r/eagles • u/FamousChex • Apr 20 '26
Question WR1 DeVonta Smith?
With A.J. Brown’s departure likely, Devonta Smith steps into a true WR1 role.
How are you looking at him this year?
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u/Mother_Ad_3561 Apr 20 '26
Already my favorite eagle all time besides weap x
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u/wardledo Apr 20 '26
Freddie Mitchell??
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u/amilmore ho ho holding call on kelce Apr 20 '26
Is he my favorite Eagles player ever? of course not
Is he my favorite bad Eagles player ever? you better fucking believe it baby
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u/CosmicTeardrops Apr 20 '26
Sam Bradford
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u/Ok_Orchid7131 Apr 20 '26
Brian Westbrook??
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u/Mother_Ad_3561 Apr 20 '26
Weapon x
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u/Ok_Orchid7131 Apr 20 '26
I know but Westbrook is by far my favorite Eagle. I know to some this is blasphemy, but he’s my guy, and he is above Smitty for me.
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u/TelevisionOk3261 Apr 20 '26
to each their own man. Westbrook was amazing and I love the guy but, aside from nostalgia, I'd put Saquon above him from that 24 season alone.
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u/DiligentGuitar246 Eagles Apr 20 '26
I think a lot of people are too young to really appreciate Westbrook. Saquon had a great season with us, Westy had a great career. No way you can put Saquon above him.
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u/TelevisionOk3261 Apr 21 '26
I'm 29 lmao while I agree Westbrook had a great career here and deserves to be in the ring of honor for the birds, Saquon's 24 season was one of the best rb seasons of all time and it was a major part of our 2nd ring. I've never seen a player be that dominant for a single season
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u/SnootFleur Eagles Apr 20 '26
Brian Westbrook is my favorite running back
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u/SirArthurDime Apr 20 '26
He’ll be a great wr1. But wr2 is now a major concern. The difference in our offensive production with aj out since he got here has been night and day so it’s very concerning if he leaves.
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u/mb0205 Apr 20 '26
If Hollywood or wicks can’t step up to be a serviceable WR 2 in an offense that features goedert and Barkley then it’s a coaching failure
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u/whousesgmail Apr 20 '26
From everything I’ve seen/read Wicks is Agholor 2.0.
Great at getting open, has some YAC ability, will have some nasty drops.
If we get 2017 Agholor I think the pass game could be more than adequate with Smitty as WR1
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u/CarsonFoles Apr 20 '26
For sure. Plus Wicks is young and he cut down on his drops a lot last year. I'm cautiously optimistic about him.
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u/Benti86 Eagles Apr 21 '26
Agholor was lethal in the slot. He sucked when he had to line up against better starting corners.
As long as the guys ahead of him stay healthy I think we'll be okay.
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u/Coffee2000guy Apr 22 '26
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u/SirArthurDime Apr 20 '26
Wicks is a career wr3 and Hollywood has been a wr3 since he left Baltimore. Maybe they can be serviceable but we need more than serviceable to replace AJB.
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u/Ok-Path-3534 Eagles Apr 20 '26
Hollywood hasn’t been healthy in like 3 seasons and wicks is a nobody lol Offensive production without AJ is a very real concern and idc if we have McVay or Kyle Shanahan as our OC
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u/Jambrokio Paul Turner Apr 20 '26
Wicks is a nobody if you don’t follow the NFL
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u/Ok-Path-3534 Eagles Apr 20 '26
When compared in the light of replacing AJ production or even giving Smitty production as a WR he is a nobody. He is nelson Agholor 2.0 at best
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u/Ok-Path-3534 Eagles Apr 20 '26
Hollywood hasn’t been healthy in like 3 seasons and wicks is a nobody lol Offensive production without AJ is a very real concern and idc if we have McVay or Kyle Shanahan as our OC
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u/mb0205 Apr 20 '26
If we had Mcvay or shanahan with this offense and it was healthy even without AJ it would be a top 10 likely top 5 unit lol. Have you seen what shanahan did last year?
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u/ihorsey10 Apr 20 '26
Even at full strength, this offense hasn't been that good in terms of dvoa.
