Jordan Mailata has backed DeVonta Smith as a true No. 1 receiver, but Smith isn’t interested in the title. He’s happy to stay focused on his game.
Smith hasn’t been caught up in the talk around his role, either. Mailata said “nothing has changed for Smitty,” while Smith shrugged at the framing: “However you want to look at it, one, two, three, four. I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing.”
Smith led the 2025 Eagles with 1,008 yards, though A.J. Brown topped the team in targets (121) and catches (78). For four seasons, Smith played behind Brown, who took on the tougher matchups and heavier defensive focus.
That gave Smith a bit more space to operate, often going up against secondary corners and lighter coverage. Three 1,000-yard seasons in that role is nothing to sneeze at.
But it’s not the same as being the main target of every defence circle before kickoff. That job now falls squarely on his shoulders with Brown gone.
Why Smith’s style might hold up
What helps Smith is the way he plays. He relies on precise routes and getting open rather than physical matchups, which tends to hold up better under increased attention. Receivers who separate well don’t need the same tight windows that bigger, more physical players depend on.
The concern is more about workload: more snaps against top defenders, more physical play, and a larger share of the offence focused through one frame. Philadelphia tried to balance this by bringing in first-rounder Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown.
How quickly Lemon develops could determine how much defensive focus stays off Smith. While teammates may believe he’s always been a No. 1 option, 2026 will be the real test of whether he can handle being the primary threat every week.
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