Alabama Football: DeVonta Smith’s strengths and weaknesses

Alabama football fans know what DeVonta Smith can do on the field

At this point in the NFL Draft process, prospects are being analyzed from every possible angle. Scouts are trying to learn as much as they can to predict how a player will succeed in the NFL, and that includes deep dives in everything from injury history to locker-room presence. Alabama football players are under the microscope until they are finally drafted by NFL teams.

That includes DeVonta Smith. You would think being the most productive receiver in Alabama football history would be enough to silence the doubters. Adding a Heisman Trophy at the receiver position should help your case. However, that doesn’t guarantee that traits will translate to the NFL. Smith succeeded against the best corners in the SEC, but he will have to do the same against the best players in the world.

With this in mind, here are DeVonta Smith’s strengths and weaknesses coming out of college.

Strength: Hands

DeVonta Smith has the best hands in this draft class. From his freshman year, he has proven that he can make contested catches. Even with an inaccurate throw, he can get his hands on the ball and reel it in.

Every receiver will have the occasional drop, but Smith is about as consistent as you could ask for at this stage in his career.

Strength: Catch radius

DeVonta Smith is slim, but he can extend his body to make a tough catch. He proved this on multiple occasions during Alabama football’s latest season. Mac Jones just had to put it in the area, and Smith would do the rest. Fans took advantage of seeing this on a weekly basis, but it is truly a rare skill.