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5 players the Minnesota Vikings need to be great in 2019

By Brad Berreman

EAGAN, MN - MAY 22: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins took to the field for practice at the TCO Performance Center, Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Eagan, MN. (Photo by Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
EAGAN, MN - MAY 22: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins took to the field for practice at the TCO Performance Center, Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Eagan, MN. (Photo by Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

4. TE Irv Smith Jr.

Aside from the trade rumors surrounding fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph, and the public back and forth regarding a contract extension, the Vikings need weapons and Smith should have an opportunity to work in the two-tight end sets Kubiak is sure to profess.

Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. But Laquon Treadwell was ineffective as the No.3 wide receiver last year, and there seems likely to be an open competition to replace him.

Essentially, Smith may be moved around the formation enough and see enough snaps to function as a proverbial No. 3 wide receiver. He surely has more juice as a potential downfield threat than Rudolph (and Treadwell, for that matter) has ever had, and that should help Cousins.

If Rudolph winds up being traded, even with a likely free agent signing at a late stage, Smith would be counted on as the Vikings’ No. 1 tight end as a rookie. That’s not ideal, but no matter what his role winds up being Smith’s performance will be important to the success of Minnesota’s offense in 2019.

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