DeVonta Smith Has Always Had Elite WR1 Traits—Now He May Finally Be Ready to Take Over

When people talk about the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, the conversation usually begins with Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, or A.J. Brown. Yet one player continues to thrive without demanding the spotlight. DeVonta Smith has quietly built one of the most consistent careers of any wide receiver from the 2021 draft class, and there is a growing belief around the NFL that his biggest season has yet to come.

Smith has never been the loudest personality or the most physically imposing receiver. At roughly 170 pounds, he entered the league with questions about whether his slender frame could withstand the punishment of NFL defenses. Five seasons later, those concerns have largely disappeared. Instead of being remembered for his size, Smith has become known for precision, intelligence, and relentless consistency.

Every year, he finds ways to produce regardless of defensive attention, offensive adjustments, or changing circumstances.

That consistency is exactly why many analysts believe he possesses true WR1 ability.

The challenge is that Smith has spent most of his career sharing the field with another elite receiver in A.J. Brown. Brown deserves every bit of recognition he receives. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness makes him one of football’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Naturally, opposing defenses devote enormous resources to slowing him down.

Ironically, Brown’s presence has often prevented Smith from receiving the national recognition he deserves.

Instead of being viewed as a franchise’s unquestioned No. 1 receiver, Smith is frequently labeled as one of the league’s best No. 2 options.

But that description may undersell just how talented he really is.

If Smith were the featured receiver on many NFL teams, few would question his ability to handle WR1 responsibilities.

His route running is among the cleanest in professional football. Defensive backs consistently praise how difficult it is to anticipate his breaks because every movement looks identical until the final step. He wastes almost no motion, creating separation through technique rather than overwhelming athleticism.

That skill translates against every type of coverage.

Whether facing man coverage from elite corners or navigating crowded zones, Smith consistently finds open space. Quarterbacks love receivers they can trust, and Smith has become exactly that for Jalen Hurts.

His hands are equally impressive.

Smith rarely drops routine passes and has repeatedly delivered in high-pressure moments. Third downs, red-zone situations, playoff games—it rarely seems too big for him. Throughout his NFL career, he has shown remarkable concentration while making contested catches despite often giving up significant size to opposing defensive backs.

Then there is his football IQ.

Smith doesn’t simply run assigned routes. He understands coverages, adjusts his positioning, and works with Hurts to exploit defensive weaknesses. That chemistry has developed over multiple seasons, making the Eagles’ passing attack far more efficient.

Perhaps Smith’s greatest strength is his versatility.

He can line up outside or in the slot. He can stretch defenses vertically, attack intermediate windows, or serve as a reliable possession receiver underneath. Offensive coordinators value players who create matchup problems without limiting the playbook, and Smith checks every box.

His blocking often goes unnoticed as well.

Despite weighing less than many NFL cornerbacks, Smith consistently competes as a blocker. Eagles coaches have repeatedly praised his willingness to do the dirty work that rarely appears on highlight reels. Those efforts reflect the team-first mentality that has made him one of the most respected players inside Philadelphia’s locker room.

Statistics alone don’t always capture Smith’s value.

Sharing targets naturally limits individual numbers. On many teams, Smith might receive 160 or more targets in a season. In Philadelphia, he willingly sacrifices personal statistics because the offense is built around spreading the football to multiple playmakers.

That sacrifice has helped the Eagles maintain one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.

Still, there are signs that Smith’s role could continue expanding.

As defenses increasingly focus on containing Brown and slowing down the running game, opportunities naturally emerge elsewhere. Smith has repeatedly demonstrated that he can punish defenses whenever they shift too much attention toward his teammates.

That balance makes Philadelphia incredibly difficult to defend.

Take away Brown, and Smith can dominate.

Focus on Smith, and Brown becomes nearly unstoppable.

Commit extra defenders to both receivers, and the Eagles have dangerous options in the running game or at tight end.

For opposing defensive coordinators, there are simply no easy answers.

Beyond his physical abilities, Smith also brings championship experience. He won a national championship at Alabama, captured the Heisman Trophy as a wide receiver—an extraordinarily rare accomplishment—and has played meaningful football throughout both college and the NFL.

Pressure doesn’t seem to affect him.

Big moments often bring out his best performances.

That experience matters for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Leadership is another area where Smith has quietly grown. While he may not command attention through fiery speeches, teammates consistently describe him as a professional who leads through preparation, consistency, and accountability. Younger players naturally gravitate toward veterans who demonstrate excellence every day, and Smith has become exactly that type of influence.

As another season approaches, expectations remain high for Philadelphia’s offense.

Most discussions will revolve around Hurts, Brown, and the Eagles’ championship hopes.

But don’t overlook No. 6.

DeVonta Smith has spent years proving he belongs among the NFL’s elite receivers. His route running is elite. His hands are dependable. His football intelligence is exceptional. His consistency speaks for itself.

The only thing missing from the national conversation may be the opportunity to fully showcase everything he can do.

If that opportunity comes this season, the rest of the NFL could finally realize what Eagles fans have believed all along.

DeVonta Smith hasn’t suddenly developed WR1 talent.

He’s had it from the very beginning.

Now, he may finally be ready to show the entire league just how dominant a true WR1 can be.