With two years remaining on Hockenson’s deal and Smith in the last year of his, it was worth asking what the Vikings’ plan was at tight end, long term. Chris Tomasson (Pioneer Press) did just that and the answer he got was telling.

A source on the chances of TE Irv Smith Jr. remaining with the #Vikings next season following his suffering of a high ankle sprain and the acquisition of TE T.J. Hockenson: “He’s a lame duck.’’ Smith becomes a free agent next March.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) November 1, 2022

Goodbye and Good Luck, Irv Smith Jr

Only Chris Tomasson could air this quote and not get in trouble for it. But just because the anonymous source was brutally honest, doesn’t mean the sentinment isn’t correct. Irv Smith Jr will be a free agent in the coming offseason and, with Hockenson now on roster, has little to no chance at wearing purple beyond 2022.

TJ Hockenson is the new tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. That’s why Kwesi was willing to give up two day-2 picks to get him. He can catch and block. That’s what makes the former Iowa Hawkeye a top tight end in the NFL. We’ll see how soon he can make an impact on the field.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

In other words, which teams have the best tool belt for their offense and for the quarterback? The author, Ted Nguyen, used a simple player rating system of ELITE or VERY GOOD or ABOVE-AVERAGE or AVERAGE and used it to put a value on each individual skill position player (WR1, WR2, WR3, TE1 and RB1) for all teams. Then, he used those individual ratings to build his list of teams outfitted with the most elite set of skill position players in the NFL.

No. 1: Cincinnati Bengals

Nguyen didn’t add much context for why players received the ratings they did. No formulas. Just a respected (75K Twitter followers?) football writer using his football knowledge. His No. 1 ranked group of skill players? The Cincinnati Bengals.

• WR1 (X): Ja’Marr Chase – ELITE
• WR2 (Z): Tee Higgins – VERY GOOD
• WR3 (S): Tyler Boyd – VERY GOOD
• TE: Hayden Hurst – AVERAGE
• RB: Joe Mixon – VERY GOOD

After studying this list of Bengals, I shrugged, and scrolled on. As a level-headed 2022 Minnesota Vikings fan, I expected to see my team listed near the top of this article. I didn’t open it wondering IF my team was listed, just HOW HIGH they were ranked.

Show me the Vikings

First, it’s important to remember that this The Athletic article was at the top of MY, [Eric Strack] personalized landing page. Not ‘Joe Blow’ Burrow Stan from Cincinnati’s landing page or weird guy on muscle beach with a Dolphins hat on’s landing page. If a national NFL story is there, it’s almost guaranteed to have the Vikings featured or mentioned in it somewhere.

But even more importantly, it’s a well-known fact, to anyone who pays attention, that Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn, Irv Smith and Dalvin Cook are one of the best collection of skill players in the league. Any questions surrounding the Vikings offense float around the offensive line and quarterback, Kirk Cousins.

But as I scrolled, the more dumbfounded I became. Past No. 2, No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (yup, still scrolling), past 8, 9… and finally 10. The end of the list, end of the page. I went back to the top, sure I had missed something, and scrolled through again. No Vikings.

Others in disbelief

Other subscribers of The Athletic were immediately in the comments asking the same questions that I had.

Adam W: No Vikings with cook, Jefferson, and Thielen? Joke of a list

Grayson K: Ted, I love your work but there’s no way to leave the Vikings off of this list. I scrolled though the top 5 and was shocked they didn’t even make top 5, but leaving them off the entire list is unfathomable.

Ryan M: Ive read a lot of athletic articles, some I’ve agreed with and some that I haven’t. But this is the first time I’ve read one that is simply demonstrably wrong.

The only explanation to leaving the Minnesota Vikings off of this list is that the creator (Ten Nguyen) forgot about them. If we use the same rating system as Ted did, their inclusion should be obvious. He claims different, saying they conveniently came in 11th (off the list).

Author Responds

Mostly because Irv Smith Jr is “average at best?” and that Dalvin Cook is “yet to play a full season”. Austin Ekeler, Leonard Fournette, Miles Sanders and Raheem Mostert all helped their teams get on this list and all have dealt with significant injury absences. Like I said, he probably forgot about fly over country.

Ted Nguyen (STAFF): They would be next but Cook has yet to play a full season and Irv Smith Jr is average at best? I think Osborn has potential to be a really good player.

Rating the Vikings

If distributing these ratings from my own homer point of view, Irv Smith Jr would get bumped up to ABOVE AVERAGE. But, since Smith sat out all of last season, I wouldn’t expect a national writer to see things the same way.

