DeVonta Smith fantasy outlook, ADP and stats: Where should you draft Eagles WR in 2024?

There isn’t one wide receiver I’m more excited to draft in 2024 fantasy leagues than DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The pedigree is obvious. Heisman Trophy winner. First-round draft pick. Rewarded with a massive contract extension. But for fantasy, I think he hasn’t yet reached his ceiling. I’m convinced that he can finish as a top-15 fantasy WR in this new-look Eagles offense.

NFL: DEC 25 Giants at Eagles - Source: Getty

DeVonta Smith fantasy outlook and points projection

Last season, Smith caught 81 balls for 1066 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. That was good enough to finish as WR 19 finish. The seven scores tied his career high, while he saw a dip in targets and receptions from 2022 (he played one less game last season).

However, the Eagles as a whole were mired in an offensive funk last year. Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson was fired and replaced by former Cowboys and Chargers OC Kellen Moore.

George Pickens vs Devonta Smith fantasy outlook for 2024

Going by a DeVonta Smith vs George Pickens projection from Sportskeeda's Who Should I Draft tool, the Eagles WR clearly comes out on top.

The move to Moore should do wonders for Smith and the Eagles as a whole. Last year Philly ranked last in pre-snap motion. That will drastically change under Moore who’s offenses routinely rank in the top ten of the category. For instance, Kellen Moore put Keenan Allen in motion on 29% of his snaps a year ago. DeVonta Smith, meanwhile, was under 4%.

Motion creates mismatches. It allows for receivers to immediately sense if the defense is in zone or man coverage. It also allows for a player like Smith to get a free release off the line of scrimmage. That headstart will give a player with Smith’s agility and route-running the upper hand on defenders. All that leads to more fantasy points for Smith and your team.

Smith should also see an increased presence in the slot. Last season, per Fantasy Points Data, Smith lined up in the slot on 32% of his snaps. Compare that to former Moore receivers like Keenan Allen, who last year was in the slot on 58% of snaps, and in 2022, Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb played in the slot 63% of the time. Both had gangbuster seasons for fantasy.

This new Eagles attack should result in more passing attempts across the middle (where Philly desperately struggled last year). It also should sustain drives and allow for more scoring opportunities.

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DeVonta Smith ADP: Where should you draft the Eagles WR?

The best part about Smith this draft season is the cost. His average draft position (ADP) is in the mid-40s. Getting Smith in the fourth round is an absolute steal. He’s going to smash those expectations and be a low-end WR 1 / high-end WR 2 for fantasy. I like starting my draft with a pair of running backs through round three and selecting Smith as my WR 2 in round 4.

Players going around Smith at ADP are DK Metcalf, Mark Andrews, and Joe Mixon. I feel that Smith has the best chance for all those players to exceed expectations. In the case of Andrews, there are plenty of high-end options available at tight ends later. Don’t use a fourth-round pick on him.

Bottom line, draft exciting young players who have yet to hit their peak. DeVonta Smith is locked and loaded in a high octane offense to produce in 2024.