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Philadelphia Eagles: 6 thoughts on the decision to draft DeVonta Smith

By David Esser

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Philadelphia Eagles as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Philadelphia Eagles as the number ten overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles DeVonta Smith
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

It fills a major need!

I think it goes without saying, but wide receiver was one of the Philadelphia Eagles biggest needs heading into tonight’s draft. They’ve been void of a true #1 wide receiver for quite some time now, and Smith projects as someone who should slide into that role almost immediately.

While there are some questions about’s Smith’s overall size and durability, he quite blatantly has the track record of someone who can be an elite receiving talent in the NFL. He put up some completely goofy numbers at Alabama last season, and his route running skills are exceptional.

Not only does the addition of a proper WR1 help guys like Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts, but it also massively helps the rest of the Eagles’ below average receiving room. A guy like Jalen Reagor, last year’s first round pick, could seriously benefit from some lessened pressure moving forward.

Reagor struggled to really assume #1 WR duties in 2020, and sliding into more of a secondary option alongside Smith could do wonders for his development.

The Eagles still have a good number of roster needs that have to be addressed moving forward, but figuring out the offensive side of things via the addition of a top-rated WR in Smith is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

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