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Redskins: 3 tight ends to watch at the 2019 NFL Combine

By Jacob Camenker

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for a touchdown against the Indiana Hossiers at Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Irv Smith Jr. #82 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Irv Smith Jr. #82 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Another Alabama Redskin? It’s possible. Irv Smith Jr. was a great weapon in the Alabama offense last season and he could make for a great pro. With a value that is currently projected somewhere between the late-first and mid-second-round, it’s possible Washington could find themselves taking a hard look at him in Round 2.

Last season with Smith’s breakout year for the Crimson Tide. With Tua Tagovailoa throwing him the ball, Smith was able to notch 44 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. This came despite being in an Alabama offense that has a multitude of receiving and running weapons, so that’s a plus for his stock. He has a solid 6-4 frame and his athletic ability is good as well.

At the Combine, Smith will have a chance to show off his vertical speed and will likely challenge for one of the fastest 40 times of the tight end group. This will be a key test for him, as his athletic ability is what could cause him to rise on draft boards.

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Elsewhere, Smith’s route running ability and performance in the gauntlet will be crucial as well. If he can continue to prove that he is a natural receiver, that will do a lot in his quest to rise into the back-end of the first round.

Smith has gone a bit under the radar, as a duo of Iowa Hawkeyes are above him on most draft boards. The Combine will represent a chance for him to really get noticed on a larger scale, so the Redskins should be paying attention.

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