Irv Smith Jr. Fantasy Football Outlook (2022)

By Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros), Thu, Sep 1st 2022, 10:27am EDT

The 23-year-old tight end took a massive leap forward in 2020, finishing 12th in PFF receiving grade (75.4) and seventh in yards per reception (12.2).

If he inherits Tyler Conklin's vacated role -- ninth in route participation -- he will turn heads in 2022, coming off a lost 2021 season due to torn meniscus injury.

Chances are that the offense led by the new head coach and former Rams' OC Kevin O' Connell will feature a huge role for Smith. Last season with Los Angeles, Tyler Higbee operated as the true No. 1 tight end, running a route on 76% of the team's dropbacks -- the 7th-highest mark in the NFL.

Just keep in mind that Smith underwent thumb surgery, with the expectation that he is back for Week 1.