Why Is Devonta Smith Falling In Draft?

The 2021 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and one of the biggest stories is the potential fall of Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith was the Heisman Trophy winner and a Biletnikoff Award finalist this past season, and many expected him to be a top pick in the draft.

However, some believe that his size may be a factor in his potential fall in the draft, as he is listed as 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. In this article, we will explore why DeVonta Smith’s size could be causing him to fall in the draft.

Why is Devonta Smith Falling in Draft?

Slender Frame

DeVonta Smith is 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, which is a bit slender for a receiver in the NFL. His slim frame compared to the average NFL wide receiver size of 6-foot-2, 214 pounds is a likely reason why he is falling in the draft.

The lack of bulk could lead to durability issues as Smith is subject to more hard hits and physical play from NFL cornerbacks, which could lead to more injuries.

Lack of Speed

Smith was not able to participate in the NFL Combine this year due to the pandemic, which has prevented evaluators from seeing how fast he can run. Although Smith is quick on his feet and his route-running is superb, his lack of true speed could lead to him struggling to create separation from defenders.

Experience

Smith only started playing wide receiver in college and has not had a lot of experience playing the position in the NFL. This lack of experience could lead to him having difficulty adjusting to the increased physicality and speed of the NFL game.

Limited Production

Smith had a very successful college career, but his production at the pro level has been limited. He has only caught one touchdown pass in his NFL career and has had just two receptions in his last two games.

This limited production could lead to evaluators believing that Smith is not ready for the challenges of the NFL.

Injury Risk

Smith has been dealing with a variety of injuries throughout his college career, including a knee injury that caused him to miss some games in 2018. This injury risk could lead to teams believing that Smith is not durable enough to be an NFL wide receiver.

What Did the Eagles Give Up to Get Devonta Smith?

The Eagles gave up their 2021 first-round pick (No. 12 overall) to the Dallas Cowboys to move up two spots and select Devonta Smith. They also gave up a third-round pick (No. 84) in the 2021 NFL Draft from the Colts.

In exchange, they secured the No. 10 overall pick and selected Devonta Smith. This was a bold move to get a highly sought after wide receiver in the draft. The Eagles showed they were committed to improving their team with this move.

They were willing to give up two picks to get their guy. By trading up two spots, they showed they wanted to make sure they got their man. It was a risky move, but one that could pay dividends for years to come.

The Eagles are hoping the move pays off and Smith can be a difference maker for them. It was a bold move that could make or break their season.

Who is Better Devonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle?

Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith are two of the top prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle played for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Smith for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Waddle was a first-team All-American and Smith was a Heisman Trophy winner.

Waddle was the fastest wide receiver at the NFL combine and Smith had the second-highest receiving yards in college football history. Waddle is considered the more explosive of the two prospects with his speed and explosiveness.

Smith is better at route running, making him a better option for teams looking for a complete receiver. Waddle has the edge in terms of raw speed, but Smith has the edge in terms of route running and his ability to make plays.

Waddle is expected to pick up the NFL faster than Smith, but Smith could be the better long-term option due to his college success. Both players have the potential to be great NFL wide receivers, but Waddle has the edge in terms of explosiveness, while Smith has the edge in route running.

It will be interesting to see who performs better in the NFL and who becomes the better all-around receiver in the long run.

Are Jalen Hurts and Devonta Smith Friends?

Jalen Hurts and Devonta Smith have been friends since they were teammates at the University of Alabama in 2017 and 2018. Their friendship has grown since then and they remain close even though they are now playing for different teams in the National Football League.

This article explores the relationship between Hurts and Smith and how it has developed over the years.

Their Career Paths

Jalen Hurts was a four-star recruit from Channelview, Texas who played quarterback at Alabama from 2016-2018. He was a two-time SEC Offensive Player of the Year and led the Crimson Tide to two national championship appearances, winning one.

In 2020, Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Devonta Smith, a four-star wide receiver from Amite, Louisiana, was a part of the same recruiting class as Hurts. From 2017-2020, Smith played for Alabama, hauling in 233 receptions for 3,965 yards and 46 touchdowns during his collegiate career.

Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2020 and was drafted by the Eagles with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Their Relationship at Alabama

Hurts and Smith were teammates at Alabama for two seasons and developed a strong bond during that time. Hurts was the starting quarterback while Smith was one of the team’s top receivers, and they formed a productive connection on the field.

The pair worked together to lead the Crimson Tide to two College Football Playoff appearances, with their last game together being the 2017 National Championship game against Georgia.

Off the field, Hurts and Smith were close friends. According to Smith, Hurts was like an older brother to him and was always there to support him. For his part, Hurts has said that he and Smith are “really close” and that they shared a special connection at Alabama.

Staying in Touch

After Hurts transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma for his final season of college football in 2019, he and Smith kept in contact with each other. During his time in Oklahoma, Hurts was able to watch Smith play for Alabama and was impressed by his development.

Smith, meanwhile, continued to seek advice from Hurts and leaned on him for support during his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2020.

The two friends have been able to stay connected even after entering the NFL. Hurts and Smith are both members of the Philadelphia Eagles, and they have used their time together in training camp to catch up and reminisce about their days at Alabama.

The Future

The future looks bright for the friendship between Jalen Hurts and Devonta Smith. The pair have already established a strong bond over the years and are now teammates in the NFL. With both players looking to make an impact in Philadelphia, they should have plenty of time to continue to build on their friendship.

It will be interesting to see how Hurts and Smith can help each other succeed in the NFL and how their friendship will grow over time.

Is Kupp a Wr1?

Yes, Cooper Kupp is a WR1. He led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2020. This earned him the title of ‘Receiving Triple Crown’. He is expected to be the first wide receiver drafted in the 2022 season.

Kupp has proven that he is the best wide receiver in the league. His ability to catch passes and run routes effectively makes him a top target for any quarterback. He is a reliable and consistent receiver who is always able to make plays.

His impressive stats make him a top priority for fantasy teams. Kupp’s talents have been recognized by many as he has been named to the Pro Bowl twice. He is an elite wide receiver and will continue to dominate for years to come.

How Did Eagles Get 10th Pick?

The Eagles earned the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Saints. This was due to the Saints’ success during the 2022 season. The Eagles tracked the Saints’ performance during the season.

At the end of the season, the Eagles had secured the 10th pick in the draft. The Saints had the best record in the NFC and were eligible for the pick. The Eagles had the right to select the 10th pick due to their own performance in the season.

The Eagles were able to trade with the Saints for the pick. The Eagles received the 10th pick in exchange for other assets. The 10th pick gives the Eagles an opportunity to select a player they need.

This exchange could benefit both teams in the long run.

To Recap

It is clear that DeVonta Smith’s size is a major factor in his potential fall in the draft. He is considered undersized for a receiver in the NFL, and his refusal to submit measurements as part of the NFL Combine virtual process has only added to speculation about his potential drop.

Ultimately, Smith’s draft fate will be determined by the teams that are willing to take a chance on him. If a team believes that he can make an impact despite his size, then he could still find himself taken high in the draft.

Otherwise, he could find himself dropping out of the first round and into the later rounds.