In just two short seasons, George Kittle went from being a regular, unexciting late-round NFL Draft selection for the San Francisco 49ers into one of the most exciting tight ends in the league.
Now, rookie Kaden Smith has a chance to make a similar, albeit smaller jump.
The big trigger for this potential jump up the depth chart is the news incumbent backup tight end Garrett Celek will be sidelined for two months due to back surgery.
Not a crippling amount of time, admittedly, although he will miss at least a fortnight of training camp, but just enough time for a player to make an impact.