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DeVonta Smith
WR · PHI

DeVonta Smith

Position WR
Team PHI
Bye Week 10
PPR Rank #30

DeVonta Smith

NFL player. Position: WR. Team: PHI.

Quick Facts

  • Position: WR
  • Team: PHI (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Bye week (2026): 10
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 30

2026 Outlook

June 1 trade confirmed: With A.J. Brown traded to Patriots, DeVonta Smith becomes Eagles' WR1 for the first time since his rookie season. ESPN fantasy projects Smith to garner 128 targets, 90 receptions, 1,127 yards, and 6 TDs in 2026—a "moderate upgrade" to WR1/flex production (per Fantasy football: How the A.J. Brown trade affects the 2026 outlook for Eagles, Patriots). In the four games Brown missed over the last two seasons, Smith averaged 14.5 PPR points and 72.7 receiving yards per game—strong floor numbers confirming the opportunity is real. FantasyPros reported Smith's ADP rose 12 spots post-draft, reflecting confidence in his WR1 elevation (per 13 Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers (2026)).

Eagles project Smith to play 85–90% of snaps in 2026 (up from 84% in 2025), solidifying his role as the clear WR1 in Sean Mannion's West Coast system. The receiver room behind him includes Makai Lemon (projected 60–70% snaps), Hollywood Brown (45–55%), and Dontayvion Wicks (35–45%), distributing targets but keeping Smith as the featured option (per Eagles roster hierarchy: Projecting offensive snap counts for 2026).

New OC Sean Mannion's West Coast scheme emphasizes timing and precision, aligning perfectly with Smith's elite route-running and catching fundamentals. The balanced attack (featuring complementary receivers Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks—acquired from Green Bay—and Hollywood Brown) should mean consistent volume with fewer double-teams. Smith is positioned as a fringe-WR1 candidate for 2026 after four seasons of WR2/3 production (14th-29th in fantasy PPG). The Eagles are particularly leaning on Wicks early as Lemon recovers from a hamstring injury, with Wicks' familiarity with Mannion from their Packers days giving him an immediate edge (per The Eagles Are Betting On WR Dontayvion Wicks To Produce In Makai Lemon's Absence).

July 14 training camp update: Entering camp, Smith anchors the Eagles' WR room with zero roster uncertainty. While wide receiver carries the toughest numbers game at training camp (Smith, Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, and Makai Lemon all have strong cases), Smith's anchor status means he's completely locked in. The roster drama at WR involves competing for only 1-2 remaining spots after these five are secured (per How many roster spots are up for grabs as Eagles enter training camp?).

Historical data supports his elevation: in the three games Brown missed over the last two seasons, Smith was targeted on 29% of his routes versus less than 21% with Brown on the field. In those Brown-absent games, Smith recorded 75+ receiving yards in all three matchups and 9+ targets in each. With Brown now in New England, Smith gets his clearest path to a featured role and first true shot at WR1 status in PPR (per Here are the 10 things we're most excited about for fantasy football in the 2026 NFL...).

Dynasty analysts project Smith as a riser candidate for Tier 5 moving toward Tier 4. Over the last three years playing without Brown (346 snaps), Smith posted a 38.1% target share and 2.58 yards per route run—elite efficiency numbers. If Smith matches even close to those metrics on a full-time basis, he could finish as a top-12 wide receiver in 2026. Analysts project: 87 catches, 1,137 yards, 7.5 TDs, with ceiling much higher if Jalen Hurts bounces back as a passer. (per Dynasty Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Tiers: DeVonta Smith and Brian Thomas are potential risers)

Over the last three years with Brown off field, Smith has recorded 28% TPRR (targets per route run)—a rate that would place him toward the top of the league among wide receivers and could deliver 1,500 receiving yards over a full season. In five games with Brown sidelined since 2022, Smith averaged 9.0 targets, 6.2 receptions, 87.8 receiving yards, and 16.2 PPR PPG. Bold prediction: Smith will duplicate Brown's feat of finishing as a top-five fantasy receiver, establishing himself as an elite fantasy asset in 2026 (per 10 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season). The Bleacher Report prediction emphasizes that Smith excels when given top-dog status: with more than 30% TPRR and strong receiving yards per game, his upside is massive once Brown's departure is fully absorbed (per 10 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season - Bleacher Report)

In late July 2026 expert mock drafts, Smith is being identified as a clear value play at WR3 pricing (3.09 ADP). With A.J. Brown now in New England, Smith has demonstrated a 27.5% target share in four games without Brown over the last two seasons, resulting in north of 100 air yards per game and 11.6 half-PPR points—numbers that, if sustained over a full season, project to WR1 output but at a discount ADP, making her one of the best values available at the position. (per Expert Fantasy Football Mock Draft Recap: 12-Team Half-PPR (July 2026) - 4for4).