• WR1: Justin Jefferson – ELITE
• WR2: Adam Thielen – VERY GOOD
• WE3: KJ Osborn – ABOVE AVERAGE
• TE: Irv Smith Jr – AVERAGE
• RB: Dalvin Cook – ELITE

Even when tempering expectations for Irv Smith Jr, the Minnesota Vikings clearly have a better group of skill players than many of the teams included in this top 10 list. Only three teams (Raiders, 49ers, Eagles) match the Vikings with two or more ELITE level players. Only half of the teams roster three or more ELITE + VERY GOOD level position players (like the Vikings).

Bring in the Science

But let’s add some science, or numbers, into this equation. Let’s make a simple points system that makes ELITE players worthy of 4 points, VERY GOOD (3 points), ABOVE AVERAGE (2 points) and AVERAGE (1 point).

In that case, the Minnesota Vikings are worth 14 points. Here’s Ted Nguyen’s list, with that same point system applied to his ratings of each skill position player.

1. Cincinnati Bengals (14 pts)
2. Miami Dolphins (13 pts)
3. Las Vegas Raiders (14 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (15 pts)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (13 pts)
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14 pts)
7. Los Angeles Rams (12 pts)
8. Seattle Seahawks (11 pts)
9. Los Angeles Chargers (11 pts)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (10 pts)

The best group (according to Ted Nguyen), the Cincinnati Bengals, would also matches the Vikings 14 points. So do the Raiders and Bucs. Only one team, the San Francisco 49ers, scores more points (15) than the Vikings.

Maybe some Packers fans, or anyone else with an incomprehensible cynicism toward the Minnesota Vikings, would take a point from Cook or KJ Osborn. Still, 12 points should get them onto the list.

The Steelers making it over the Vikings, even with an admittedly average group of skill position talent and zero ELITE players, may prove the purple were forgotten about all together, at the time of writing.

• WR1: Chase Claypool – VERY GOOD
• WR2: Diontae Johnson – ABOVE AVERAGE
• WE3: George Pickens – NA (ROOKIE) – 0 PTS
• TE: Pat Freiermuth – ABOVE AVERAGE
• RB: Najee Harris – VERY GOOD

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The #Vikings have solved their TE issue, as they are trading for promising #Jets TE Chris Herndon in exchange for draft pick compensation, sources say. Agent @malkikawa later confirmed the deal. Herndon steps right in following Irv Smith’s knee injury.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2021

To facilitate the Chris Herndon trade, the #Jets paid him a roughly $1.4 million signing bonus, while the #Vikings will pay only the $920,000 minimum salary. So in essence, New York trades Herndon, a 6th-round pick and a little cash for a 4th, and Minnesota gets TE help cheap. https://t.co/PKNOcBMGNh

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2021

Hopefully, Herndon has grown out of his injury and suspension-riddled past. Even if he has, the questions surrounding him are aplenty. If you read and poke around on one side of the internet, you’ll find that Chris Herndon’s problems were mostly because of bad luck and Adam Gase’ lack of coaching ability. But if you look elsewhere, you’ll see Herndon’s career described as disappointing and underachieving, with nobody to blame but himself.

Not Good for Irv…

It seems like just a few days ago that Irv Smith Jr had his best preseason performance of the year and was optimistic with media afterward, about where the Minnesota Vikings offense was heading in 2021. Wait… that’s because it was.

Now, it’s difficult to view this trade as anything other than an attempt to sure up a suddenly flimsy tight end position, due to negative news incoming on Irv Smith Jr’s surprise MCL injury. Most of what we had heard, regarding the tight ends leading up to last weekend, was positive.

Nobody was expecting any moves to be made targeting tight ends. So what changed? Irv Smith Jr’s status as a HEALTHY TE1 option for most of the season, maybe? We’ll know shortly, I’d imagine.

Cuts Cuts Cuts

NFL Teams are rounding out their rosters this afternoon and the Minnesota Vikings have made a number of moves over the last hour. They cut Dakota Dozier, Hercules Mata’afa, Dru Samia and Jake Browning, among the many others (per Chris Tomasson (Pioneer Press).

The most shocking cuts came a couple hours after the first round were already announced. Apparently, these things get crazier as the night goes on because Everson Griffen, who the Vikings just signed last week, and Ameer Abdullah were just announced as being cut casualties.

The Vikings cut Everson Griffen according to the waiver wire. Surprise move.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 31, 2021

#Vikings release RB Ameer Abdullah.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 31, 2021

The biggest surprise keep was Dan Chisena, who most had left off their projected 53-man roster.

Zim and Spielman must’ve decided that his special teams play was too important to lose. DT Jalyn Holmes and K Greg Joseph (for now) appear to have made the final cuts as well.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The worst case scenario for the Minnesota Vikings defense vs Tom Brady, Ronald Jones, Gronk and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense on Sunday has come to fruition. Linebacker, and Walter Payton Award Nominee, Eric Kendricks has been ruled out after not practicing all week.

