Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith continues to solidify his reputation as a rising star in the NFL. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith has been the standout performer in the Eagles' training camp, earning widespread praise from his position coach, Aaron Moorhead.
A Standout in Training Camp
Smith's consistency and skill have made a significant impact during training camp. "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.
This level of performance is no surprise considering Smith's impressive career statistics. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards over his first three seasons, Smith holds the record for the most receiving yards in Eagles history for this period. Such achievements have not only cemented his place in the team but have also led to a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year.
Attention to Detail and High Standards
Smith's success on the field can be attributed to his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of perfection. Moorhead appreciates Smith's dedication to executing routine plays, noting, "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."
Smith himself is acutely aware of areas for improvement, emphasizing the importance of football IQ and situational awareness. "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 explained.
This drive for continuous improvement is a hallmark of Smith's approach to the game. "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 stated, reflecting his high standards and team-first mentality.
Confidence and Consistency
Smith's performance in training camp has not gone unnoticed. Moorhead believes that Smith's confidence is at an all-time high, which is evident in his consistent catches across seven practices. "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 commented. This recognition of Smith's potential reinforces the coach's high expectations for the upcoming season.
Smith's own assessment is equally measured and grounded in a desire to perform at his best in every game. "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," he noted.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the synergy between Smith and his coach remains evident. Moorhead's evaluation of Smith extends beyond his technical skill to his overall impact on the team. "I have great receivers," Moorhead acknowledged, highlighting the team’s collective strength and Smith's role within it.
Smith's remarkable achievements and dedication to refining his craft make him a player to watch in the NFL. As he continues to build on his solid foundation, Eagles fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from their star wide receiver, who remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his potential.