By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia Eagles needed a playmaker at the wide receiver position. They did not address it during free agency. Largely because they were cash strapped after trading away Carson Wentz. However, during the 2021 NFL Draft the Eagles picked Receiver DeVonta Smith to strengthen a weak wide-receiver core. He might be the gamechanger they needed.

The Eagles shocked a lot of people last month when they traded down six spots. Many people wondered what Howie Roseman the Executive Vice-President of the Eagles was thinking. They believed he misread the board. Roseman does not have a great drafting record. He just traded away the last pro bowler he picked that being Wentz. With many people saying this draft could be job breaking for him. He made the best decision he could which was trade up two spots with the Dallas Cowboys to get Smith.

Smith is the first Alabama player the Eagles have drafted since 2002. He is a possession receiver who plays bigger than he is. If you watch his highlight reel you will see a receiver with speed who can also go up and get the ball. He caught 23 touchdown passes this season and he is a great route runner. He was the 2020-21 Heisman trophy winner and one of the best receivers in the country.

On his skill set, “We feel he can be a difference maker on and off the field for us,” said Roseman.

The addition of Smith reunites him with his college quarterback Jalen Hurts. Giving him a familiar weapon can only help the Eagles. If his hops can translate to the next level, he will be a dynamic weapon in Philadelphia for years to come. The multi-talented weapon that could solve Philly’s offensive problems.

On what he requires from his Receivers, “The major requirement of the (WR) position is to catch the football right? Thats the major requirement! You got to be able to do that and he does that extremely well,” said Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni.