49ers 2019 NFL Draft prospect profile: Tight end Irv Smith Jr.

The San Francisco 49ers could easily be looking at a complementary tight end in the 2019 NFL Draft to pair with George Kittle, and Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. might be enticing enough.

Fortunately, the San Francisco 49ers already boast one of the best tight ends in the league with Pro Bowler George Kittle.

After him, however, the depth chart at the position gets a little dicey.

For now, the Niners will hope veteran tight end Garrett Celek bounces back from an otherwise disappointing 2018 effort. Last year, the soon-to-be 31-year-old Celek had just five receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns, yet was flagged for accepted penalties for six times. One might guess the popular “Celek Time” moniker from 2017 has run its course.

So it isn’t out of the question San Francisco uses one of its slated six picks in the 2019 NFL Draft to grab a tight end to replace Celek at some point. Ideally, the 49ers would get their hands on one of Kittle’s two former teammates at Iowa, Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson, yet both could easily be out of play by the time the Niners’ second pick in the draft, No. 36 overall, rolls around.

Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr., however, could still be available.

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/21/2019.

Smith enjoyed some notable numbers his junior year with the Crimson Tide, which has put him easily into day-two consideration of the draft.

And if he falls into Round 3, it might be a massive bonus the 49ers simply can’t avoid.

Irv Smith Jr.’s Strengths

At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Smith might not have the ideal height for this position. That said, he makes up for it with solid route-running technique and reliable hands.

Smith ran a 4.63 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine and a 7.32 time in the three-cone drill. These aren’t terrible numbers for a tight end at all, yet Smith doesn’t necessarily need speed to create separation.

Smith also can create some separation when he gets up to speed. His acceleration isn’t the best, per se. But when he reaches that next gear, even the fastest of linebackers and safeties can struggle to stay with him, suggesting some real stretch-the-field abilities here.

Yet Smith’s best attribute arguably is his run blocking, which was a massive focus of Alabama’s offense the past two seasons. Smith is a willing blocker, capable of moving easily and creating rushing lanes with the combination of technique and skill.

Irv Smith Jr.’s Weaknesses

The height is a bit of a concern, sure. And one has to wonder if his relatively smallish frame won’t be able to create the mismatches so many offenses like to see with receiving-type tight ends.

Alabama’s focus on the running game also lends credence to the idea Smith’s overall route tree and experience as a pass catcher will both be limited upon entry to the NFL ranks. Smith isn’t the most polished offensive weapon, which could prevent him from being little more than a blocker early on in his pro career.

Especially in more complex offensive systems.

There are also some question marks with his footwork, which will negate him being an elite-level blocker right away.

Potential Fit with the 49ers

San Francisco doesn’t need a bona fide stud at tight end right now. Not with Kittle in the picture, at least. No. 2 tight ends, meanwhile, can be more of the blocking variety, relying less on their pass-catching abilities and more on their skills in run support.

Celek struggled in this area a year ago, and Smith seems to already be a would-be improvement over the veteran in this particular area.

Plus, when one things of the down-the-field potential Smith has, it’s not hard to see why he’d be a decent second-tier option at the position.

Remember, few NFL defenses are equipped to handle two potent pass-catching tight ends on the field at the same time. This is the reason why players like Hockenson or Fant are in the discussion for the 49ers’ second pick of the NFL Draft.

One would think San Francisco would hold off using its second pick on Smith, however. But if he somehow manages to fall into the early stages of Round 3, it’s a different story.

The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.