Players that have completed their junior season at Alabama have a big decision to make: to enter the NFL Draft or stay for their Senior season?
Head coach Nick Saban has made his mantra very clear, if you are not projected to be selected in the first round, and you don’t have to leave the university, don’t.
Junior wide receiver DeVonta Smith is now faced with a decision that could define his career.
Throughout Smith’s time at Alabama, he’s been the least flashy of this elite receiving corps, with the exception of his role in ‘2nd and 26’, but that might just be because his stats do the talking for him.
Smith absolutely exploded onto the scene in 2019, accumulating 65 receptions for exactly 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns – he leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
He has also cemented his name in Alabama football history during the Crimson Tide’s game against Ole Miss in 2019 where he reeled in five receiving touchdowns.
After having a season like that you may be thinking to yourself, “Why in the world would he NOT declare for the 2020 NFL Draft?”
Well, there are a few strong reasons as to why it might be better for him to stay for his Senior season.
First of all, Smith is not currently projected to be selected during the first round in most analyst’s mock drafts. This may not seem too important, as players drafted outside of the first round commonly find success, but Saban’s mantra would call for him to stay.
Prior to his “break-out” Junior year, Smith hadn’t really put up notable stats. In his Sophomore season, he had 42 receptions for 693 yards and three touchdowns – good numbers, not great.
Wide receivers aren’t like quarterbacks in this aspect. A college quarterback can usually sell NFL teams on a single seasons performance.
Receivers are expected to prove their worth over time, consistency is key when it comes to skill positions If he can reel in over 1,200 yards this year, why not do it again, or even raise the bar, in 2020 to show he’s the consistent play-maker they are looking for?
It would be a safe bet to assume he will surpass his yardage total from 2019 in the 2020 season since his fellow wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs likely leaving for the NFL.
Two fewer elite receivers to compete with for targets.
With Jeudy and Ruggs potentially gone, Smith can act as the No. 1 or 2 receiver on the team, along with Jaylen Waddle.
This is likely a major factor as to why he’s not considered first-round talent yet by draft analysts.
Throughout his career at Alabama, he has played with some top-talent that has grabbed the spotlight’s attention. Next season could be his year to be listed as the top receiver on the Crimson Tide.
However, the rise on the depth chart comes with a test: he will now be the priority for opposing secondaries. The double coverage could reduce his targets, receptions and yardage if he does not play like the top receiver on the field.
The way he plays when in that position will heavily influence NFL teams and draft analysts which could result in Smith rising up the rankings, big boards and mock drafts.
Moving into the first round of the draft comes with more money, so Smith will have to think hard about what is in his best interest.
As of now, it appears as if he’s looking to stay at Alabama for one more year, according to Chris Breece of CBS 42.
I’m told Alabama WR DeVonta Smith is planning on staying for his senior season, as of right now. Obviously things can change with so much time left. But this is the first round of potential good news for #Alabama
— Chris Breece (@ChrisBreece) December 12, 2019
As Breece mentioned in his tweet, there is plenty of time left for Smith to make his decision. Stay updated here on Roll Tide Wire as we’ll bring you all the updates on Alabama players’ NFL Draft decisions!
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