In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.
The tight position requires patience; you know this. It’s challenging to wait for the progression and development of a prospect we initially liked when other tight ends are posting strong numbers each week. However, if you have the roster space to do so, stashing, waiting, and hitting on a young tight end can alter the landscape of your dynasty team for years to come. One sophomore tight end continues to trend in the right direction, and I believe his future success will be more than worth the wait. In Week 14, Irv Smith Jr. once again flashed his upside and potential.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) won’t play in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rudolph had been having a solid stretch of games before he was held without a catch last week. Irv Smith Jr. is back for Minnesota though and should see some solid usage with Rudolph sidelined. Smith is a solid TE2 option against a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Steady, Promising Progression
Smith brought an encouraging two-year production profile from the University of Alabama, an impressive combine performance, and second-round draft capital. A Day 2 pick, especially a second-round pick, is not a cheap pick to spend on a tight end. The Vikings did not have an immediate need at the tight end position when they selected Smith, but it seemed to be a good investment and still feels that way a year later.
Despite playing second fiddle to Rudolph, Smith posted six games with at least seven fantasy points as a rookie. That’s a decent floor for a rookie backup in a 2TE league. He managed to finish as a TE1 once as a rookie and already has three such instances this year. Smith has been a bit more volatile as a sophomore as wide receiver rookie sensation Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook continue to carry the load. Still, it’s encouraging to see Smith get more production as the season progresses. His 16.3 fantasy points in Week 14 were the fourth time he’s topped 10 points this season.
