Devonta Smith 2024 Expectations
In terms of a second option in the NFL, Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith is amongst the best in the business. Since being drafted 10th overall in 2021, Smith has increasingly produced every season. During his rookie season, the writing was on the wall as to where Devonta’s trajectory would rise. As a rookie, Smith hauled in 916 receiving yards along with 64 receptions. It took only until his second season for Devonta to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards, finishing with 1,196 and 95 receptions. In the midst of an all-time collapse the Eagles endured in 2023, Smith managed to eclipse the 1,000 mark again, finishing with 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith’s production was rewarded this offseason, signing a three year/$75M extension with $51M guaranteed. This offseason, two powerhouse teams locked in their WR2 long term, with 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk cashing in as well. Luckily for Eagles fans everywhere, Devonta is now tied to Philadelphia through 2028. With year four on the horizon, what are realistic expectations for Devonta Smith this season?
One of the few skepticisms surrounding Smith coming into the NFL was his body type compared to a regular receiver. Some believed that his lean frame would not excel in releases off the line of scrimmage. To this point in his career, Smith has played well above his stature. Listed at 6’0 170 lbs, Devonta ranked at a 96% true catch rate, along with a 41% contested catch rate during the 2023 season. In retrospect, these numbers support that Devonta caught nearly half of the ‘50/50’ balls targeted towards him, which is remarkable. We have seen Devonta also excel in the middle of the field due to Eagles superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown commanding enough attention in his own right.
An underrated aspect of Devonta’s play style is his ability to gain yards after the catch. During 2023, Smith ran for 294 YAC, ranking #33 out of all eligible receivers. If new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore can effectively implement screens in the passing game, Devonta will thrive and further showcase his agility in the open field. Another area Smith can be effective is stretching the field when lined in the slot. In play-calls where A.J. Brown and newly acquired wide receiver Jahan Dotson are lined up on the outside, Smith has the ability to capitalize on one-on-one coverage versus many safeties in the league. In Devonta’s case, the Eagles have a lethal package of weapons that will give many defensive coordinators a tough week of game-planning. For the Eagles’ Super Bowl aspirations, Smith’s production is a significant piece of the puzzle. There is great optimism in believing that Devonta Smith can eclipse 1,200 receiving yards, over seven touchdowns, and perhaps his first Pro Bowl selection.
