DeVonta Smith WR Alabama Draft Profile
Drafted: 2021: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 10 (PHI)
This Heisman Trophy-winning wideout capped an amazing season with three first-half touchdowns in Alabama's title win over Ohio State. He finished 2020 with 1,856 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns (23 receiving, one rushing, one on a punt return). He was the Crimson Tide's best WR in 2019, topping first-round picks Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.
He just produces. He's a tremendous route runner and he has great hands. He's likely going to be a potential pro-bowler in the NFL and top-10 pick.
Not the biggest receiver or the most physical he nevertheless has good hands and is able to make difficult catches under pressure. An amazing route-runner, he can create separation from backs even if he isn't necessarily going to be able to run away from them - with 4.48 speed. Is not going to knock people on their backs and is limited as a blocker due to his slight frame - 175 lbs.
Off the line, Smith has nice explosiveness, and he’s also able to confuse defenders with footwork. He has the ability to employ quick head and shoulder fakes and his jittery style forces corners to have to keep a big cushion. Smith’s savvy as a route runner is what generates most of his separation, and at the catch point, he caps off the process with nice body control and rock-solid hands.
The only downside to Smith's potential is his physicality, (or lack thereof) he will immediately be one of the smallest receivers in the NFL. ThIn recent history only two receivers over 6-foot and under 180 pounds have been drafted: Snoop Minnis (third round in 2011) and Paul Richardson Jr. (second round in 2014), but neither of those guys had the technical ability of Smith.