After not playing much of a role in Week 1 and Week 2, Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. broke out against the Oakland Raiders catching three passes for 60 yards. He also was the key blocker on a couple of runs and PFF took notice of his performance.

PFF gave Smith Jr. the highest grade of any Vikings offensive player for his Week 3 performance at 92.7. Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, Brian O'Neill, and Dakota Dozier rounded out the top five.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1176523445049483264

Smith Jr. hasn't complained about his role and just waited his turn for success. He told the media after Sunday's game that he is willing to do anything the team needs him to do.

“I just try to do my role,” Smith said via the Pioneer Press. “Whatever the coaches want me to do, whether it’s blocking or going out there and making plays in the pass game, I’m going to do it. I feel like today my time came, and I made the most of it.”

The Vikings have been running a lot of two tight end sets and a big reason is that they trust both of their tight ends to catch passes.

“I think he showed some really good things today,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “His athleticism in the passing game — he beat man coverage once today — I think that can be another important factor for us.”

Smith is still looking for his first touchdown, but it shouldn't be long before he finds the end zone and who knows, maybe he will become a favorite target of Kirk Cousins.