DeVonta Smith: A Standout Talent Poised for Continued Success
DeVonta Smith has established himself as a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps. Fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith's trajectory only seems to be rising. His performance in the Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of spectacular, with his position coach Aaron Moorhead lauding both his consistency and commitment to excellence.
Smith's camp performances have drawn rave reviews from Moorhead, who notes, "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." Such high praise speaks volumes about Smith's dedication and skill level, as his efforts are clearly visible to those closely scrutinizing his plays.
A key driver of Smith's progression has been his relentless pursuit of improvement. The wide receiver himself acknowledges the importance of evolving his football acumen, saying, "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." This mindset underscores his desire not just to maintain, but to elevate his game continually.
Smith's approach to his responsibilities on the field is deeply rooted in his attention to detail and persistence. He sets high standards for himself, focusing on achieving excellence even in scenarios where he might not directly impact the game. "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," he explains. This commitment to doing his job, no matter the circumstances, is a testament to his professional maturity.
Moorhead has observed this meticulousness in Smith's training. "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," he notes. This evaluation highlights Smith's ongoing quest to refine his techniques and capitalize on every opportunity, a pursuit that Moorhead greatly appreciates.
The relationship between Smith and Moorhead appears to be a productive one, fostering both individual and team growth. Moorhead appreciates Smith's ability to execute routine plays with precision, which he believes is critical for consistent success. "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," he says, emphasizing the significance of fundamental skills in their training regimen.
Smith’s achievements in his first three NFL seasons have been nothing short of historic for the franchise. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, he has set a high bar for future Eagles receivers. This remarkable feat highlights his consistency and ability to perform at an elite level right from the start of his professional career.
The dedication and hard work have paid off for Smith in more ways than one. He recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, further cementing his status as a critical asset to the team. Yet, despite his success, Smith maintains a humble perspective. "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," he says, illustrating his continual drive to enhance his performance.
As the season approaches, Smith remains a player to watch. His blend of talent, work ethic, and professional approach promises to bring more highlights and successes. With a supportive coaching staff and a keen self-awareness, DeVonta Smith seems prepared to add even more accolades to his already impressive career.