NFL
DeVonta Smith Sends Strong Message to NFL Teams Doubting Him Because of Size Concerns: ‘We’re Not Bodybuilders’
Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies. When Jack isn't writing about sports, he's watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He's also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.
Get to know Jack Dougherty betterPublished28 Apr 2021
DeVonta Smith is a stud of an NFL draft prospect. He’s lightning fast, he can create separation with ease, and he’s the smoothest route-runner in the 2021 class. Oh, and he’s coming off a historic senior season at Alabama in which he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.
But despite all that, Smith is somehow sliding on draft boards because of his unimpressive size. A few days before the NFL draft gets underway, Smith tried to put teams at ease by assuring them his slender frame won’t be a problem at the next level.
DeVonta Smith could fall in the NFL draft because of his size
RELATED: Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones Could Make History Together in the 2021 NFL Draft
After Smith’s insane senior season at Alabama, he established himself as arguably the best wide receiver prospect in the draft and a possible top-five pick. The speedy pass-catcher recorded 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in 2020, which ranked sixth and fifth, respectively, for a single season in college football history. He seemingly had everything an NFL team would want in a first-round wideout.
But Smith’s draft stock took a hit when he measured in at 6-foot-0 and 166 pounds during a pre-draft medical check. Injury concerns and longevity issues immediately popped up for teams drafting inside the top 10. Now, Smith could fall to the third wide receiver drafted on Thursday.
Smith sends a strong message to NFL teams about his size concerns
RELATED: NFL Draft: Ranking the New England Patriots’ Best Options For the 15th Pick
NFL draft experts might believe Smith’s size is a grave concern for a top draft pick, but the Alabama product is here to say it won’t be an issue. Smith appeared on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football this week and sent a strong message to teams thinking of passing on him because of his size.
“We play football. We’re in a football business. We’re not weightlifting. We’re not bodybuilders,” Smith said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “It’s football. That’s what we’re here for. All the other stuff is irrelevant.”
Smith also appeared on ESPN’s First Take this week and said injuries happen to every football player regardless of size.
“Everybody has their own opinions, people talking about the size, but injuries don’t shy away from nobody,” Smith said. “Injuries don’t care what size you are. So I feel like the size thing, everybody is overthinking it… It is what it is. I just want the opportunity, so when the opportunity comes just take full advantage of it.”
Smith pleads his case to be a top draft pick
RELATED: Will Aaron Rodgers Finally Get Some Help From the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL Draft?
If teams in need of a wide receiver pass on a record-setting, Heisman Trophy-winning weapon because of a few inches and a couple of pounds, they might regret that decision for years. Smith has the potential to be a multi-year Pro Bowler in the NFL, and he’s as confident as he is talented.
“I can do everything — inside, outside, you can put me on special teams,” he told Good Morning Football. “There is nothing I can’t do. No job is too big. Wherever you want to plug me in at I can do that. So, that just gives me an advantage.”
