DeVonta Smith Shines in Eagles' Training Camp, Strives for Greater Heights
As the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp progresses, all eyes are on wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith has not only solidified his role but is also raising the bar for himself and his teammates.
According to his position coach, Aaron Moorhead, Smith's confidence and performance during training camp have never been higher. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him. His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft," Moorhead noted.
Moorhead has been impressed not just with Smith’s big plays but also with his attention to detail. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things, and just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that," Moorhead said. Such comments highlight the meticulous nature with which Smith approaches every aspect of his game.
Smith has been a consistent performer, with 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons—more than any player in Eagles history. However, Smith believes there’s always room for improvement. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on. There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ," Smith explained. This quest for football intelligence and situational awareness demonstrates his dedication to becoming the best version of himself.
Smith's high standards can be seen in his approach to both practice and gameplay. "Making sure I'm doing my job. If I'm open and the ball doesn't come to me, for me, that's a plus because at the end of the day I still did my job. I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape," Smith said. It's a philosophy that aligns well with Moorhead’s emphasis on routine plays. "Just doing the routine things. The plays that I left on the field, there were routine things that I wasn't doing. Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play," Moorhead added.
The mutual respect and understanding between Smith and Moorhead is evident. Moorhead values Smith's attention to detail and his commitment to routine execution. By fine-tuning the small aspects of his game, Smith aims to turn potential lost opportunities into significant gains. Despite already achieving impressive milestones, Smith signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, affirming his worth and the high expectations placed upon him.
Smith’s desire to continually improve is infectious. "There's always room for improvement. Every year, you're gonna find something new that you're going to want to put in the toolbox," Smith said. For Smith, the journey is about relentless pursuit and never settling for mediocrity.
The training camp buzz has undoubtedly set a positive tone for the upcoming season. With Smith leading by example, the Eagles' receiving corps stands to benefit significantly from his mindset and work ethic. "I have great receivers," remarked Moorhead, reinforcing the sense of readiness and anticipation surrounding the team.
As Smith continues to evolve, fans and teammates alike can look forward to seeing how his determination translates into on-field success. Through dedication to mastering the craft and an unwavering quest for improvement, DeVonta Smith embodies what it means to be a standout performer. The upcoming NFL season presents yet another platform for Smith to showcase his talents, and if the training camp is any indicator, the best is yet to come.