DeVonta Smith right at home as first NFL catch goes for TD

In his NFL debut, Eagles first-round pick DeVonta Smith looked right at home as his first NFL reception went for six points.

DeVonta Smith was unstoppable last year at Alabama. En route to the Heisman Trophy, the wide receiver had an unreal 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. That’s why the Philadelphia Eagles felt comfortable taking the rookie known as the “Slim Reaper” as a top-10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

No one is expecting him to put up those numbers in the NFL but the Eagles are expecting big things. And it feels safe to say that things got off to a good start for the rookie wide receiver.

On Philadelphia’s first drive of the game, Jalen Hurts helped his offense march down the field and get into the red zone. Then, from 18 yards out, Nick Sirianni sent Smith on a gorgeous route to the pylon on the left side. Hurts hit him on the money for his first NFL reception and touchdown.

DeVonta Smith already looking the part of a first-rounder for the Eagles offense.

Coming out of college, DeVonta Smith was praised endlessly for his route-running ability to go with his physical tools. We saw every bit of that against the Falcons on that first drive and especially the touchdown grab.

For an Eagles team that was largely devoid of passing game weapons last season, Smith is a breath of fresh air. Not only that, but his presence helps open up the rest of the field for Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins.

How all of these players ultimately blend together to form a functional offense under a first-year head coach remains to be seen. But considering that Smith started his career with one catch, one touchdown, it feels safe to say that the Eagles got things off to a swimming start.