DeVonta Smith is the big man on campus for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the coaching staff knows it.
Philadelphia traded with the Dallas Cowboys to get the No. 10 overall pick and used it on Smith.
On Friday, Nick Sirianni and his staff saw it made the right decision. Smith created attention in every drill for the Eagles at rookie minicamp, and the former Alabama receiver is looking to change the culture. Coach Sirianni told local reporters that Smith’s work ethic is ‘contagious.’
RELATED: WATCH: DeVonta Smith catching his first passes at Eagles’ rookie minicamp
“DeVonta is a leader by example,” Sirianni said. “He just seems determined at all times. He can’t wait for the information to get to him, and can’t wait to get better.”
Smith, a native of Amite, La., rarely dropped a pass at Alabama. He caught game-winning touchdowns, set records for the Crimson Tide, and won the Heisman Memorial Trophy in 2020. As a former Unanimous All-American, the two-time College Football Playoff National Champion has brought the same vibe to the Eagles.
Another look at DeVonta Smith and the rookie WRs. pic.twitter.com/m8JQhUnbn8
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) May 14, 2021
Eagles WR1
pic.twitter.com/EscUCxvsaK— PFF (@PFF) May 14, 2021
First look at @DeVontaSmith_6 on the practice field.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ogtIlgSWYr
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 14, 2021
“As advertised, he catches everything,” Sirianni continued on Smith. “If that ball touches his hands, he’s catching it. He’s really long. He’s got long arms and a big catch radius. He showed length, incredible hands, and excellent ability to change directions at the top of the route. It is even better than on tape, to be 100 percent honest with you. It was great to see him in person.”
Coach Sirianni is excited to work with Smith, and Jalen Hurts is too. The tandem did not connect much at Alabama; however, Hurts and Smith will have a chance to get their timing down with the Eagles.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
