Sean Payton speaks on DeVonta Smith: “He was our top receiver by far”

Victor Williams
November 19, 2021
Eagles
1 Comment

Rookie WR DeVonta Smith has already made his mark on the league just 10 games into his career.

Ahead of the Eagles vs. Saints matchup this Sunday, Sean Payton was asked about what he remembered about the Heisman winner during their scouting process last offseason:

Sean Payton said DeVonta Smith was the Saints top rated receiver “by far” in the draft

“A group of us were there for the pro day, was really impressive. He's an impressive guy talking with him, smart. He's a exceptional route runner.”
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) November 19, 2021

Payton stating that DeVonta Smith was their top-graded receiver in the draft is high praise, considering last year’s class included Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle.

Smith and former Alabama teammate Jalen Hurts have seemingly caught fire the last two weeks, connecting on 9 passes for 182 yards and 3 TDs.

Their relationship has always been strong dating back to their college days and it’s beginning to translate on the field:

.@DeVontaSmith_6 and @JalenHurts are as tight off the field as they are on the field 🤝

No wonder their chemistry is 📈 pic.twitter.com/fXg8zx7E59
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 18, 2021

DeVonta Smith currently ranks second amongst rookie WRs in receiving yards behind only Ja’Marr Chase and has already surpassed last year’s leading receiver for the Eagles through ten games:

	DeVonta Smith	Travis Fulgham (2020)
Receptions	42	38
Yards	603	539
TDs	4	4
Yards/Catch	14.4	14.2

Smith is on pace to be the first 1000+ yard receiver for the Eagles since Jeremy Maclin in 2014.

Great coverage by Surtain, just a better play by DeVonta Smith.

3rd TD of the season for the birthday boy. pic.twitter.com/7fPzLgmk5X
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) November 14, 2021

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