2021 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top three wide receivers

Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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Steelers
DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

DeVonta Smith, Alabama

Smith is coming off a dominant year at Alabama as he won the National Championship and Heisman trophy. He toyed with the competition for the previous two seasons and it was not even fair. His lanky stature might cause some questions to rise for NFL teams but he has done nothing but show his ability to play and excel at his weight. His workout will be interesting to see how his tests go during his pro day as it will give his draft stock another check. If he tests well then he could become the top receiver on some NFL boards as the draft gets closer.

The best part of Smith’s game is the route running ability that he possesses on the field. It is an amazing feat to watch on tape and that will make the league very interested in this player moving forward. He is a smooth route runner that can move with not much effort needed at all. This makes him explosive and nearly impossible to cover one of one if you cannot get your hands on him.

His freakishly long arms help him get away from press coverage more easily but it will be interesting to see how that translates to the professional level. Many are worried that with his light-weight stature, NFL corners will be able to stop him with press coverage more easily. There are top corners that play in the SEC and they failed to handle Smith. This should not be a major knock on the player as he continuously dominated the competition every week.

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