Ourlads' Profile:
2019 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about IRV SMITH JR: Alabama, 6023 242 4.63. Junior entry and one year starter from New Orleans, LA. The son of former first round selection and Notre Dame All-America Irv Smith Sr. The athletic pass catcher came into his own the last part of his junior year demonstrating speed down the seam and explosiveness as a blocker. An ascending player who projects as a match-up problem for safeties and linebackers. Set a school record with seven touchdown receptions at the tight end position. He also averaged 16.1 yards per catch in 2018. Second-team All-America as well as earning a spot on the All-SEC second team. A multiple alignment tight end that lines up in the slot, in the backfield, as well as inline. Aggressive on 50/50 balls, snatching the ball out of the air at the high point. Strong run after catch ability. Blocks well on the perimeter. Quick enough to hook an outside linebacker. Has good body control to make sharp cuts. A fluid athlete and receiver. Can change up his downfield speeds. Sudden off the break. Quick head and shoulder fake. Can beat a linebacker one-on-one. He must be careful to always bring his “A” game. Some of his routes in between the hashes get ragged. Not a big target but a dependable player who will have role and fit into a rotation. Had a few concentration based drops during the year. Smaller than ideal for a downfield target. Question his ability to separate from a speedy hybrid safety. Short arms for position. 2018 stats: 44-710, 16.1 ypr, 7 TD. OSR:16/23. Second/ third round. (A-31 1/2, H-9 1/2, VJ-32.5, SS-4.33).