Alexander Mattison is also out and Minnesota could be in trouble at tight end, with Kyle Rudolph doubtful and Irv Smith Jr questionable.

#MINvsTB injury report

OUT: Eric Kendricks and Alexander Mattison

DOUBTFUL: Kyle Rudolph

QUESTIONABLE: Irv Smith Jr. pic.twitter.com/oxtu3lTe3v

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 11, 2020

Eric’s calf injury first became a problem right before last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He “tweaked” it in warmups, apparently shocking everyone inside the building, just as much as those of us on the outside.

Kendricks is a huge part of the Vikings defense, both in the run and pass. This could have even greater implications vs a guy like Tom Brady, who loves to throw over the middle of the field to his bestie, Rob Gronkowski.

That’s before we get started on Ronald Jones, who Bruce Arians wants the offense to run though. Jones has 820 yards on the season, easily on pace to surpass 1000 yards in 16 games, and 5 touchdowns.

Can the Minnesota Vikings defense slow Tom Brady, Gronk and Jones without Kendricks protecting the middle of the field? That could be the difference.

Other Injury report news

Kyle Rudolph’s iron-man streak is in danger of ending, right after his near-100 consecutive games played was made such a big deal of last weekend. Supposedly, that streak is playing into his status for Sunday. It appears as though he’d already be unavailable this weekend if that wasn’t ongoing.

With Rudolph ailing, Irv Smith Jr’s status becomes even more important. The Vikings have a lot of weapons on offense but taking away a tight end threat would hurt. Here is Mike Zimmer’s full press conference, which took place immediately after the injury report was released.

LIVE: Head Coach Mike Zimmer provides final updates before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay https://t.co/MO8Sky5jZY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 11, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings selected Irv Smith Jr. with the 50th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The tight end from Alabama was a highly touted prospect and landed in the Vikings lap in the second round. Now going into his 2nd year as a pro, it’s time for the Vikings to lean on Smith Jr. to be their version of George Kittle.

His skillset is very unique. At 6′ 2″ and 242 lbs, Smith is very athletic. He boasted good 40-yard dash results, along with running the gauntlet with ease. Irv looked like a wideout in a tight end’s body. And that was just at his combine workout… He’s looking even better after a year in the league.

Irv Smith Jr. going through the gauntlet drill with ease ? @AlabamaFTBL

?: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/JfcsVd5Abq

— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2019

The Vikings’ George Kittle?

San Francisco 49er, George Kittle has been lauded as the next big thing at the tight end position. Rightfully so, because he might already be, but what if Irv Smith Jr. is the next next big thing…?

The thing that sets Kittle apart from many tight ends, is his ability to run routes, catch the football, be great after the catch and run-block. He is, arguably, the best blocking tight end in the league, but is also being super athletic.

Fortunately for Minnesota Vikings fans, Irv Smith Jr. is only one season into his promising career and was playing second-fiddle to Kyle Rudolph, as a rookie. Still, in a loaded receiving corps, Smith Jr. snagged 36 catches for 311 yards.

With plenty of new opportunity 2020, Smith Jr. should be able to show off more of his skill-set.

On his Instagram, #Vikings 2nd year TE @swervinirvin_ posted videos of him training: one in particular was a route 50 yards downfield. ?

USE HIM LIKE KITTLE. pic.twitter.com/ggpGxCtLpS

— tanishka (@tanishkamascara) June 17, 2020

Receiving

This video may not show anything ridiculous to the naked eye, but it you look closely, it is impressive. Smith’s ability to locate the ball in stride is not a guarantee for tight ends throughout the NFL.

Look at the jab step + quick hip turn he uses at his break… Something like that will cause opposing linebackers and safeties real fits. With his continually improving routes, we should see even more of this.

My favorite part about Irv Smith Jr. so far is how much he over-exaggerates his plants at the top of the route. Helps a lot with separating vs. man coverage. pic.twitter.com/fGzvUSDHPK

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) October 23, 2019

Irv Smith Jr. isn’t only impressive when running route and catching the ball, as mentioned in my intro. He is also an effective player, after the catch is made. Players of his size are not supposed to move like this, but Smith Jr. does, which draws even more comparison to George Kittle.

Was really impressed by #Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. today. Good to see him getting more involved in the offense. He blocked well, led the team with 60 yards receiving and looked elusive after the catch.

Smith is looking like a special player with an incredibly high ceiling. pic.twitter.com/vHpP2MsPPE

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 22, 2019

After the Minnesota Vikings sent Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, to be overthrown by Josh Allen, they will be looking for others to pick up his production. It might be too much to ask of rookie Justin Jefferson and recent addition Tajae Sharpe, so Irv Smith Jr. should be able to help fill some of that void, left by Diggs.

Blocking

Smith is more than just a pass-catching threat. He likes to get down and dirty in the trenches. He came into the league as a solid blocker, and got better as a rookie. The sky is the limit for this kid.

