DeVonta Smith: The Ascent of an Eagles Star
When DeVonta Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, fans had high expectations. Three seasons later, Smith has not only met those expectations but soared past them, cementing his status as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith's trajectory maintains a sky-high climb, and this year's training camp has been a testament to his continued growth and dedication.
Under the meticulous guidance of Aaron Moorhead, his position coach, Smith is sharpening his already impressive skills. Moorhead's assessment of Smith’s recent performance leaves no room for doubt. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him. His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft," Moorhead said. This endorsement speaks volumes, especially considering Smith's consistent excellence in previous seasons.
Smith’s accomplishments are remarkable. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, he has etched his name into Eagles' history as the most productive receiver at this stage of a career. But resting on laurels is not in Smith's playbook. The wide receiver is a staunch believer in self-improvement, constantly seeking ways to elevate his game. "There's always room for improvement. Every year, you're gonna find something new that you're going to want to put in the toolbox," Smith asserted.
One area Smith is focused on is his football IQ and situational awareness. The ability to quickly adapt and make smart decisions during high-pressure moments is crucial in the fast-paced environment of the NFL. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on. There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ," Smith explained.
Smith’s dedication to refining his craft is evident not only in his commitment to complex strategies but also in his attention to routine plays. According to Moorhead, it’s the execution of these everyday tasks that can separate great players from merely good ones. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things, and just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that," Moorhead said.
Smith's perspectives align with Moorhead’s. He understands the significance of doing the little things right, even if the ball doesn't always find him. "Making sure I'm doing my job. If I'm open and the ball doesn't come to me, for me, that's a plus because at the end of the day I still did my job. I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape," Smith stated.
It’s this mindset that propels Smith forward. His commitment goes beyond natural talent; it's embedded in a relentless drive to optimize every opportunity. "Just doing the routine things. The plays that I left on the field, there were routine things that I wasn't doing. Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play," Moorhead affirmed.
The chemistry between Smith and Moorhead is palpable, and it's clear how much the wide receiver benefits from his coach's insights and feedback. Moorhead’s confidence in his receiving corps adds another layer of expectation and motivation. "I have great receivers," Moorhead declared, a simple yet powerful statement reflecting the high standards within the team.
Smith's journey is also marked by the financial vote of confidence from the Eagles organization. His recent contract extension, worth $25 million per year, underscores the faith the team has in his abilities and his potential for continued growth. For Smith, this is both a reward and a challenge, spurring him to further justify such investment.
As the new NFL season looms, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith. With his high standards, unwavering commitment to improvement, and the full support of his team and coaches, Smith is poised to deliver another stellar performance. Regardless of the immediate outcomes, his journey is a masterclass in professional evolution, providing valuable lessons in perseverance, skill mastery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.