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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 12: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 18-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts #1 (not pictured) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

2021 Stats:

  • 64 Receptions
  • 916 Yards
  • 5 TDs

The No. 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft originally belonged to the Dallas Cowboys who made an unexpected move as they traded their selection to a divisional rival. In exchange for a third-round pick, the Cowboys dropped down to No. 12 and the Eagles were able to get ahead of the New York Giants — who originally had the No. 11 pick — to make sure they could get Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

Philadelphia had just taken Jalen Reagor the season before but he didn’t look to be a No. 1 target as they hoped he would — and didn’t take any real steps forward in 2021 either. As for Smith, he looked the part as a rookie and finally gave the Eagles a receiver they could depend on.

Smith had 64 receptions for 916 yards and while he didn’t put up the same kind of numbers that Ja’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle did, he still was a highly productive player who should only get better.

Like his former teammate, Waddle, the one factor that’s still up in the air is the play of the quarterback. Jalen Hurts was solid in 2021 but he still needs to take a step forward as a passer and if he does, Smith should be an even more impactful player going forward.

Grade: B

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