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NFL Draft 2021: DeVonta Smith and the 3 best scenarios for Philadelphia Eagles in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

DeVonta Smith, Alabama Crimson Tide, Shaun Wade, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network)
DeVonta Smith, Alabama Crimson Tide, Shaun Wade, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network) /
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Eagles draft rumors, DeVonta Smith
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. Reunite Jalen Hurts with DeVonta Smith

Countless mocks have projected Smith to Philadelphia ever since the college season ended. Recently, questions about the former Alabama standout’s size have started to negatively impact his draft stock. NFL executives are concerned about whether or not a player who recently weighed in at just 166 pounds can hold up for a full 17-game campaign.

Predictably, Smith doesn’t believe his lack of pounds is an issue. He and his proponents point to his elite college production as evidence he can handle the pounding required. Smith was nothing short of electric this season in Nick Saban’s offense. He routinely made talented SEC defensive backs look inept when trying to cover him downfield.

The likely key for Smith at the next level is to make sure he doesn’t take too many hits. He shouldn’t be taking on opposing defenders in an effort to generate extra yards after contact. If the Eagles draft him, they should be thoughtful about the sort of pass patterns they ask him to execute on a regular basis.

That limitation still allows his upside to be worth the risk at No. 12. Smith is an exceptional route-runner with above-average speed. That allows him to create a lot of space on intermediate and deep throws. He could be the perfect compliment for Reagor in Philadelphia’s offense.

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