Titans Jonnu Smith is gearing up to become an elite tight end.
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith met with Titans media today over Zoom. Smith has high expectations going into the 2020 season as long time tight end Delanie Walker is no longer with the team. In 2019, Jonnu Smith caught 35 receptions for 439 yards and 3 touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Smith is prepared to step into his new role as tight end one with Delanie Walker now gone. Although, he will miss the veteran leadership that Walker provided. Jonnu has nothing but love for Delanie Walker, “He was one of those guys that helped transform the position as far as being able to do electrifying things with the ball in his hands,” said Smith. Jonnu Smith will look to follow Walker as one of those electrifying players, already posting 273 yards after the catch last season.
Jonnu Smith on Delanie Walker cont'd: It's going to be tough not to look over and see my guy there in meetings w/me. For me, I 'm TE1 now. I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity and just continue ton be that workhorse. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 13, 2020
Smith feels he has the potential to step up to the next level in 2020. After ending the 2020 season (and offseason) with an incredible stretch of play that proved he could be one of the most elusive tight ends in the NFL, this is the first season where it looked like there was an heir apparent to one of the Tennessee Titans best free agent additions of all time (Walker). COVID-19 and the virtual offseason could potentially put a damper on his hopes for a breakout season, but Jonnu has been putting in extra work with Titans QB Ryan Tannehill to ensure that these uncertain times won’t hold him back.
#Titans QB Ryan Tannehill and TE Jonnu Smith have been working out together in South Florida, at a park where it is allowed. Few times a week, haven’t missed a week. Not really missing a beat with virtual OTAs bc typically sitting in front of a white board anyway.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) May 13, 2020
This time last year, Jonnu Smith was rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury. He said this is the first time since he’s been drafted that he’s be able to hit the offseason at 100mph with no injury to recover from. #Titans
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 13, 2020
In fact, this will be Jonnu Smith’s first off-season since coming into the NFL that he won’t be nursing an injury. Yet, each offseason he has continued to improve. Seeing what Smith can do with a full offseason to work on his craft will be something to look forward to.
Draft Deluxe has high hopes for Jonnu Smith in 2020, expecting him to nearly double his production from 2019 and finish within the top 10 of tight ends. Smith is even projected to have a better season than future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, who is paired with former teammate Tom Brady once again.
The hype is building up for Jonnu Smith heading into 2020. The Titans are heavily relying on player progression next season considering to this point there haven’t been many additions to the offense in skill positions. It will be interesting to see if Smith can make the jump to elite.