Devonta Smith dubbed most important incoming rookie receiver

Devonta Smith is looking to go from the most impactful receiver at Alabama to the most impactful rookie receiver in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith tops the list for which rookie receivers have the most importance to their respective teams’ successes, or rather which one’s absence would affect their team the most this year.

The Eagles Passing game

The Eagles’ lack of receiving threats in past seasons is well-known and the reason they drafted Smith in the first place. PFF noted as much in their breakdown.

“This piece began by highlighting rookie wide receivers who have recorded at least 750 receiving yards in their first NFL season. Well, Greg Ward leads all Philadelphia wide receivers with 673 receiving yards over the past two seasons combined,” wrote PFF. “Philly’s passing offense has relied heavily on the tight end position with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert leading the way. Even if Ertz does end up playing the 2021 season with Philadelphia amidst unrelenting trade rumors, he clearly wasn’t the same player in 2020 that he was two years ago.”

The Eagle’s pass-catching at wideout has been abysmal at best the last two seasons. Last year’s leading pass-catcher was Travis Fulgham with 38 receptions, 539 yards, and four touchdowns. And what made matters worse was the limited availability of veteran Desean Jackson and then-rookie Jalen Reagor because of injury.

This season, the Eagles are deprived of any veteran receivers after the departures of Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey. They will be leaning on the development of Jalen Reagor and the consistent growth of Travis Fulgham. Absent Smith, these two and the tight ends would be the primary focus of the Eagle’s passing game.

Smith to the rescue

Smith was the nation’s best college wideout last year. Cleaning house in all collegiate wideout awards and even taking home the Heisman. Smith finished last year with 117 catches for 1856 yards and a solid 23 receiving touchdowns. And against single coverage last year he was an absolute beast.

DeVonta Smith vs. single coverage since 2019 ranked among FBS wide receivers

65 receptions	2nd
1,680 yards	1st
23 touchdowns	1st
Receiving grade rank	1st

That level of productivity would receive a warm welcome from the Philadelphia Eagles faithful after years of worrying about their wide receivers.

Smith already has some field time with the Eagles’ projected starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts was originally the starting quarterback for Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma. Although they didn’t have as much time together in college, the two are hoping to have a great NFL career together in Philadelphia.

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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