Jonnu Smith

Jonnu Smith Player Profile

Summary

Jonnu Smith was selected in the 3rd Round (#100 Overall) in the 2017 Draft out of Florida International University (FIU). Smith is a dynamic, athletic tight end with standout receiving traits, versatility in alignment, and proven big‑play capability. His standout strengths include his ability to avoid tackles, run varied routes, and be a focal target in the passing game. His notable weaknesses revolve around blocking fundamentals, limited snap share in some systems, and somewhat constrained usage early in his career. Overall, he represents a strong “receiver‑first” tight end profile — with upside to expand his role, provided the scheme and usage align with his skills.

Strengths

  • Athleticism & receiving‑skills: Smith is noted for his smooth athleticism, excellent lateral agility and ability to accelerate and decelerate sharply. He has shown capability in avoiding tackles and he set Dolphins franchise TE records for catches and receiving yards (88 catches, 884 yards) and scored eight touchdowns. SI

  • Versatility in alignment & role: Smith has lined up in a variety of spots (in‑line, slot, off‑line) and his usage by Miami included many snaps in the slot (254) compared to in‑line (198). This flexibility allows him to function as a receiving tight end in two‑TE sets, giving his team schematic options. SI

  • Big‑play capability: With his size and speed, he is a threat on intermediate to deep throws, and can make plays after the catch due to his agility and change of direction. Music City Miracles

Weaknesses

  • Blocking & in‑line power: Early scouting reports flagged his blocking as a weakness: despite willingness, his fundamentals in blocking needed significant work. In system usage, he was more effectively deployed as the “receiving” TE rather than as a dominant inline blocker. SI

  • Usage and snap share / timeshare issues: Although he produced well, Smith often worked in a timeshare at the position in certain offenses, limiting his ceiling as an every‑down “TE1”. His snap share in some seasons was lower than ideal for a full featured tight end entering his prime.

  • Route quantity and release volume: While effective when targeted, Smith has had seasons with fewer routes run compared to top tight ends; fewer opportunities limit overall output. In addition, some critiques note his separation in short area or expanded route trees could improve.

Fit & Outlook

Jonnu Smith projects as a high‑value receiving tight end, especially in systems that emphasize movement, two‑TE sets, and pass‑catching from the position. He best fits offenses that deploy multiple tight ends, allow motion or slot usage, and aren’t overly reliant on the TE for heavy inline blocking. In those schemes, his athleticism and pass‑game skills shine. If he improves his blocking, increases route volume and secures more snaps, he has the potential to evolve into a fuller “three‑down” tight end rather than a primarily receiving specialist. Conversely, if blocking limitations persist or snap share remains limited, his role may remain as a premium receiving TE with timeshare, rather than top tier TE1.