With The First Pick
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What does DeVonta Smith bring to the Reese’s Senior Bowl?

By Nicholas McGee

Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a 42-yard touchdown behind Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a 42-yard touchdown behind Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2021 NFL Draft stock of Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith could hardly be higher after his dominant performance in the National Championship game, but the Alabama star has taken a step to boost his reputation further, accepting an invite to next week’s Senior Bowl.

Smith’s Heisman Trophy-winning season for the Crimson Tide has put him firmly in the conversation to be the first wide receiver off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft.

He is seen as a potential top-five pick, though taking receivers that high in the draft is viewed by many as a risky proposition and, despite a campaign that saw him rack 1,856 yards receiving and 24 total touchdowns, there will be concerns about Smith, chiefly about his thin 175-pound frame.

Smith, of course, has done so much to dispel those doubts, consistently proving himself as a refined route-runner who can create separation, make spectacular plays at the catch point and pick up yardage after the catch through speed and impressive elusiveness in the open field.

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What is the 2021 NFL Draft stock of DeVonta Smith?

A strong week in Mobile, however, could potentially be decisive in Smith putting daylight between himself and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase in the fight to be the top receiver, while it may also help him convince teams he is worthy of a top-five selection.

Smith suffered a dislocated finger in his stunning showing against Ohio State, in which he had 215 yards receiving and three touchdowns despite sitting out the second half.

That could prohibit him from taking part in drills but, in a pre-draft season that appears likely to be primarily conducted virtually without a traditional Combine, there is extra motivation for Smith to get himself in front of teams in interviews in Mobile.

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Those interviews could be critical in determining where he is drafted. For many, Smith has already solidified himself as the top wideout in the class. However, the decision to accept his invite to Mobile shows Smith clearly does not feel that way, with this astute move the sign of a player determined not to just stand pat on his extraordinary tape.

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