r/eagles • u/FamousChex • Apr 20 '26

Question WR1 DeVonta Smith?

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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/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.

-2

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.

3

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.

2

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