2021 NFL Draft: Devonta Smith needs to press his case for top-15

Strengths

Smith is a fluid and flexible athlete who has the foot quickness to consistently create separation with his stem. He uses his hands intelligently to gain space from defenders during the route, which can be beneficial for a receiver who lacks elite speed.

Despite not possessing top-tier acceleration, Smith still has enough speed to maintain separation once he gets a step on defenders downfield.

Frequently used on reverses and designed runs out of the backfield by Alabama, Smith can beat defenders around the corner and his acceleration looks smooth and easy once he gets into the open field.

Smith is a hands-catcher who does an excellent job of adjusting to inaccurate throws. He attacks the ball and consistently ensures his body is in the right position to get upfield and pick up as many yards after the catch as possible.

In the open field, Smith displays the elusiveness to make defenders miss and the vision to find the running lanes, maximizing his potential for additional yardage.

The same body control that has played a key role in Smith’s YAC ability has allowed him to adjust to the football while in the air and make NFL-level catches near the sidelines.

Smith has plenty of room to grow as a blocker but the effort and aggressiveness he has shown in that area of the game suggests he should be able to make the necessary strides.