Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-Round 2019 mock draft in early April
By Larry Brake
Round 2: Irv Smith, TE, Alabama
Jacksonville gets their stretch tight end in Irv Smith from Alabama. Smith gives the Jaguars a big target running downfield. Smith stands 6-4, weighing 241 pounds. At Alabama, Smith caught 58 passes for 838 yards with 10 touchdowns. He played in only two collegiate seasons, 2017 and 2018. Most importantly, he averaged 14.4 yards per reception. He is able to move the chains.
At the Combine, he ran a 4.63-second 40 yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times. He has the speed and strength to run routes and block. The Jaguars have not had a threat at tight end in a long while. Smith would be able to adapt his skills from the college game to the professional style. He is still young in his development as a tight end. John DeFilippio utilizes tight ends in his style of offense.
Although there are four tight ends currently on the roster, none has the game impacting potential of Smith. Newly signed tight end Geoff Swaim, is your common line blocking tight end. The other three are good short route running receivers.
If allowed to develop slowly, Smith can become the receiver that opposing teams game plan to stop. There is only one Rob Gronkowski, but Smith has the potential to play at a high level. Time will tell, but this is a solid selection in the second round.