DeVonta Smith 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Heisman trophy winner DeVonta Smith won’t have to wait too long to hear his name called during the 2021 NFL Draft. Smith was the most electric wide receiver in college football helping guide his team to a National title. Smith was a baller in college, but how does he translate to the league? Here’s your DeVonta Smith 2021 NFL Draft profile.
The Alabama product isn’t fail-proof, in my opinion. I’ve said this in the past, but the floor on Smith is much lower than anybody wants to admit. Yes, he’s more talented than Henry Ruggs. Smith is a smooth criminal out there. He’s a route running technician with plenty of speed. That doesn’t answer every question.
Smith checks in at 6-foot, 170 pounds. The 174 might be generous. The list of Hall of Fame wide receivers that weighed 170 pounds don’t exist. You’re hoping he’s Marvin Harrison. That’s a hell of a thin landing strip. The positive is that Smith plays much bigger than his size. He’s got ups and often wins those contested catch situations you wouldn’t think he would. Press also hasn’t been a problem thus far either. Maybe it’s just a number we should ignore.
There’s a common sense factor with Smith that maybe we should take more into consideration. Smith was a five-star recruit, played meaningful snaps as a freshman at Alabama, and just caught TWENTY THREE touchdown passes this past year. Is there really a need to overthink this one? Smith improved year after year and showed up the following season noticeable stronger and more polished. There’s probably no need to be overly critical based on Smith’s resume.
Smith is just so smooth. He’s a natural hands catcher. Smith catches the ball about as good as it gets. he also has great body control and tracks the ball well. There’s something to be said about the tempo he plays at. He keeps defenders guessing and uses sudden footwork. Despite being undersized, he’s not ever bothered by the most physical corners. The route tree has been taken care of and he creates more separation than you ever want.
Is the best case scenario a better version of Calvin Ridley? Remember, Ridley is skinny too but he was just a pro at everything he did. Speed, route running, and hands were all taken care of. I have DeVonta Smith ranked third on my wide receiver rankings behind Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle. Smith might be skinny but it’s hard to see him outright failing either. Smith was too productive in college and showed in his arsenal that he can make up for whatever red flags you want to throw at him.
