Senior Bowl 2021: 5 Offensive NFL Draft prospects NY Giants should scout
DeVonta Smith – WR, Alabama
Size: 6-1, 175 pounds
Career Stats: 235 receptions, 3,965 yards, and 46 receiving touchdowns.
Round Projection: 1st Round, likely top-16 pick
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been defying the odds and his expectations ever since he came to Tuscaloosa.
Smith first became an Alabama legend when he caught the game-winning touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 CFP National Championship game. His game-ending catch in overtime instantly turned him into a household name.
Smith spent his entire college career at Tuscaloosa playing alongside three other first-round picks in Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and his 2021 Draft partner, Jaylen Waddle.
Smith put up 68 receptions for 1,256 yards, and 14 touchdowns as a junior in 2019. That is impressive enough in the SEC but he saved his best for last in 2020.
The senior exploded, and absolutely dominated the SEC competition this season. DeVonta went off for 117 catches for 1,856 yards, and 23 touchdowns while putting together the most impressive season by an SEC receiver ever.
His legendary season culminated in another national championship where he again was the showstopper. DeVonta destroyed the Ohio State defense and went off for 12 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Oh, and he did that in only one half of action.
DeVonta Smith deservingly won the NCAA Heisman Award, the first receiver to do so since Desmond Howard in 1991.
Smith must be one of the NY Giants top targets at #11 overall if he falls out of the top ten. If he does, the team’s decision-makers need to seriously consider pulling the trigger on the Heisman winner at No. 11 overall.
Smith injured his thumb in the CFP National Championship and sat out the entire second half. He will not participate in any on the field drills in the Senior Bowl this week but will interview with several teams drooling over the prospects of adding him to their offense. Smith’s speed is undeniable but his skinny frame will be a question mark for some NFL teams.