PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles were quite impressed with DeVonta Smith before the draft, and they had a reliable source in their midst to confirm their research.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played at Alabama with Smith. While Smith's skills and smarts already left a strong impression on General Manager Howie Roseman, he wanted to ask Smith's college quarterback about the potential pick. Hurts' glowing review was the exclamation point they needed to draft Smith with the 10th pick overall.
"Jalen had told us what everyone’s told us," Roseman said. "He told us that his work ethic is legendary. His desire to be great, to inspire his teammates and then his ability. He’s got unique ability."
The Eagles traded up two spots in a deal with the Cowboys to grab Smith with the 10th pick. Smith is coming off a dominant senior season in which he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship while also capturing the Heisman Trophy.
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The Eagles were rumored to be showing interest in Smith as well as a pair of defensive backs, but when cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II were selected earlier in the evening, Smith was the clear choice for the Eagles after their trade with their arch-rivals.
"I was shocked that they had traded up for me. I was really like: If they traded up for me, they see something they like," Smith said. "So I was really excited."
The Eagles also appear to be excited about adding Smith to their offense. There is some concern about Smith's weight and whether his 170-pound frame can take the pounding of NFL defenses, but Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni says he's more worried about production than pounds.
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"He sure as heck doesn’t play like a guy with what you’re talking about with that size," said Sirianni. "I see play strength. I see a ton of play strength and toughness."
The Eagles went through a forgettable 2020 season. They drafted a receiver in the first-round last year, but Jalen Reagor struggled throughout much of his rookie campaign. he addition of Smith may not only improve the Eagles' offense, but also get the Eagles turned around after a four-win season a year ago.
"We all have to come in and put in the work," Smith said. "If you don’t put in the work, you’re not going to do it. But I feel this team's going to be putting in the work and everyone is going to be excited. We’re trying to change the program around."