From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#6 DeVonta Smith/ WR / Alabama – 6’0 2/8”, 170lb
The Good
-Has been deployed as a boundary receiver and also in the slot
-Has good long speed and accelerates well after the catch in the open field
-Explodes off the line from his stance and gets on top of the corner in a hurry with his long strides
-Has a good feel for getting on top of the DBs toes and stacking them on deep routes
-Utilizes the quick jab step on route concepts to get separation from defenders
-Can run the whole route tree and be utilized in the screen game, in intermediate crossers, and vertically on the deep ball
-Good foot quickness and can cut back very well in open space
-Slippery runner after the catch that can make people miss
-Has shown ability to make contested catches while taking a big shot from defenders
-Can make back-shoulder catches and seems to adjust well to the ball in the air
-Footwork makes him dangerous on double moves
-Willing to throw his body on the line to make a play
-Comes up with the biggest catches in the biggest moments
-Plays stronger than his listed size and is willing to take a hit/throw a block
-Has good contact balance as a runner and can bounce off of wimpy tackles
-Proved he can contribute on special teams as a returner after the injury suffered to Jaylen Waddle freed up that role
-Dominated the nation in his final season and led in nearly every statistical category in 2019 with three other potential 1st round receivers seeing play time
-Often faced the opposing team’s #1 cover man and would often draw safety help, freeing up teammates underneath and over the middle
The Bad
-Has average length but a frail frame for the position
-May not be the best option returning kick and punts at the next level due to his thin frame
-Size brings into question how he will handle press coverage vs NFL CBs/durability
Bio
-Senior prospect from Amite, Louisiana
-Highly touted five-star recruit at receiver in HS who chose the Tide over home state LSU
-Recorded eight catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman and contributed on special teams coverage units
-Hauled in 693 yards on 42 catches and six touchdowns as a sophomore in 13 games played
-Started 13 games as a junior and recorded 68 catches for 1256 yards and 14 TDs
-Exploded in his final season, playing in 13 games and recorded 117 catches for 1856 yards and 23 TDs along with a rushing TD and a punt return TD
-Sidelined with a dislocated finger in the 2020 National Championship Game after recording 12 receptions for 215 yards and three scores in the first half
-Second team All-American in 2019, All-SEC First Team in 2019, first team All-America in 2020, first team All-SEC in 2020, Heisman Trophy winner in 2020, named 2020 Player of the Year, Biletnikoff Award winner in 2020, 2-Time National Champion
-One of the Crimson Tide’s permanent team captains for the 2020 season
Tape Breakdown
DeVonta Smith burst onto the scene as a true freshman in the biggest game of the year, catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the National Championship game vs Georgia.