Irv Smith Jr. - Could see increased red-zone role Smith had two touchdowns in practice Wedneday and his role in the red zone looks to expand this season, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports. Impact Kyle Rudolph left in free agency in the offseason, which gives Smith an opportunity for a larger role. While head coach Mike Zimmer said earlier in the summer that Smith's role may stay the same and Tyler Conklin may be the one who gets a bigger boost in opportunity as the second tight end, it's possible that Smith takes over the red-zone role that Rudolph thrived in with 15 touchdowns between 2016 and 2017. However, Rudolph was 6-foot-6 and Smith is 6-foot-2, so the latter may not have the same efficiency. Smith's usage will be something to monitor in the preseason as he is well positioned for a Year 3 breakout in 2021.
AUGUST 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE