NFL
PSO Scouting Report: WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Scouting Report on Alabama WR DeVonta Smith, breaking down his future outlook and how his game will translate to the next level in the NFL
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PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Physical Tools, College Game Film, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.
Pos: WR
Hometown: Amite, LA
School: Alabama
Class: Senior
DOB: 11/14/1998 (22)
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 166 lbs
Hands: N/A | Arms: N/A
Bench: N/A | 40 Time: N/A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncGNjzf1wYI
Until 2020, DeVonta Smith seemed to be the forgotten man among the Crimson Tide’s ridiculous WR corps — even after hauling in 5 TDs against Ole Miss and finishing as the team’s leading receiver last season. Ruggs, Jeudy, and Waddle got all the media attention (for good reason), but once Jaylen Waddle was lost on October 24th, the last man standing took full advantage of the opportunity.
Absolutely wrecking the record books, Smith turned his golden opportunity into a historic run toward the Heisman Trophy. The first WR to win it in nearly 3 decades, he now owns eight of Alabama’s nine all-time receiving records (2nd in the other). He was supported by an elite scheme and teammates, but DeVonta Smith’s 2020 season will go down as one of the most dominant non-QB seasons in CFB history.
As for his transition to the pro’s, the most glaring question is obviously his weight. A fluid route-runner with a terrific catch radius, DeVonta is a bonafide vertical threat but looked small against collegiate DBs. Some teams may be concerned with his ability to withstand punishment over the middle or fight off press against professional defenders, which is reasonable considering the trend towards bigger, longer DBs.
That doesn’t take away from his route-running acumen, strong hands, or speed, however. It may be difficult to overlook his size, but Smith is an incredibly productive, explosive outside weapon that can rip the top off a defense at any moment. Regardless of whether he beefs up to 190 or stays around 170, whoever selects him is getting a nuanced, accomplished WR with a relatively high floor and the potential to be an explosive playmaker in the NFL.
Pro Comp: WR Calvin Ridley (Atlanta Falcons)
Projected Round: Top-15 Pick
Prime Destinations: CIN, MIA, DET, CAR, NYG, PHI, LAC, NE
OVERALL Grade: A
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