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Alabama in the Pros

A.J. Brown sees DeVonta Smith as the Eagles’ leader at receiver in year two

DeVonta Smith runs with the ball for Eagles versus Patriots
Bill Streicher - USA TODAY Sports

Is DeVonta Smith the face of the wide receiver room for the Philadelphia Eagles?

A.J. Brown did not mind telling reporters how he feels about the former Heisman Trophy winner last week at OTAs.

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Brown joined Philadelphia after three seasons (2019-21) with the Tennessee Titans. The 24-year-old is a two-time 1,000-yard receiver and 2020 Pro Bowl honoree, but he knows the talent Smith brings. Brown is comfortable with taking routes over the middle and allowing Smith to win one-on-ones against defenders downfield. During an interview, Brown called Smith “WR1” and expects a big season from him in the fall. As an Ole Miss alum, Brown said: “the sky is the limit” for Smith and values his routes.

He expects Smith to dominate as both will take pressure off each other.

Smith had 64 receptions for 916 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season in 2021.

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He posted two 100-yard games and a multi-touchdown matchup versus the Denver Broncos. Smith set school records for the Crimson Tide in 2020 as its No. 1 receiver, totaling 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. He had nine 100+ yard games, including three 200+ yard performances versus Mississippi State, LSU, and Ohio State (CFP National Championship).

We may see Smith all in his bag of moves in the fall.

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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