DeVonta Smith Elevates His Game as Eagles' Training Camp Standout
DeVonta Smith, the dynamic wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is turning heads yet again, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In the latest Eagles' training camp, Smith has continued to build upon his impressive trajectory, catching the attention of his coaches and teammates alike.
Smith's position coach, Aaron Moorhead, has been effusive in his praise. “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, underscoring Smith’s exceptional preparation and execution during the camp.
Consistency is Key
One of the hallmarks of Smith's performance during the seven practices has been his consistency in making catches. Moorhead appreciates Smith's attention to detail and the execution of routine plays, emphasizing that these routine tasks form the backbone of Smith’s reliability on the field. "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," Moorhead explained.
Smith himself acknowledges the importance of these fundamentals. "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 a mature understanding of his role within the team's broader playbook.
Impressive Stats
Three seasons into his NFL career, Smith has already become a cornerstone for the Eagles’ offense. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, he has amassed the most receiving yards in Eagles history over a comparable period. It's no surprise that the organization demonstrated their commitment to Smith by signing him to a contract extension worth $25 million per year.
Smith's goals aren't just limited to impressive statistics or personal accolades; he aims to continuously enhance his football IQ and situational awareness, understanding that the game is constantly evolving. "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 elaborated.
High Standards
The wide receiver has set high expectations for himself, emphasizing the need to be always open and do his job effectively, irrespective of whether the ball comes his way. This approach reflects in his training and game performances, where he strives to put the "right things on tape"—making every play count. "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 noted, emphasizing Smith's relentless pursuit of perfection.
Coach Moorhead has nothing but praise for his receivers, particularly highlighting Smith's contributions. "I have great receivers," Moorhead asserted, capturing the broader sentiment around Smith's influence on the team.
Room for Improvement
Despite his already stellar performances, Smith himself believes that there's always room for improvement. "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 said, underlining a mindset focused on continuous growth and learning.
With such dedication to his craft, paired with his natural talent and work ethic, DeVonta Smith is well-positioned to continue his standout performances. As he refines his game, focuses on consistency, and sharpen his football IQ, he remains a vital asset for the Philadelphia Eagles, one whose impact will likely be felt for many seasons to come.