“I’m a physical player. I like to get down and dirty.” @swervinirvin_

?: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork #OutworkYesterday | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/FjhigmIt8i

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) March 2, 2019

I mean, just look at some of these blocks:

ICYMI: When it comes to tight ends, blocking isn’t the flashiest part of the job but it’s one of the most important parts. Alabama TE Irv Smith Jr. is one of the most NFL ready run blockers in this year’s draft class. My full profile: ⬇️https://t.co/s8Qcuk4ljC pic.twitter.com/bx2KH5UX0Q

— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) April 6, 2019

And this one:

Two great blocks by Kline and Ham on the left side on Mike Boone TD. Kline pulls across while Ham bullies the corner. Both helping create a solid hole for Boone to run through.

Also Irv Smith Jr doing some dirty work blocking his guy into two other defenders #Skol #Vikings pic.twitter.com/SoHhyHOiDG

— Matt Anderson (@MattAndersonNFL) December 16, 2019

Oh, and let’s never forget this one:

Irv Smith, Jr’s block on Damien Harris’ touchdown run is violent pic.twitter.com/VHB6VmuZJy

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 4, 2017

George Kittle 2.0?

So he has the blocking, he has the ball skills and he has the athleticism. Whats stopping Irv Smith Jr. from becoming George Kittle 2.0? George came into the league and was thrust into the #1 TE role for a struggling 49ers offense, alongside an underwhelming WR group.

He put up 43 catches for 515 yards in that rookie campaign, with much more opportunity than Smith Jr. His break out season was year 2 (88 REC, 1377 YDS, 5 TD). The same is coming for Irv, who is still just 21 years old, by the way. With Gary Kubiak now orchestrating the offense, Smith Jr. should get the opportunity to show what he’s got this season as a go-to option for the Minnesota Vikings.

Brendan Hedtke | Minnesota Sports Fan

• Who’s at center ?
• Is Kyle Rudolph wearing #82 or is Irv Smith Jr?
• Does Dru Samia have a legit shot at starting at RG?
• What WR wants the WR3 job the most?

As we rapidly approach the beginning of the 2019 campaign, those are some of the talkers that will be worth watching as OTA’s get underway.

With the Vikings taking Garrett Bradbury 18th overall, all the talk has been about moving Pat Elflein to LG and having Bradbury take over at Center.  Coach Zimmer was pretty coy about it post draft, but said they had an idea, and they’d come to a decision quickly befoer moving forward.  At rookie camp, Bradbury took the bulk of his reps at Center but did get some work at Guard, too. Zimmer’s probably just messing with us, as we itch to see the plan up-front.  The OL play will make or break this season. I wholeheartedly believe, that if we run out a top 15 OL, we have a legit shot at 11-12 wins and an ability to make some noise come playoff time.

via GIPHY

The Kyle Rudolph saga continues.

Kyle made it known that there will be no pay-cut, as he claimed he is “too young” for that.  This is the last year of his deal and he will become an Unrestricted Free Agent in 2020. Eric Kendricks agreed to restructured his deal, allowing the team to sign Bradbury with enough Cap Space to keep Rudolph’s current cap number on the roster.

Irv Smith picked the number 84 because he said he needed a change (he’s got 82 tattooed on his arm) so whether it’s this year or next, I think we’ll see Irv in #82 eventually.  If the Vikings can get something higher than a compensation pick for Rudolph then we might see some action, but if not, I have no problem keeping him on the roster for 2019-20, then letting him walk when his contract is up, afterward.

Dru Samia will be a very interesting name to watch, as OTA’s get underway too.  Dru said during rookie camp that he had gotten up to 311 lbs, which was one of the concerns coming out (getting over 300lbs), so that is a good start.  Josh Kline was brought in to replace Mike Remmers, but Samia has a chance to win the job. Regardless of what happens, we know we have solid depth at RG, something we’ve been needing BADLY.

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What Happens at WR3?

This may end up being the most fun storyline of OTA’s, minicamp, and training camp.  Laquon Treadwell’s 5th year option wasn’t picked up this offseason so we can continue to expect nothing from him and the Vikings were active in their attempt to find a replacement.  In-house they have Chad Beebe who, when healthy, can be a very good player. “When healthy” is the key phrase there.

Jordan Taylor is another intriguing name, coming off of hip surgery. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs.  Olabisi Johnson and Dillon Mitchell were added via the Draft, and from the highlights that came out of rookie minicamp, these guys have some skills.  They are obviously raw, coming in as late round picks, but there are reasons to be excited.  And by excited, I mean given the production we’ve gotten from Treadwell (56 catches 517 yards 1 TD in 3 seasons), anything would be an improvement.

Brian Heintz | Minnesota Sports Fan