OPINION: Does DeVonta Smith Have the Tools To Succeed in the NFL?

Published 02/25/2021, 12:10 PM EST

The 2021 NFL Draft Class promises to be a blockbuster for all the right reasons. With multiple superstars in every position on offer, all the franchises will have a plethora of options to choose from to sort out their shortcomings.

This upcoming Draft Class, in particular, is being looked forward to the potential future franchise quarterbacks up for grabs. But one category that can’t be looked past is that of wide receivers.

Fans across the globe are frolicking at the prospect of players like Ja’Maar Chase and Jaylen Waddle joining their favorite team. But one player who deserves a lot more attention is Alabama’s DeVonta Smith.

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DeVonta Smith, an elite route runner

Blessed with speed and athletic ability, DeVonta Smith’s standout feature though is his elite route-running ability. Flats, slants, comeback, curls, Smith can run them all.

His versatility in addition to his pace will make him a menace for any cornerback in the NFL. And the best bit about Smith is that the route runner has one of the safest pair of hands in the game.

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DeVonta Smith got 23 touchdowns last season in the college football circuit, but what’s more astounding is the average yards he registered on each play.

Smith had 117 receptions for 1,856 receiving yards at an average of 15.9 yards per play. Such stats ultimately saw him winning the Heisman Trophy for the 2020 season and helped his college side claim their 18th national championship.

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Standing at 6’1″, Smith weighs 175 pounds and looks a bit lanky at first. But doubting him for his build would be a big mistake.

Smith’s aerial ability was unparalleled in the college circuit last season. His height and timing on jumps helped him tower over opposition players to score touchdowns.

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Versatile on the fly, all of these abilities combined will make the Heisman winner one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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Shivayan Roy is currently an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Masters Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Roy functioned as a reporter for Goal.com and extensively covered the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

OPINION: Does DeVonta Smith Have the Tools To Succeed in the NFL?

DeVonta Smith, an elite route runner

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