4 underrated Vikings Chicago Bears must account for

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears questions the original call that Taylor Gabriel #18 was out of bounds during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The call was overturned and called a touchdown. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears questions the original call that Taylor Gabriel #18 was out of bounds during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The call was overturned and called a touchdown. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN -. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

2. Irv Smith

Irv Smith is a rookie from Alabama. He has played in about half of the Vikings offensive snaps to date and saw his biggest snap share, and statistical game last week catching three passes and playing 31 snaps. Smith has only caught four passes so far this season, but he is a valued piece of the offense as a rookie.

Bears fans can understand the role of Smith similarly to Trey Burton. The Vikings use Kyle Rudolph as their traditional tight end, which frees up Smith to be a “move” player or a “U” tight end like Burton is.

Smith can move into the slot, into the backfield, and of course in line. He can pull on blocks and also sell the pull to slip into the flats unnoticed. With that, Smith can move after the catch, and had a highlight run last week against Oakland.

Smith makes like easier for Kirk Cousins. The Chicago Bears need to be extremely physical with the rookie tight end and try to knock him off of his game. When it comes to the running game, Rudolph is still a threat, but the linebackers need to respect the young rookie more due to his versatility. Keep an eye on Smith.