
In the Vikings’ run-heavy offense the value of the No. 3 wide receiver is easily debated, and easily diminished. But Chad Beebe is also begging to replaced in the role, and Smith-Marsette should have an opportunity to do so right away. If nothing else, he will have a chance to contribute immediately as a kick returner (28.7 yards per kickoff return at Iowa).
Smith-Marsette averaged 14.7 yards per catch in college, and he also had 34 carries and four scores on the ground. He immediately profiles as a do-it-all gadget-type player at the next level, with the idea of simply finding a way to get the ball into his hands. That said, there’s growth potential as he leaves behind a limiting situation. As evidence of that, he’s the first Iowa wide receiver to be drafted since 2012.
If new #Vikings WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette can fine tune the small things to elevate his game, he's got size and speed in bunches pic.twitter.com/oypwoiCN37
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) May 1, 2021
4 examples of Ihmir Smith-Marsette getting open deep vs Wisconsin:
— Krauser (@Krauserrific) May 2, 2021
1. slot fade vs press, stacks DB, overthrown
2. jab step sets up the post, badly underthrown, contested catch
3. wide open on slot fade, TD
4. runs past everyone on deep over, flip into the end zone injures ankle pic.twitter.com/XU6XLpXYtQ
A pro comparison that’s out there for Smith-Marsette is New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton. The former Hawkeye has a chance to contribute in a multi-purpose role immediately as a rookie, then take the No. 2 wide receiver role opposite Justin Jefferson for the Vikings down the road.