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DRAFT Philadelphia Eagles WIDE RECEIVERS

Draft Profile: WR Devonta Smith

5 January 2021 DRAFT Philadelphia Eagles WIDE RECEIVERS

Height: 6’1”
Weight 175 lbs.
DOB: November 14, 1998 (22yo)
College: Alabama (Senior)

•Accomplishments:

-AP and TSN Second Team All-American (jr.)
-PFF Third Team All-American (jr.)
-Coaches All-SEC Second Team (jr.)
-First WR to win AP Player of the Year (sr.)
-AP SEC Offensive Player of the Year (sr.)
-AP All-SEC First Team (sr.)
-CBS and TSN Player of the Year (sr.)
-AP, CBS, ESPN, FWA, PFF, TSN and USA Today First Team All-American (sr.)
-Biletnikoff Award Finalist (sr.)
-Maxwell and Walter Camp of the Year Finalist (sr.)
-Paul Horung Award Finalist (sr.)
-Heisman Trophy Finalist (sr.)

•Records:

-SEC’s All-Time Leader in Reception TDs (43) 
-Alabama’s All-Time Leader in Rec. Yards (3750)

•Career Stats:

-46 games

–223 rec, 3,750 yds, 16.8 ypc and 43 TDs

-4 car, 6 yds, 1 TD

-9 punt returns, 219 yds, 24.3 ypr and 1 TD

-3 kick returns, 46 yds and 15.3ypr

•Strengths:

-Route Running
-Hands
-Versatility
-Toughness
-Quickness
-YAC
-Release
-Awareness
-Body Control

•Weaknesses:

-Body Frame
-Speed (High 4.4/Low 4.5 40 yard dash)

•Comparison:

Calvin Ridley

•Analysis:

   Devonta Smith is a true WR1 that can line up at all receiver positions. He may be 6’1 but a lot of people question his size, especially his 175 lb. frame. He makes up for any negatives people have to say about his size with his other dominating attributes.
   He is one of the purest route runners I’ve seen coming out in the past few years. Looks great coming off the line and his footwork is fantastic. He uses his hands to catch the ball and when he gets it, he is bound to make a big play. He’s tough for his size and is phenomenal in the YAC department, as well.
   There are also some knocks on his speed, as he’s more of a low 4.5/high 4.4 40 yd dash guy but I promise you, he makes up for it in his versatility, awareness, body control and quickness.
   He is a matchup nightmare. As I mentioned earlier, he can line up all over, at the X, Z or even the slot position. Allowing the offense to line him up against any team’s opposing CBs without fear.
   He has great vision and awareness and that not only helps him as a WR but also as a return specialist. He didn’t have much time back there but early in his NFL career, I could see him being used in key return situations. He is just that good, that you need to get him the ball, no matter where he is on the field.
   He didn’t become the first WR to ever win the AP Player of the Year for being above-average. He is great!

•Fit:

Smith is a really fun prospect to watch and would be a great addition to the Philadelphia Eagles. They used their first-round pick on a WR last year but they’re still lacking in that department.
   Their pick, Jalen Reagor, had a rough first season but I still believe there is hope for him and a true WR1 paired with him, would really bode well for his future. Jalen lined up at X, Z and Slot, like Devonta, but adding Smith would allow Reagor to flourish in the Z position and give the Eagles a true WR 1 at the X position. I understand the comparison in style but I believe both would cement their place at each position, respectively, while dabbling at other spots throughout the game.
   Ward, Fulgham, Watkins, Hightower and hopefully some other additions can duke it out for the slot and depth positions but having two bona fide playmakers could really help whoever the coach and QB are, get this offense right.
   Now, the Eagles have plenty of holes to fill but they shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to grab such an elite receiver with their sixth pick. That’s of course, IF he’s available…

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