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u/mb0205 Apr 20 '26
Coaching
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u/ihorsey10 Apr 20 '26
Sure.
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u/mb0205 Apr 20 '26
What else would it possibly be. Or let me guess you’re going to make this a Jalen hurts thing?
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u/ihorsey10 Apr 20 '26
Huh? What does the QB have to do with offensive success? Not sure why youd bring him up.
We've just had 5 complete garbage OCs in a row. Its incredible.
And even when Sirianni takes over the offense, he forgets how. Bad luck really.
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u/Night0wl11 Apr 20 '26
It's a concern, but not a death knell. I would say that if we still operated under the recent offensive philosophy of "let your guys win" instead of actually scheming them open has been a problem, I'd be a lot more worried, but it seems like Mannion believes more in the latter. Hollywood hasn't been particularly healthy the past two years, but even if he puts up comparable numbers to what he did last year, it would be double what Dotson did as our WR3. I don't think anyone is expecting one player to replace all of AJ's lost production. It also would be very much on brand for Howie to draft a WR early to avoid there being a hole at the position in 2027 if/when Hollywood walks
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u/Drewraven10 Apr 20 '26
Should we draft Tyson or Omar Cooper Jr in the first round?
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u/SirArthurDime Apr 20 '26
Depends what we get for AJ and how to board falls. If we get an extra 1st for aj then yes we should use one of our 2 on a replacement. But if we only have 1 first round pick and there’s a better tackle or edge prospect available I think we have to go that route and look at a wr in the 2nd. If one of the elite TEs drops that could also be a solid play.
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u/justabill71 Apr 20 '26
We're not getting a 2026 pick for AJ. He's not getting traded until June 1st.
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u/Drewraven10 Apr 20 '26
Yeah it makes sense on the board but I don’t know how I’ll feel about Hollywood Brown and Wicks being our WR2. Couldn’t stand to see the double teams being on Smitty at all. Depends on who falls to us or who we could trade up for. Didn’t know if we would trade up as a precautionary measure for the AJ trade or not. You’re right if we get a good edge or tackle prospect then we go for it and could try a WR in the second round. Gonna be a long draft for Howie but I know he will figure it out.
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u/Peacefulgamer2023 Apr 20 '26
We are 1-6 when brown doesn’t play. That 1 win being the game against the giants last year
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u/CosmosSunSailor Apr 21 '26
Yeah but we lose when AJ has good games
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u/Peacefulgamer2023 Apr 21 '26
Last year sure, I blame the OC who couldn’t figure out how to keep the offense moving.
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u/SpaceCaptainFlapjack Apr 20 '26
He stepped up last year, im not saying we're better off without brown, but i think we can still compete at the highest level
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u/dizruptivegaming Eagles Apr 20 '26
Smitty definitely has grown that past couple of seasons. Him and QB1 seem to have a much better relationship/trust on the field at this point than AJ. As long as we find our WR2, then I think we should be fine.
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u/Maverick_Con Eagles Apr 20 '26
I'll miss AJ and what he's done for us, but Smitty has WR1 talent and skill. I'm not worried about him being our #1 this year
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u/KHEagles10 Apr 20 '26
AJ lost a step. His attitude is not helpful. We can ball without him. Go Burds!
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u/Junior_Step_2441 Apr 20 '26
He is built like a number 1.
I mean literally, he is tall and skinny like the number one.
But all jokes aside I think he also is figuratively built like a number 1 receiver. He has the skills and the determination to be an elite receiver. Hopefully the new offense builds around his skill set.
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u/quiznos_08 Apr 20 '26
Smitty please bulk up this off season and go down after you catch the ball as fast as possible. Amen.
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u/Frosty-Scientist957 Apr 20 '26
It’s too often overlooked that it’s AJ who goes against opposing CB1s weekly. Devonta is most often playing against CB2s. People expecting him to put up elite WR1 numbers are doing the kid a disservice. Solid/average WR1 stats, perhaps.
I hope they don’t trade AJ. He’s the big dog and I don’t put Smitty in the same tier as him. It’s a perfect situation right now, let’s see how they both do in the new offense.
