Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, standing at 6 feet and weighing 170 pounds, defies the typical mold of an NFL receiver, yet his “slim reaper” physique hasn’t hindered his rise as one of the league’s top talents.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor highlights this uniqueness, stating he won’t compare Smith to any other receiver in the NFL. A former 10th overall pick from Alabama in 2021, Smith has quickly become a key player for the Eagles and a primary target for quarterback Jalen Hurts, alongside A.J. Brown.
In five games this season, Smith has recorded 25 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns, although he missed one game due to a concussion.
His targets were lower in the Eagles’ recent 28-3 victory over the New York Giants, where the team leaned on Saquon Barkley and the run game, but Smith is expected to see more opportunities against the Bengals. Cincinnati has been more effective at stopping the run than defending against the pass this season.
Fans can watch Smith in action against the Bengals this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
“Devonta Smith is Devonta Smith,” Taylor said before the Bengals’ Week 8 matchup with the Eagles. “He’s one of the most competitive players you’ll ever see. If you take away the measurables, he shows tremendous speed, plays physically, is strong at the catch point, and finishes plays. His evaluation coming out was impressive, and he’s proven himself in the league.
“I don’t want to categorize him with other players of similar size and weight because he plays in a way that defies initial expectations based on his measurables. He’s a tremendous player and commands a lot of respect.”