DeVonta Smith reaction: Former Alabama WR impresses in NFL preseason debut

DeVonta Smith made his NFL preseason debut on Thursday night when the Philadelphia Eagles took on the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, Smith did not have former Crimson Tide teammate Jalen Hurts at quarterback. With Hurts scratched due to illness, Smith was catching passes from Joe Flacco.

The Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama got off to a rough start with a few drops. As the game went on, however, Smith impressed with his elite route running and separation from defenders.

Here’s a sample of what’s being said about Smith on social media after his first NFL preseason game:

I don’t think I’ve seen Devonta Smith get touched off the line one time all night.

Being 170 doesn’t matter if DBs can’t even get a hand on you anyway.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 20, 2021

Rewatching the DeVonta Smith snaps already.

The hitch route he runs is unbelievable. #Eagles

— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 20, 2021

New on @TheNFLWire: In his NFL debut, Eagles rookie receiver DeVonta Smith showed next-level quickness and separation. Once he's not held back by Joe Flacco's hanging sliders, he'll be just fine. https://t.co/2CxR24uVcx

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 20, 2021

DeVonta Smith is getting open pretty regularly and his routes look good … despite the blah start to this one. #Eagles

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 20, 2021

Devonta Smith is gonna be so good

— Lakers aka Kwabena (@Iakerss) August 20, 2021

Devonta Smith is the only bright spot tonight

— James Tatum (@JamesTatum01) August 20, 2021

Devonta Smith is going to torture a lot of your favorite corners

— Steven Padillas (@Falcons_Pad) August 20, 2021

Unfortunately, Smith did not get his first pro touchdown on Thursday night. The Eagles were kept out of the end zone while Smith was on the field.

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.