![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut.jpg)
DeVonta Smith finally made his preseason debut, and after some early struggles with quarterback Joe Flacco, the Heisman Trophy winner proved he’s the Eagles’ No. 1 wide receiver.
The reservations about Smith’s size were immediately put to rest because a cornerback can’t bully the wide receiver if he can’t get his hands on them. Smith’s superior route-running and surgical precision were described as an “artist painting his masterpiece” by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.
Smith logged two catches for 19-yards on five targets, but it was the route-running that left fans and experts buzzing.
Barstool highlights his drop
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-1.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-1.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith in action during a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
First target for Devonta Smith anddddd he’ll fit right in with the Eagles pic.twitter.com/8WOeDZpJDJ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 20, 2021
DeVonta Smith’s release is veteran like already
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-2.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-2.jpg)
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) warms up before action against the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t think I’ve seen Devonta Smith get touched off the line one time all night.
Being 170 doesn’t matter if DBs can’t even get a hand on you anyway.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) August 20, 2021
More on the release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-3.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-3.jpg)
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs the ball after a reception against the New England Patriots during the second quarter during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
https://twitter.com/ReceiverSchool/status/1428521916470644739
Release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-4.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-4.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith (6) looks to get past New England Patriots J.C. Jackson (27) during the second quarter of a pre-season NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
DeVonta Smith creates separation so easily, man. pic.twitter.com/KPQWLuMMOb
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) August 20, 2021
Release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-5.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-5.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith watches the the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
devonta smith’s releases on thursday night pic.twitter.com/kb3q1zdadp
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) August 21, 2021
More release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-6.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-6.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith in action during a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
What a route by DeVonta Smith pic.twitter.com/OeqYgGlVRU
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 20, 2021
More Release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-7.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-7.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith in action during a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
DeVonta Smith running some nice crisp routes like this one was really the only good thing from last night.pic.twitter.com/WBUcrydflA
— Sam Wagman (@swagman95) August 20, 2021
Release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-8.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-8.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles’ DeVonta Smith (6) during warm ups before a pre-season NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
https://twitter.com/SapientFilm/status/1428765329329729538
Release
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-9.jpg)
![](https://fanstreamsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/heres-how-eagles-fans-and-experts-graded-devonta-smiths-preseason-debut-9.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith in action during a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Devonta Smith…responsible for over 1,000 broken ankle claims. #NFL #RollTide #FlyEaglesFly
— The Bama Standard (@TheBamaStandard) August 20, 2021
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