A new Eagle has landed.
It’s been two weeks since the 2021 NFL Draft came to a close, and Philadelphia chose first-round pick DeVonta Smith. The wide receiver was drafted at No. 10 overall when the Eagles traded up, jumping the New York Giants.
Though Smith may still need time to learn the ropes in Philly (and scope out the best place for cheesesteaks), he is confident that he and second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts are the best duo going into next season.
PREPARING FOR ROOKIE SEASON
DeVonta Smith has been busy since he arrived in Philadelphia. When he’s not working out with current and former Eagles players or becoming acquainted with the City of Brotherly Love, he’s been allowing fans to learn who the player behind the #6 jersey is.
Recently, Smith shared his draft experience with Chris Long on his Green Light podcast. Smith stated, “Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. After [Jaylen] Waddle went, it was kinda like, ‘Okay, what are teams gonna do now because I knew the teams were looking for the cornerbacks and things like that.’ Once Philly traded up, I was just like, ‘This could possibly be it, but I don’t know,’ but then when I got the call, it was like ‘they traded up for me, they see something they like, nobody is going to trade up for you if they don’t really want you.’ They see something they like and now I have to return the favor.”
Despite pre-draft rumors that many teams would select Smith, including the Lions, Panthers, and Giants, Smith is excited to get to work in Philadelphia.
When asked what playing in Philly means to Smith, he provided a fan-worthy answer. “Philadelphia is the type of place you want to play when you love football. The fans are all into it. They’re diehard; they love football. When you love football, and the fans love football, that’s just the place you want to be.”
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
With the 2021 season approaching in four months, the Heisman Trophy winner, known for his work ethic, has already been spotted running drills. Smith stated, “I truly believe that the stuff you do in practice is going to translate to the game.” And, after coming off a 4-11-1 record, the game is crucial going into next season.
When asked who the best tandem is, Smith responded, “Me and Jalen.”
The duo from Alabama has pre-Eagle experience. They totaled 12 completions on 20 attempts for 207 yards and two touchdowns between 2017 and 2018. By the time Smith developed into a top collegiate talent, Hurts had transferred to Oklahoma; however, Smith is confident that the two will continue to build upon their relationship.
Philadelphia has a lot of work to do this season, but the Hurts-Smith combo serves as an excellent start to the team’s youthful rebuild.
