The NFL Draft started on Thursday and fans know who the Eagles decided to go with for their first round selection. The main consensus was that they were going to go with a wide receiver. Some other rumors were that they were going to pick a quarterback or a defensive selection. When the time came, the Eagles went with Alabama’s 2021 Heisman winner Devonta Smith.
NFL Draft: Eagles first round thoughts
The Eagles did make a move before their original pick, which was 12th overall. They traded up to number 10, which made a lot of people wonder who they were actually going to move up for. Were they going to a quarterback? Both Justin Fields and Mac Jones were both available during this time in the draft. Another option that was in the back of everyone’s minds was about linebacker Micah Parsons. Ultimately, they did go with the favorite and one of their biggest needs which was a wide receiver in Devonta Smith.
This was probably the best player the Eagles could take given their team needs. Eagles fans were also really happy with the selection. The Eagles have been known to flounder when it comes the draft. Howie Roseman has scared Eagles fans, since he has power when it comes to who the organization selects in the draft. Hopefully, he and Nick Sirianni came to the conclusion on a player together, since Sirianni knows the Eagles’ offense better than anyone.
Smith was a legend at Alabama
Smith has already made history at Alabama as he won the the Heisman Trophy in 2021. He had two huge years at Alabama leading up to his selection in the first round. In 2019, he has 1,256 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. As a lot of people know, Smith had a huge senior year at Alabama. He totaled for 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdown, which was a season high for him in college. He was ranked number one in receptions that with 117. Smith also ranked first in receiving yards in 2020.
How will Smith help the Eagles in 2021
He will give Philadelphia much needed help at the receiver position. The Eagles did not get a lot of help with production within the receiving core in 2021. Travis Fulgham led the Eagles in receiving yards in 2021 with 539 yards. Greg Ward Jr. led the Eagles in points at the receiving position for the Eagles in 2020, with six touchdowns. As one can see, the Eagles did not have that reliable x-factor receiver in their line up to get close to 1,000 yards or at least come close. If Smith does as well as everyone is expecting him to, then he should be able to be that receiver either immediately or within the next couple years.
Smith should be able to provide points for the Eagles within the red zone with his athleticism and route running. Smith also has has speed and can gain positioning on opposing defenders to come up with spectacular catches. He also gives the Eagles the ability to make more explosive plays on the field, which is desperately needed more if the Eagles want to get back on the track when it comes to winning games in the NFL and potentially being a playoff team down the road.
Overall, this is a great selection by the Eagles and this selection is something for the Eagles fans to cheer about going into the next season. Adding Smith will help Jalen Hurts out as he will have great weapon at wideout.
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