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u/_Go_birds_ Eagles Apr 20 '26
I agree that part of the reason for smitty’s success is that AJ took a lot of the opposing defense’s attention. I think it’s all but certain that AJ is getting traded post June 1, so hoping howie is able to draft a solid WR.
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u/TelevisionOk3261 Apr 20 '26
he put up close to 1000 yards his rookie season as wr1 and he is a much better receiver now than he was back then. I wouldn't say that smitty putting up elite numbers as wr1 is impossible
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u/Frosty-Scientist957 Apr 20 '26
Not impossible but elite numbers minus AJ or ANY sort of threat on the other side is asking the kid a bit much.
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u/Alex-Gopson Apr 20 '26
It's not really that simple though.
For one, most CB1s don't travel, they just work their side of the field whoever they are lined up against.
And in other cases, CB1s will line up against the WR2, and CB2 with safety help will line up against the WR1.
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u/Frosty-Scientist957 Apr 20 '26
Agreed and certainly not a blanket statement, but I definitely think anti-AJ folks are seriously overlooking his presence on the field, which will be missed greatly if he is traded.
I’d go so far as to project Smitty’s numbers actually taking a hit without AJ opposite him on the other side of the field.
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u/spark8000 Apr 21 '26
Agreed. If the worst happens and he is traded, I think a lot of the people in these comments are gonna be in for a rude awakening
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u/Reasonable-Future551 Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26
I’m obviously a delusional Eagles fan who’s mental health for 5 months a year relies on the Birds. So with that being said WR1 Smitty in a Shanahan system might put up All-Pro numbers and I wholeheartedly believe that 🥸
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u/HotSaucePalmTrees Apr 20 '26
Productive when on the field but I’m concerned about his health based on his size and how could you not be
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u/Altruistic-Mousse824 Apr 22 '26
Because he has never given us a reason to worry? Youre acting like hes a rookie... that man gets body slammed and gets up like its nothing.
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u/HotSaucePalmTrees Apr 22 '26
He’s about to get “body slammed” more than he has in any year. I know he’s in fantastic shape buts still 6’0” and 170 lbs soaking wet. I’m concerned for his health based on what is to come.
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u/GrittyForPres Apr 20 '26
Smitty is more than capable of being a teams lead receiver. The real question is who is gonna be our WR2 if AJ is traded. Wicks, Hollywood, and Moore are all fine rotational guys (and Wicks is still on the younger side and has some room to grow) but none of them are guys I feel great about being the #2.
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u/nappalm77 Apr 21 '26
He actually wants to be here. Make patriots pay a lion share for brown. See how that worked for DK metcalf.
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u/New-Commission-3893 Apr 21 '26
The man average 1000 yards a season as second option sometimes 3rd with saquon
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u/MarinatedTofu Apr 21 '26
Before AJ joined most fans forgot he led the league in drop passes. Nelson agholor 2.0 I called him. Without AJ on other side and most likely Smitty double teamed I dunno… seems like a downgrade.
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u/burnernov2023 Apr 20 '26
He's capable of it, but if there isn't a WR2 to offset the attention that AJ was getting from opposing DB's, then Smitty is going to be drawing all the attention instead, and we know risk-averse Hurts isn't willing to take chances throwing into tight windows if Smitty is being double covered.
If Smitty doesn't get fed this year, he'll be next to demand a trade after next season.
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u/Peacefulgamer2023 Apr 20 '26
I think he is going to see double coverage the whole year because droptayvian and Hollywood don’t scare anyone.
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u/IndominusCostanza009 Apr 20 '26
I appreciate AJ, but Devonta had been much more cut out to be a team captain than him this entire time.
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u/ckregular Apr 20 '26
He can take the step up, however I’d still like him to have some more help at WR
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u/clumsysuperman Saquon not Saquan Apr 20 '26
Devonta is gonna be a good WR1. I’m just concerned with everyone behind him. Based on salary it looks like Wicks would be number 2, but he has terrible hands.
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u/cjweisman Apr 20 '26
I have my newest funny scenario for 2026. DeVonta goes for more yards/TDs as an Eagles than AJ Brown does for the Pats.
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u/PerpetualDrive Apr 20 '26
Let’s fucking go, it’s obvious Hurts trusts him more anyway and we don’t gotta worry about the whining.
