Alabama TE Irv Smith hints at interest in Patriots after Rob Gronkowski retires
The New England Patriots have a glaring need at the tight end position now that Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement, and they will likely address that in the draft. One player to watch will be Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr., and it looks like he is hoping the defending champs give him a look.
Shortly after Gronkowski revealed he is calling it a career, suggestions began rolling in that Smith would be a fit in New England. The 20-year-old responded to those with a tweet.
— Irvin Smith Jr. (@swervinirvin_) March 24, 2019
Smith is viewed as a first- or second-round prospect, and he was among the players who met with Bill Belichick at Alabama’s Pro Day last week. He even shared a photo of himself shaking hands with the Patriots coach.
Chopping it up with TWOs @AlabamaFTBL @Patriots pic.twitter.com/Px1fmIJFLm
— Irvin Smith Jr. (@swervinirvin_) March 21, 2019
The Patriots love versatile players, and Smith is just that. He lines up all over the field and is a solid blocker in addition to having caught 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns last season. While he was responsible for a bad drop in the SEC Championship Game last year, those mistakes are few and far between. It would not be a surprise if Belichick drafted him.
