Jonnu Smith

From a non-fantasy standpoint, Smith took a third-year leap in 2019, enjoying career highs in targets, yards and YPT while leading tight ends in YAC (8.3) and dropping just one pass. He even added four carries for 78 yards, including a 57-yard rumble against Houston. Smith started 14 of his 16 games and played at least 72 percent of snaps every week after Delanie Walker suffered a season-ending injury in October. Unfortunately, the steady playing time and impressive efficiency didn't translate to consistent production, as Smith averaged 30.9 receiving yards on 3.7 targets in nine regular-season games with Walker inactive, before seeing only nine targets in three playoff bouts. Part of the problem was a run-heavy Titans offense that averaged 27 pass attempts in Ryan Tannehill's 10 starts, but there was also the matter of Anthony Firkser poaching some work on passing downs, plus Smith's 79 pass-blocking snaps tied for ninth most among tight ends. While his after-the-catch brilliance seemingly demands more receiving work, there hasn't been much sign of Smith doing damage downfield, with his 5.0-yard average depth of target in 2019 ranking fourth to last among TEs (and up a tick from 4.9 in 2018). There's little doubt Smith would be a reliable producer in a number of NFL offenses; it just isn't clear this is one of them.

Smith was drafted in the third round of the 2017 draft as a highly athletic tight end. He combined that with strong college production at Florida Atlantic. A pro breakout seemed possible in 2018 after Delanie Walker (ankle) went down for the season in the first game of the campaign, but Smith hardly built on his rookie season numbers by catching 20 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. With Walker expected to return healthy for the 2019 season and the Titans' adding weapons to their passing attack this offseason, Smith will face an uphill battle to break out despite his untapped upside.

Ironically drawing Delanie Walker comparisons during the pre-draft process in 2017, Smith was ultimately selected by Tennessee in the third round of the draft to play second-fiddle to the 13-year vet. The Florida State product ended up seeing consistent playing time in that role, faring well as both a blocker and receiver. However, with Walker still heading the depth chart, there doesn't appear to be much room for growth for Smith in 2018. That could change if Walker deals with any injuries, but Smith's mentor hasn't missed more than one game in any of his past seven seasons.

Smith is expected to work as the No. 2 tight end behind Delanie Walker from the get-go, as Anthony Fasano's departure leaves just 2014 second-round bust Jace Amaro and blocking specialist Phillip Supernaw to challenge him for that spot. The rookie third-rounder out of Florida International is already a more complete player than either of those options, and is positioned to make an immediate impact for a team that used multiple tight end formations at an above-average clip last season.