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Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles were the worst team in the worst division in the NFL. To no one's surprise, their receiving corps was awful. This is what happens when a team picks J.J. Arcega-Whiteside over D.K. Metcalf and Jalen Reagor over Just Jefferson.
However, the unit received a massive, 166-pound upgrade in the form of Alabama's DeVonta Smith, who was recently taken with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
The biggest knock on Smith has been his size or rather lack thereof. This has not stopped him though from being an absolute force in the passing game. He is a very smooth route-runner and is one of the most polished prospects in the class regardless of position.
One would think that with his lanky frame that bigger defensive backs could just bully him around. This does not happen, because of Smith's elusiveness and refined technique. Cornerbacks cannot jam what they cannot touch. Smith can stop on a dime, change direction, and leave defenders in the dust. He has incredible ball skills and reliable hands.
If Smith pans out, then this selection will remove some of the bitter taste from missing out on Metcalf and Jefferson.
Below are three early predictions for Smith.
1. Focal Point
Philadelphia's roster is pretty depleted and quarterback Jalen Hurts' receiving options are no exception. Smith will be Hurts' number one target in the passing game. There is a chance that he will be force-fed the ball, due to the lack of options. Being the first option is nothing new to Smith.
Although Jaylen Waddle was taken ahead of him in the draft, Smith was the preferred target of Mac Jones in the Crimson Tide's attack when both were present. The question will be if Smith can succeed as the main option when playing for a team that is not superior to their opponents from a talent perspective. Either way, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have a true number one option in the passing game.
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2. Over 1,100 yards rookie campaign
Of all the receivers taken in this draft, Smith has the potential to put up the most numbers next season. Kyle Pitts, who can be classified as a wideout will share the ball with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, Ja'Marr Chase, despite his chemistry with Joe Burrows must split the ball with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, and Waddle will be playing alongside Will Fuller, DeVante Parker, and Mike Gesicki.
If tight end Zach Ertz gets traded, Smith will have even less to share with and so the door for racking up receiving yards and touchdowns is wide open for him, which should be a welcome sign for the Eagles.
3. Pro Bowl Snub
The number of Pro Bowl selections one has is not the best criterion for determining a player's quality and skill. After all, some players get voted in mainly for their popularity. Nevertheless, it is still a feather in one's cap.
Smith has the potential and is in a team situation with the Eagles to put him in consideration to be a Pro Bowler from the get-go. The reason he will probably come short is because of the quality and popularity of NFC wideouts, look no further than Metcalf and Jefferson.
