DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 175 pounds
2020 Stats:
- 117 catches
- 1,856 yards (15.9 average)
- 23 touchdowns
By the time it comes for the Vikings to make their first selection of the 2021 draft at pick No. 14, DeVonta Smith is expected by most to be off the board. However, some notable draft analysts believe Smith could still be available when Minnesota is on the clock in the first round.
If he is still on the board, it’s likely going to be difficult for the Vikings to select someone else. With Minnesota’s need for a No. 3 receiver and Adam Thielen nearing the end of his prime, Smith is someone who could help the Vikings out in multiple ways.
In addition to the impressive receiving numbers he put up last season, he also displayed spectacular skills as a punt returner. Smith returned 11 punts for 237 yards (21.5 average) and one touchdown in 2020.
As it turns out, Minnesota is also in need of a new punt returner since they ranked dead last in the NFL in punt return average last season. So Smith is certainly someone who could help the Vikings improve their punt returning abilities.
Some are worried about his durability at the pro level due to his slender frame. But putting some additional weight on shouldn’t be an issue and Minnesota has had some good experiences with a few other slender pass-catchers in the past like Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson.
Moss earned a spot in the Hall of Fame and Jefferson looks like he’s already on the path that leads to Canton. Smith has the potential to get on that same path, which is why it will be incredibly difficult for the Vikings to pass on him if he’s still available when they make their first pick in this year’s draft.