Fantasy football: Where to draft Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith

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WR DeVonta Smith has a remarkable 2022 for the Philadelphia Eagles. He led the team in receptions with 95, finishing with 1,196 yards and 7 TDs for the Eagles.

Below, we look at DeVonta Smith’s 2023 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Seen as too slight when coming out of Alabama, the Heisman Trophy winner has shown an ability to play bigger than his 6-foot, 170-pound frame would suggest.

The ascension of Smith directly coincides with not just the ascension of Jalen Hurts at QB. It also has a lot to do with the arrival of A.J. Brown to take over the WR 1 role. This allows Smith to play the WR 2 role, something he is more suited for at his size.

With much of the defense focused on Brown and the running of Hurts, Smith found a perfect fit in this offense. And he exploited it to the fullest in last season.

Coming into 2023, Brown is again back as the WR 1 and with new contract in hand, Hurts is also back. With TE Dallas Goedert looking to return healthy after only playing in 12 games a season ago, he will also get attention from opposing defenses. This will garner Smith even more of a chance to have an 100-reception season.

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DeVonta Smith’s ADP: 31.03

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Smith’s ADP places him as the No. 13 wide receiver in fantasy drafts. By the end of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he finishes in the top 10.

Despite being in an elite offense, Smith is 2nd fiddle to Brown, making him more of a forgotten man. Although, getting drafted as the 13 wideout, he is not completely forgotten.

With the ability Hurts showed last season to be a top 3 fantasy QB, Smith’s ADP is not a bad price for someone on one of the best offenses on one of the best teams in the NFL.

With a litany of running backs looking to get work in the Eagles backfield, it is safer to stay away from all of them. Instead, take a sure thing and find your value in the WR position on the team.

Smith provides a lot of value and making him your selection could be a league-winning move.

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DeVonta Smith’s 2022 stats

Games: 17

Receptions | targets: 95 | 136

Receiving yards: 1,196

Receiving touchdowns: 7

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Where should you draft Smith?

While Smith should not be taken ahead of teammate Brown, he should not be far behind.

Smith is on pace to finally break the 100-reception mark in Year 3 of his NFL career. He is also set for an uptick in TD production as opposing defenses will focus more on stopping Brown and Hurts from beating them. Smith is the forgotten man by opponents but not by the Eagles coaching staff.

While Smith’s ADP has him going in the middle of 3rd rounds in 12-team drafts, he should move up into the top-20 selection next season. This could be your last chance to get him at such a low cost.

He would make a great WR 2 for your fantasy team. But if you decide to go RB in the first 2 rounds — like the Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry (16.40 ADP) or Atlanta Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson (9.08) — Smith will also make a good WR 1 with the number of receptions he’s expected to catch for Philadelphia.

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