DeVonta Smith Named a Candidate for This Prestigious Honor

Without A.J. Brown challenging him, DeVonta Smith is the Philadelphia Eagles' definitive No. 1 wide receiver.

Between that, and Sean Mannion's new offense, Smith could be in line for a massive season and a spot on the first-team All-Pro list.

Smith was called out as a potential All-Pro candidate by Pro Football Focus, who named 10 potential players who could earn their first career distinction in 2026.

Smith posted his third 75-plus-catch, 1,000-plus-yard season in 2025, despite playing alongside Brown. But Brown was, of course, traded to the New England Patriots for two draft picks, leaving Smith as the top pass-catching option in Philadelphia.

DeVonta Smith Could Earn First-Team All-Pro Distinction in His Sixth Year

Smith has been proving critics wrong since college. He was supposedly too small to compete at a power like Alabama, yet not only earned the Crimson Tide's No. 1 wideout role but also won the 2020 Heisman Trophy.

Few are doubting Smith this season and for good reason. Though he has not been even named to the Pro Bowl, Smith has been Philadelphia's "silent assassin" in the wake of Brown's recent drama and is the top candidate to claim the bulk of Brown's 78 catches and 1,003 yards.

Smith was the only wideout listed by PFF after landing No. 14 on the site's list of top-32 wide receivers that was unveiled earlier this week. The site noted Smith ranks 11th in the NFL in receiving yards (4,103) and touchdowns (26) since 2023, playing alongside Brown all the while.

DeVonta Smith Will Get Tougher Matchups in 2026

With a greater role comes greater responsibility to beat better talent.

Where Brown would draw the attention of defensive coordinators and secondary coaches, now Smith will be commanding those matchups against lockdown-style cornerbacks.

So Smith will see Devon Witherspoon and Trent McDuffie in the Eagles' matchups against the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. He'll get DaRon Bland in both meetings against the Dallas Cowboys, and have to go against Jaylon Johnson when they square off against the Chicago Bears.

Of course, if Makai Lemon and/or Dontayvion Wicks break out in Mannion's offense, that'll take the heat off Smith. Plus, if the Eagles can run the ball with Saquon Barkley, it'll lead to more play-action deep shots and one-on-one coverage.

But Smith, and Mannion by default, will be tested throughout 2026. It just seems likely they both will pass.

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This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 5:47 AM.