2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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DeVonta Smith (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Philadelphia Eagles pick DeVonta Smith, compares to Randy Moss

The criticism of wide receiver DeVonta Smith was getting louder and louder. Sure he dominated the college football world this past season, taking home the Heisman and playing a major role in winning the National Championship with Alabama but his slender six foot one frame isn’t equipped to deal with the pounding at the next level.

Another player who heard similar critiques is Hall of Famer Randy Moss. At six foot four inches and 205 pounds, Moss carried roughly 30 more pounds than Smith but still, he was considered extremely small from a weight standpoint for the position. All Moss did was go on to wreck the league for over a decade. Much like Smith, Moss put up incredible numbers in college.

In his final year at Marshall, Moss hauled in 26 touchdown passes and 1,820 yards. Smith, to his credit, pulled in 23 touchdowns and 1,856 yards. In terms of flat out speed, it’s a coin flip between the pair. Moss was timed officially at 4.25 during his 1998 NFL Combine 40 yard dash, while Smith missed him by a hair, timing at 4.27.

Point the finger at DeVonta Smith’s size all you want. If Smith goes to the right situation, he could end up donning a gold jacket himself at the end of his career.

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