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Bleeding Green Nation fantasy football takes on DeVonta Smith

Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Bleeding Green Nation about DeVonta Smith.

80
Insights
51
Positive
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Negative
Insight ledger

All Bleeding Green Nation insights about DeVonta Smith

PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026
Smith is the Eagles' WR1, with no ambiguity in his role. He missed most of training camp due to a hamstring injury, but getting him back should help the Eagles' passing attack significantly. The source expects the Commanders will try to focus on him defensively, but notes that Smith is a great player and the combination of Philadelphia's talent and Washington's cornerback deficiencies should allow Jalen Hurts to have success moving the ball through the air.
PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Smith enters 2026 as the Eagles' new WR1 after spending his career as the '1B' to Brown's '1A'. Currently ranked 12th in target share at 24.4%, Smith's internal support suggests he's ready for increased volume closer to the 30% mark that Jaxon Smith-Njigba surpassed (35.8%) and Puka Nacua approached (28.5%) in similar play-action schemes. Wide receiver coach Aaron Moorehead stated, 'I think he's always seen himself as a [No.] 1. And I think in this building we've always seen him as a one... he feels like it's just his time.' Murphy added that despite Smith's quiet demeanor, 'Inside, there's the heart of a diva receiver banging in his chest saying, I want the ball, every time.'
PositiveRoleSep 8, 2026
For the first time since his rookie season, Smith is a No. 1 wide receiver after the Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots in June. Smith excelled in the No. 1 role in college and had a record-breaking rookie season with 916 yards (Eagles rookie record). He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in three of his last four seasons and is the all-time franchise leader in postseason receiving yards with 665. Jordan Mailata stated Smith has always been a No. 1 receiver and nothing has changed for him skill-wise. James Madison coach Billy Napier, who recruited Smith at Alabama, said: 'The guy was built to do this' and predicted Eagles fans will have fun watching Smith in this role.
PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
DeVonta Smith is now the unquestioned WR1 for the Eagles entering his sixth NFL season in 2026 after A.J. Brown was traded to the Patriots on June 1. Smith has slid into his new role as the Eagles' top receiver and is undoubtedly the guy in the Eagles' new-look receiver room. Moorehead challenged Smith to take over the leadership role, and Smith was ready; he's not afraid to speak up and has done a great job with leadership in the room, helping everybody including veteran Hollywood Brown.
PositiveRoleSep 6, 2026
Promoted to WR1 with expectation to replicate A.J. Brown's production. The source expresses confidence in Smith's versatility: 'He can do it all. He's a burner who can make every contested catch there is, despite his slim frame.' Smith has maintained health throughout his Eagles career and should benefit from the Sean Mannion offense providing 'more easy buttons' for him and Jalen Hurts. However, the source tempers expectations: 'I hope he can replicate Brown's numbers, but I don't believe it's automatically going to happen.'
PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
With A.J. Brown's exit, Smith becomes the Eagles' alpha receiver and unquestioned WR1. The source notes Smith boasts elite route-running ability and separation skills; he will have an expanded role and opportunity for a huge season. Smith was sidelined with a hamstring injury during training camp but the Eagles are very excited about his takeover role. His ability to bring in contested catches against top cornerbacks stood out this summer, and he should thrive in Sean Mannion's offense.
PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Smith is adapting to yet another new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion and spoke positively about the transition during training camp. Smith emphasized that understanding Mannion's flow, terminology, and play-calling approach is the biggest adjustment, and noted that once players grasp how Mannion wants to operate, "it becomes easy." Smith complimented Mannion's ability to "get everybody up to speed, helping everybody understand the small details of the offense," suggesting a smooth integration into the new system.