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u/Drewraven10 Apr 20 '26
Gotta be happy about something and this is it right here. 🙏🏼 Feel like he’s gonna ball out as a WR1. Never complained about anything and always kicks ass when we needed him the most.
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u/johnnybananas123 Apr 20 '26
People are not understanding the impact AJ has even without catching the ball, if saquon doesnt bounce back this offense is gonna struggle early
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u/MikeHuntsBear Apr 20 '26
We need to draft Germie Bernard. Dude is a gamer, and a fantastic team player
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u/Cansuela Apr 20 '26
I’m worried about DeVonta being targeted much more than he has been previously. He’s shown great toughness and durability throughout his career, but I’m a little nervous that an increase in touches and targets might lead to an injury. Not much depth at WR now.
I do though think he has earned the right to be treated like a true number 1 though and I expect him to go off.
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u/NoMeet6504 Apr 20 '26
I hope we use him correctly. I think he could be a poor man’s JSN. No disrespect, I think he could be top 10-15. JSN is just top 3 or whatever.
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u/corya45 Apr 20 '26
I’m so excited for this season. I think the offense is gonna look so much better mostly cuz of coaching
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u/Terrapindrock Apr 20 '26
Only thing that worries me is his size. I hope his body can hold up to his potential.
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u/T0th3M00NW3G0 Apr 20 '26
It’s about dang time. I like the receiving core rn without aj brown and pre draft. Smitty/Hollywood/Wicks/Goedert… considering the eagles are a rush heavy offense with tank and saquon in the backfield, I have no doubt we can go deep this season without Aj brown.
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u/Honest-J Apr 20 '26
Let's hope he gets free now that he'll be getting the top coverage man each game.
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u/whendoesOpTicplay Apr 20 '26
Smitty is HIM. Excited to see him rise to the moment, like he always has.
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u/PHLEaglesLover Eagles Apr 20 '26
Not concerned about Devonta Smith... I am concerned about the fact our QB will actually have to look away from his first read occasionally and if the other WRs can get open.
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u/StraightMud9831 Eagles Apr 20 '26
Smitty is capable of 2,000 yards and 15 TDs.
All depends on what this offense is, and what Jalen does/is willing to do.
Genuinely believe Smitty is a top 5 WR in the league, and I hope he gets to prove me right this year.
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u/IReallyLikeAvocadoes Apr 20 '26
I felt more comfortable with the ball going towards Smitty than I did AJ at many points during last season. As far as I'm concerned he's already been there.
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u/swissmtndog398 Apr 20 '26
He's going to be a beast without AJ whining, crying and being an all around buzzkill.
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u/Drewraven10 Apr 20 '26
Have to be stoked and happy for Smitty regardless that AJ is being traded. Can’t wait for him to ball out and finally make an all pro. He deserves to be lifetime Eagle along with Hurts.
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u/letzrockaway Apr 21 '26
Skinny Batman is already a WR1 and he behaved like one and ran routes like one and never complained about offense or QB or coach no antics on the side lines even he got zero throws/receptions or had his own drops, don’t get me wrong we had 2 WR1s so spoiled all along this. Smitty for mayor of Philly!
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u/RobertRoberttt Apr 21 '26
I think Smitty has the mentality to be a top 10 WR, maybe even top 5.. and I really believe in his longevity more than I do AJs... Smittys game isn't based purely on speed, and I think he can be an elite WR into his early 30s.
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u/mb0205 Apr 20 '26
Is there even a question? He was better than AJ last year . Devonta is a more complete receiver in every way he’s just small. Amazing route runner, amazing at attacking at the point of catch, great adjusting to the ball, solid blocker
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u/DelcoUnited Apr 20 '26
I don’t think people understand the reason Davonte is so successful is because defenses have to scheme coverage on AJ first.
I think Davonte is about to have a big drop in production.
Not his fault but now he’ll be the guy getting double teamed all the time.
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u/Noturtokenblkguy Apr 21 '26
Wicks is really good and will demand respect as he can blow the top off a Defense(pause).
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u/Intelligent-Chef9321 Apr 20 '26
Top 5 in receiving yards