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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) /
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 28: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception against Jaylon Jones #31 of the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 28: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pulls in this reception against Jaylon Jones #31 of the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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"

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

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