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Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith, who’s better?

By David Esser

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a catch against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a catch against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith
Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a 42-yard touchdown behind Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports /

DeVonta Smith, Alabama

Just one year after Chase broke all sorts of SEC records, DeVonta Smith followed that up with an even better campaign. Finishing the year with 117 catches, 1,856 yards, and 23 TDs, Smith smashed right on through all of Chase’s seemingly unbeatable numbers, making himself the first WR to win the Heisman since 1991.

Smith generated a lot of his production through his elite speed and ridiculous separation ability, as he was Alabama’s main deep threat will simultaneously doing a lot of work in between the numbers. Simple slant routes became huge 20+ yard gains for Smith as he would create massive amounts of space for himself just 2-3 seconds after the ball was snapped.

Smith also showcased some major “run after the catch” ability during Alabama’s dominant 2020 season, as he was routinely used in quick bubble screens. In a league that’s increasingly focused on getting the ball into their playmakers’ hands (think 49ers with Deebo Samuel, Chiefs with Tyreek Hill), Smith would fill that role quite beautifully for literally any offense in the league.

Ideally, Smith would be a “Z” receiver in an NFL offense – predominately utilizing his speed to consistently beat teams over the top. While he flashed instances of playing “above the rim” during his senior season of college, his slender 6-1, 185lbs frame leaves a little to be desired in terms of operating as a stereotypical “X” receiver.

It’s also worth nothing that Smith was a 22 year old senior this past season. There’s been instances in the past of older players dominating the collegiate scene just to struggle in the pros when matched up against bigger, stronger competition.

Again, if it wasn’t for Chase’s absurd sophomore season in 2019, DeVonta Smith would be everyone’s WR1 in this year’s draft. 100+ catches and a Heisman Trophy pretty much speaks for itself.

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