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NFL Execs Draw Shocking Conclusion On DeVonta Smith

2 days ago
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Eagles WR DeVonta Smith routinely makes big-time plays in critical moments, yet NFL executives don’t view him as an elite receiver.

ESPN has been releasing its top-10 players at each position heading into the 2025 season, and ranked the best wideouts on Wednesday.

Here is the full top 10 from ESPN’s poll:

  1. Ja’Marr Chase
  2. Justin Jefferson
  3. Tyreek Hill
  4. CeeDee Lamb
  5. A.J. Brown
  6. Amon-Ra St. Brown
  7. Malik Nabers
  8. Nico Collins
  9. Mike Evans
  10. Garrett Wilson

Not having Smith in the top 10 is understandable, but he wasn’t even listed among the honorable mentions. Those names included Terry McLaurin, Puka Nacua, Brian Thomas Jr., DK Metcalf, Tee Higgins, and Davante Adams.

While Smith has to share the workload with A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia, he’s a vital part of the Eagles’ offense. His eight receiving touchdowns last season were more than Nico Collins, Garrett Wilson, Malik Nabers, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs during an NFL Football game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. DeVonta Smith…


Michael Owens/Getty Images

Smith’s four NFL regular seasons so far:

2021: 64 catches on 104 targets, 916 yards, 5 touchdowns (17 games)
2022: 95 catches on 136 targets, 1,196 yards, 7 touchdowns (17 games)
2023: 81 catches on 112 targets, 1,066 yards, 7 touchdowns (16 games)
2024: 68 catches on 89 targets, 833 yards, 8 touchdowns (13 games)

Smith’s 833 yards last season were a career low, but he missed time due to injuries and played in a passing offense ranked 30th in the NFL, as the team leaned heavily on the running game.

At just 26 years old, Smith is the Eagles’ all-time leading receiver in the playoffs with 595 yards. Only two NFL players have recorded more postseason receiving yards since 2021: Travis Kelce with 1,086 yards and Mike Evans with 597.

Smith is widely viewed as one of the league’s best WR2s, but his teammate believes they are on equal footing.

“In my opinion, Smitty is a wide receiver No. 1,” A.J. Brown said after he was traded to Philadelphia. “And he going against a cornerback No. 2, I expect Smitty to dominate. Just taking pressure off each other. Even being on the same sides, so you can’t really double. It’s great having another great wideout besides you.

“He’s a really good route runner. Guys early on in their career, like first year, Year 2, they’re still developing, and he can run every route in the route tree. Just a little [nuances], little things that, of course, that we all can get better at. And just keep tuning up our game and keep developing. I think the sky’s the limit for Smitty.”

Smith’s football career speaks for itself, becoming the fifth player in history to win a Super Bowl, a College Football National Championship, and a Heisman Trophy, joining Charles Woodson, Reggie Bush, Marcus Allen, and Tony Dorsett.

For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.



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