends in their passing attack in a very long time, and now Josh Allen can look to start using a tight end like Smith in his passing repertoire.
Thirdly, Irv Smith Jr is a perfect fit for Buffalo because of Brian Daboll. Now offensive coordinator for the Bills, Daboll held the same position during the 2017 season for the Crimson Tide and was able to coach Smith during his time there.
Under Daboll’s offense, Smith had 14 catches for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns. Even though his stats were not great in that season, Smith would at least be familiar with that way of offensive play-calling and can build upon what he had learned in the past from Daboll while showcasing his immense talent.
Even though the Bills added tight end Tyler Kroft to the roster on a three-year, $18.75 million contract in free agency and still have talent in Jason Croom, the team should still look to add to the tight end position whether it be in the first round or later.
For a team that wants to improve its offense on all stages, Irv Smith Jr. brings that ability to be a game changer for the Bills and can fit perfectly into what Brian Daboll has brought so far to the team.
