Although Smith's Alabama resume didn't match up with O.J. Howard's, the Vikings thought highly enough of Smith to select him with the 50th overall selection. Smith gets marks for pedigree - his father was an NFL tight end in the 90s - and he was considered the best pass-catching tight end in the talent-rich SEC last year. Minnesota isn't expected to keep Kyle Rudolph much longer, it's just a matter of whether or not Rudolph is jettisoned before the 2019 season. It's a mistake to expect Smith to rip up the league right away, especially since he turns 21 right before the season, but he'll probably settle in as a Minnesota staple in the next couple of years. He has interesting upside. Read Past Outlooks