With the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Eagles draft DeVonta Smith, wide receiver out of Alabama. If the past two seasons for Philadelphia have shown NFL fans anything it’s that they need receivers. They tried to get cute and drafted Jalen Reagor last year which up to this point is a failed experiment. DeVonta Smith, widely regarded as the best receiver in the draft, looks to right the ship for the Eagles receiving core.
DeVonta Smith Highlights
DeVonta Smith NFL Draft Profile and Stats
DeVonta Smith
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 175 lbs
Age: 22
College: Alabama Crimson Tide
DeVonta Smith 2020 Stats
Receptions: 117
Receiving Yards: 1856
Yards per Reception: 15.9
Touchdowns: 23
DeVonta Smith Draft Profile
Strengths
- 2020 Heisman Trophy Winner
- Sure hands and excellent body control
- Best route running in the draft
- Understanding of routes allows him to find ways to get open
Weaknesses
- Size will become much more of a problem in the NFL
- Vulnerable against press coverage
- Liability in run blocking
RELATED | Full DeVonta Smith NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
What to Expect From DeVonta Smith in 2021
DeVonta Smith arguably fills the biggest role among any players who were drafted in the top ten. Not only have the Eagles been plagued with injuries, their best receivers consist of Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward and Travis Fulgham to this point. DeVonta Smith won the Heisman trophy last year in a campaign which saw him rack up just shy of 1,900 receiving yards. Smith was an absolute nightmare for opponents and arguably the best player on another stacked Alabama team.
Smith will jump right into being the number one target for new starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. These two have a history together and some chemistry from both of their time at Alabama playing under Nick Saban. While Smith’s size has been of some concern, there was no other pick for the Eagles as they need any playmaker they can get. Smith finds himself in a solid WR2 role if not better in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.
