DeVonta Smith Continues to Shine in Eagles' Training Camp
DeVonta Smith is solidifying his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith’s impressive performance has carried over into the team's training camp, where he has consistently stood out.
Smith's position coach, Aaron Moorhead, is brimming with praise for his star player. "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 stated. This confidence has clearly translated into consistent execution on the field, as Smith has been meticulous in making catches during seven consecutive practices.
Known for his attention to detail, Smith sets high standards for himself, aiming to improve both his 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.
Since entering the NFL, Smith has etched his name in the Eagles’ record books with 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, more than any other player in team history. His reliability and consistency have not gone unnoticed by Moorhead, who appreciates Smith's focus on the fundamentals. "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 emphasized.
Such commitment has not only made him a reliable target but also earned him a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year. Yet, despite these accolades and endorsements, Smith remains grounded, always pushing to refine his 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," Smith said.
Furthermore, Smith’s approach to the game goes beyond personal accolades or statistics. His dedication to being a team player is evident in his mindset. "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 elaborated. This selfless attitude and high level of preparation are key factors contributing to his—and the team's—success.
For Moorhead, coaching a player of Smith’s caliber is a remarkable experience. "I have great receivers," Moorhead noted, underscoring the depth of talent in the Eagles’ receiving corps. Yet, amidst this talent, it is Smith's relentless drive and meticulous execution that set him apart and reinforce his value to the team.
As the Eagles’ training camp progresses, Smith continues to lead by example, showing that excellence is a daily commitment. This blend of talent, work ethic, and continual self-improvement signals that Smith is primed for another standout season, further cementing his legacy in Philadelphia.