Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver DeVonta Smith has continued his meteoric rise, solidifying his status as one of the NFL's most reliable and dynamic players. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith has been the standout performer in the Eagles' training camp, showcasing a level of maturity and confidence that excites both fans and coaches alike.
Throughout the training camp, Smith has been consistent, making catches during seven successive practices and leaving an indelible mark. Smith’s position coach, Aaron Moorhead, is particularly impressed. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him. His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft," Moorhead remarked.
Smith's self-imposed standards and drive for perfection are patent. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons—numbers that mark him as the most prolific receiver in Eagles’ history—Smith continues to strive for improvement. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on. There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ," Smith commented.
While his physical talent is apparent, it's Smith's attention to detail and pursuit of perfection that have garnered the most praise. Moorhead acknowledges Smith's growth but points out areas for continued development. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things, and just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that," Moorhead said.
Smith’s own words echo this sentiment. His focus is not just on making the flashy plays but on executing the routine plays to perfection. "Making sure I'm doing my job. If I'm open and the ball doesn't come to me, for me, that's a plus because at the end of the day I still did my job. I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape," Smith said.
The young wide receiver also emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on every single play. "Just doing the routine things. The plays that I left on the field, there were routine things that I wasn't doing. Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play," he added.
Smith's pursuit of excellence has been further supported by the Eagles, reflected in his contract extension worth $25 million per year. This significant investment aligns with their belief in his potential and continuous upward trajectory.
Moorhead concludes with an affirmation of the strength and depth of the Eagles' receiving corps. "I have great receivers," he asserts, further highlighting Smith's integral role in this talented lineup.
In an era where every play, every yard, and every catch is critical, DeVonta Smith's exceptional growth and relentless work ethic stand as a beacon for aspiring athletes. As he continues to polish his craft and elevate his performance, Smith's contributions are set to be pivotal for the Eagles’ success in the coming seasons.
Smith's reflection on improvement and his relentless push for perfection underline his philosophy: "There's always room for improvement. Every year, you're gonna find something new that you're going to want to put in the toolbox." It’s this mindset that defines Smith, not just as a receiver, but as a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles’ future.