A coveted five-star recruit from rural Southeast Louisiana, DeVonta Smith is, by virtually every metric, the most accomplished receiver in SEC history, finishing his career at Alabama as the conference’s all-time leader in both receiving yards (3,965) and touchdowns (46). Half of that output came during Smith’s torrid senior year in which he led undefeated ‘Bama to its 18th national championship and sixth under Nick Saban. Smith went ballistic in January’s title game, bludgeoning Ohio State with 12 grabs for 215 yards and three touchdowns, all accomplished in the first half. Days earlier, Smith was awarded the Heisman Trophy, becoming the third player in program history to claim that honor. Smith was also named College Football Player of the Year by the Associated Press, marking the first time a wide receiver has won that award. The Tide have churned out NFL receivers at a startling rate in recent years (Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy), but even among that incredible who’s who of talent, none were more productive than Smith during his time in Tuscaloosa.
Measurables: 6’0”/170
School: Alabama
2020 stats: 117 catches, 1,856 receiving yards, 23 touchdowns, 11 punt returns for 237 yards and a touchdown
Accolades: Heisman Trophy (2020), Associated Press College Football Player of the Year (2020), Maxwell Award (2020), Walter Camp Award (2020), Biletnikoff Award (2020), Paul Hornung Award (2020), SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2020), Unanimous All-American (2020), First team All-SEC (2019-20), Rose Bowl Offensive MVP (2021), National Championship Offensive MVP (2021), 2-time National Champion (2017, 2020), SEC’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,965) and touchdowns (46), SEC single-season records in both receiving yards (1,856) and touchdowns (23)
Strengths: A big-play fiend with long, fluid strides, Smith is an effortless separator, creating space through superior route-running and blistering straight-line speed. Explosive in the screen game, Smith was as dangerous as any player in college football after the catch. Though admittedly undersized at 6’0” and 170 pounds soaking wet, that’s never stopped Smith from winning contested catches, routinely skying over defenders on challenging 50/50 balls. Blessed with a freakish catch radius and immaculate body control, Smith was at his best when the stakes were highest last season, making a mockery of Ohio State in the National Championship. Smith also brings special teams chops, excelling as a kick and punt returner at ‘Bama.
Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Smith is his slender build, though plenty of smaller receivers have gone on to have successful pro careers including Antonio Brown, Wes Welker, T.Y. Hilton, DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith, Brandin Cooks and Tyreek Hill. At 22, Smith is also relatively old for an incoming rookie. Smith sat out Alabama’s Pro Day due to a hand injury suffered in the title game, but with nothing to prove after a dominant 2020, it’s debatable whether he would have participated anyway. Some scouts suspect Smith’s best long-term NFL fit will be in the slot, though obviously that opinion isn’t shared by all.
NFL comparison: Emmanuel Sanders
Smith may offer a higher ceiling than Sanders, but both are smooth route-runners with game-breaking speed to offset their lack of size.
What experts are saying
“Smith has undeniable playmaking talent and a natural feel for the position; he just knows how to get open and win with the ball in the air.” – Danny Kelly, The Ringer
“DeVonta Smith’s hands are some of the best in a while. He just doesn’t drop passes.” – Matt Miller, The Draft Scout
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