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2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: SEC

By Kyle Edmond

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Kylin Hill #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs dives for a touchdown over Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The touchdown was called back on an offensive penalty. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Kylin Hill #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs dives for a touchdown over Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The touchdown was called back on an offensive penalty. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Devonta Smith, 2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Alabama – DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Senior

Two Alabama wide receivers went in the first round this past year, being Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy. However, neither of them led the team in receiving yards. That accolade belonged to DeVonta Smith, who opted to stay for his senior campaign.

Over the course of 13 games, Smith hauled in 68 receptions, second behind just Jeudy, totaling a team-high 1,256 receiving yards. But Smith didn’t stop there on the stat sheet. Of his 68 receptions, he also paced the team in receiving touchdowns with 14, meaning over 20 percent of Smith’s catches ended in a score.

With Jeudy and Ruggs now both in the NFL, Smith will undoubtedly be the Tide’s top target this coming season with Jaylen Waddle lining up on the opposite side. The one downside for Smith will be the quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa also entered the draft and although the team will be in steady hands, it might be easier to game plan through fellow senior Najee Harris than risk a passing dominant offense.

If Smith can replicate or just come close to his 2019 numbers in 2020 it’ll show that he isn’t dependent on who is throwing the ball. Regardless, leading a team with such a talented wide receiver room will be enough to garner Smith high consideration in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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