DeVonta Smith vs. A.J. Brown For Eagles WR1?
Training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles will offer opportunities for many, including one that might be a surprise to some: Could DeVonta Smith continue making his case as the team’s No. 1 receiver over veteran A.J. Brown?
Last season Brown was Philadelphia’s top receiving threat during the regular season, as proven by his 1,496 yards which ranked fourth in the league. However, Smith built on his impressive 2021 rookie campaign by crossing the thousand-yard threshold for the first time and flirting with a 100-catch season; despite having fewer targets, Smith’s 95 catches were seven greater than Brown’s 88.
Smith’s reliable hands were essential for the Eagles' Super Bowl run. During the playoffs, he had the same amount of targets as Brown (22), had a catch percentage that was nine percent higher than Brown’s (68.2 percent versus 59.1), and each had a single touchdown.
Most exciting about Smith’s production in the postseason was that his receiving yards per target were roughly two-and-a-half yards farther than Brown’s, meaning that in the playoffs, he improved his separation from defensive backs more than Brown did. Brown’s average fell when compared to his regular season (10.3 versus 6.6).
While looking at the numbers can be less exciting than judging off an eye test, Smith isn’t built for eyes. He’s made to produce. And a look at how the two receivers performed in the playoffs, the numbers show Smith was the better of the two.
Entering his third season, Smith will undoubtedly form one of the best pass-catching tandems alongside Brown. Quietly though, the two may be competing in training camp as quarterback Jalen Hurts decides whether his ‘Bama brother Smith can continue to break out as an alpha dog among Philly’s receivers.
You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter and Instagram @IsaiahDDelgado.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
