Alabama football fans will see DeVonta Smith one more time before the NFL.
DeVonta Smith is coming off of the greatest season ever seen by a wide receiver in college football history. He shattered SEC records despite a shortened season and won the Heisman Trophy in the process. While his days with Alabama football are over, he will make another appearance before being drafted by an NFL team.
DeVonta Smith will be attending the Reese’s Senior Bowl this year. The Senior Bowl is an event reserved for the best seniors in college football as they prepare to enter the NFL Draft. It is coached by NFL staffs and gives these players a unique chance to work with teams across the NFL.
Now, DeVonta Smith won’t actually play in the Senior Bowl. He is still recovering from an injury in the National Championship.
This season, Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers and Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins will be coaching the teams. This is huge for Smith. The Dolphins pick third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and this is thought to be Smitty’s ceiling as a prospect. If he impresses Coach Flores, there is a chance that he can cement his draft status before a pro day.
Even if the Dolphins don’t draft Smith, this gives him a chance to stand out. With Je’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle unable to attend the Senior Bowl, this event will give DeVonta Smith a clear advantage as the draft process begins.
Alabama football will also see Alex Leatherwood in Mobile this week. He could also boost his draft stock as one of the top tackles in the class. He is not a lock to be drafted in the first round as of right now, but he can still prove that he is worth an early pick before April. He could easily be drafted by the Dolphins as well, but it hasn’t been determined which team will coach him.
With the Senior Bowl starting just two weeks after Alabama football’s game against Ohio State, it is surprising to see these guys attend. Still, it shows their love of the game, and it could easily make them millions of dollars if they succeed.