2021 NFL Draft: Deshaun Watson on the move in latest NFL mock draft
I would have never thought that I would be mocking a wide receiver in the top three of the NFL Draft. Let alone one that is just 6-foot-1 and 174 lbs soaking wet. But man, DeVonta Smith just always finds a way to get it done.
I feel like I was higher than most on DeVonta Smith going into last year’s 2020 NFL Draft, viewing him as a sure-fire first-round pick despite playing alongside the ever-popular Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. I supported his decision to return to school, but I had no idea he would have this type of meteoric rise this season.
Smith’s production absolutely speaks for itself. This season, Smith caught 117 balls, totaling nearly 2,000 yards and an incredible 23 touchdowns in just 13 games. While those numbers were certainly astonishing, leading him to a Heisman Trophy, they were not an anomaly. In 2019 with Tua Tagovailoa primarily as his quarterback, Smith was also consistently productive, racking up over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Yes. THAT Tua Tagovailoa. The one that is the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Getting Tua one of his favorite targets from Alabama could go a long way in helping his development. DeVante Parker is one of the most promising young receivers in the league and Preston Williams has shown flashes of potential, but having a consistent and reliable target like Smith would do wonders for Tua and the Miami offense.
Smith isn’t the biggest. He isn’t the fastest. He doesn’t cut on a dime when running routes and he isn’t known for flashy one-handed catches. But he always finds a way to get it done. He is a smooth operator who understands leverage and weak spots in the defense. He is incredible with the ball in his hands and can truly score from anywhere on the field. Adding him across from Parker would be an absolute dream for the young quarterback, Tagovailoa.