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Smith, potential Dolphins draft target, reveals skinny on his pre-draft weight
DeVonta Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy after a standout senior season at Alabama, is one of the best players available in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft.
Yet, Smith’s slender frame seems to be an issue weighing heavily for some.
Smith, while peppered with questions regarding his size during Alabama’s virtual pro-day media availability Monday, finally gave the skinny:
Smith said he weighs 170 pounds — five pounds fewer than the 6-foot-1, 175 measurements he was listed at Alabama last season.
“I feel like it’s not going to be any different than college,” Smith said about playing in the NFL at his size.
“I have played in the SEC. I feel like it’s the toughest conference there is. I know a lot of people that are bigger than me that have more problems than me. So, I’m not worried about it at all.”
Smith could be one of the first players taken in the draft, and the Miami Dolphins own the No. 3 pick. There’s a possibility Smith could even be available to draft if the Dolphins pursue a trade down with another team to gain more draft capital.
Smith was asked about his weight four times during his media availability, growing increasingly frustrated by the follow-up questions.
Smith is hoping his impressive production at Alabama will speak for itself, as he will not participate in any pro-day workouts scheduled for Tuesday.
Smith was often seen running past defenders rather than being hit or caught by them, catching 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 receiving touchdowns, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship last season.
Smith briefly spent some time with the Dolphins coaching staff during the January’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., where Dolphins coach Brian Flores was adamant he is willing to overlook Smith’s stature when evaluating him ahead of the draft.
“If you’re a good player, you can nitpick all you want about a guy’s size. Good players are good players. I think we can all see that. This guy is a very good player,” Flores said of Smith. “He made a lot of big plays in college. He made a lot of plays in the big games, biggest games of the year.”
“He’s a very good player, and it’s been good getting to know him, too,” Flores added. “He’s a good kid, too.”
Smith has shared conversations he has had during the draft process with both Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts — his former college teammates.
The Eagles own the No. 6 pick in the draft and appear to be seeking a top receiver in the draft.
The questions on his size could mean he plays with a chip on his shoulder in the NFL, but Monday he showed he has the temperament to compete and last in the league.
“If I wasn’t supposed to be here, I wouldn’t be here,” Smith said. And he added: “I have the mentality that I won’t be stopped.”