Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith’s versatility key to his scheme fit
Despite drafting a wide receiver in the first round in 2020, the Philadelphia Eagles went right back to it in the 2021 NFL Draft, moving up two spots with division rival Dallas to select Alabama standout and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.
The move obviously signifies that the Eagles still are looking for a true “X” receiver and a true WR1 in the offense. It doesn’t mean that guys like Travis Fulgham, Jalen Reagor, and the other speedsters drafted last year won’t get time.
What it does mean is that the Philadelphia Eagles value something in Smith’s game that makes him invaluable: his versatility.
There won’t be a dramatic shift in scheme from the principles implemented. New Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni worked under Frank Reich in Indianapolis, who of course worked under Doug Pederson in Philly.
While that shift won’t be massive, there is something that Sirianni harped on in his opening presser that hits home the most regarding Smith’s skill set. Sirianni talked about “getting the ball to our players within five yards of the line of scrimmage, get the ball to our players running”. Giving the receiver room a chance to make plays quickly after the catch will benefit all, but especially Smith.
Smith was used in a lot of quick designs last season with Steve Sarkisian running the show. They got creative with bubble and wide receiver screens, while also using some pre-snap motion to get Smith the ball so he could create after the catch with his sufficient straight line speed and his urgency to get downhill.
This isn’t to say that Sirianni won’t trust Smith to separate quickly in the passing game and at every level of the field. Smith can do that and will do that in his rookie season. But, building on what Sarkisian did last season will be important, not only for the offense, but for a young quarterback in Jalen Hurts, will mean everything for his development.
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The Philadelphia Eagles got a very good player in Devonta Smith, and he can be great because of how he fits in the scheme and what he can do for a young quarterback.