NFL Notebook, Week 4: Quarterback roulette, worst teams, weekly awards
By Zach Cohen
![LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks on the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks on the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2cf84ebf60d7dc6903e17876e4de3ea52f20449e97ddbbee537dda8c500c34ef.jpg)
Draft Spotlight
Every week, I’ll dissect a college football player who recently grabbed the spotlight and what his future holds in the NFL. This week, I’ll be looking at one the receivers in college football’s deepest receiving corps, perhaps the player at the bottom of that pecking order.
Who: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
What Works
- Height (6-1)
- Route running
- Footwork
- Vertical
- Vision
- Acceleration
- Strong hands
- Decision-making
- Ball tracking skills
- Ball skills
- Run-After-Catch ability
What Needs Work
- Weight (175 pounds)
- Power
- Sometimes catches with body instead of hands
- Needs more weight
- Is he just an average player in a good offense?
- Blocking
The Scout’s Opinion
"“Smith is not an elite 2020 NFL Draft prospect like Jeudy and Ruggs, but this is the kind of performance that should get him squarely on the radar. There are a lot of mouths to feed in this Alabama offense, but Smith is proving himself as a player who needs to consistently be involved.” – Dan Schmelzer, NFL Mocks"
DeVonta Smith had an unforgettable day for Bama:
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 28, 2019
🔥 11 catches for 274 yards
🔥 5 TDs (single-game school record)
🔥 Passed Amari Cooper for most receiving yards in single game at Bama
WILD. pic.twitter.com/zTFuzc4ikW
Outlook: Smith isn’t as talented as his Alabama teammates, but he has the skill-set to carve out an important role in NFL offenses.
Early Projection: Day 2 selection