The Eagles' supporting receiver corps for 2026 includes first-round WR Makai Lemon (raw but accomplished receiving threat at Vanderbilt), trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks (acquired from Green Bay, familiar with Mannion's scheme), free-agent signings Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore, plus draft additions. While the cupboard is "not bare" after A.J. Brown's departure, Smith's elevation to WR1 reflects organizational confidence. Lemon, Wicks, and Brown are expected to be the next three receivers seeing consistent field time, with Moore, Johnny Wilson, and Darius Cooper competing for depth roles (per Biggest Eagles questions by position in 2026: Offense).

OTAs and mandatory minicamp will be the first opportunity to see what life looks like for Smith in Sean Mannion's offense without A.J. Brown. Smith has a history of working out on his own during voluntary periods, suggesting his commitment to the role. (per Eagles OTAs 2026: Schedule, storylines, roster battles to watch - Yahoo Sports).

Training camp (starting July 28) will showcase Smith alongside new receiver acquisitions Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and Dontayvion Wicks. The Eagles project Smith to play 85–90% of snaps (up from 84% in 2025), with Makai Lemon (first-round draft pick) projected at 60–70%, Hollywood Brown at 45–55%, and Wicks at 35–45%, keeping Smith as the clear featured option. Smith is expected to assert his WR1 status early in camp, with his elite route-running and body control making him the clear target priority in Mannion's West Coast scheme (per Eagles 2026 Training Camp Position Preview: Wide Receiver). The core training camp storyline for Smith will be cohesion with the rebuilt receiver room: his familiarity and chemistry with returning players must carry new additions (Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown) through the learning curve under Mannion's scheme (per NFC East training camp 2026 preview: Top storylines for Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles, Giants).

Experts believe Smith remains undervalued relative to his opportunity. He's demonstrated WR1-level production whenever handling a featured role; even with new weapons in the offense, Philadelphia's passing attack is expected to remain heavily concentrated toward its top receiver. Anticipated schematic changes—more play-action and pre-snap motion under Mannion—could increase Smith's efficiency without requiring a spike in volume, positioning him to outperform his draft position. (per 10 Must-Have Draft Picks Experts Love (2026 Fantasy Football))

July 23 training camp spotlight: Smith enters 2026 training camp as one of the Eagles' obvious star players and a clear anchor for the receiver room. With A.J. Brown traded away, all eyes are on Smith to validate the Eagles' plan to elevate him to true WR1 status. Training camp will showcase Smith's chemistry with Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, particularly around the timing and route-running demands of the West Coast scheme (per 15 Eagles on offense to watch in 2026 training camp - NBC Sports Philadelphia).

CBS Sports sleeper ranking (July 2026): SportsLine's model projects Smith as a top-15 WR for 2026 despite ADP placing him outside the top-25 at his position. Reasoning: Philadelphia's offensive coordinator change and A.J. Brown departure to New England mean Smith inherits the WR1 role with increased target volume. Comparison: Jaxon Smith-Njigba's ascension to Seattle's WR1 role after DK Metcalf's trade in 2025 resulted in an OPOY award; Smith is poised for similar breakout with renewed passing-game focus from the Eagles (per Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers from model that nailed De'Von Achane's impressive year)

July 18 riser note: Sports Illustrated identifies Smith as a dynasty stock riser, highlighting his potential to reach top-five WR status now that A.J. Brown is gone. Smith's 2025 season (77 receptions, 1,008 yards, 4 TDs) is positioned to improve significantly in 2026 with his elevated role as the Eagles' clear top pass-catching threat. Dynasty league managers are advised to draft Smith above his ADP given his career-high production potential and early-prime positioning as a wide receiver (per DeVonta Smith and 2 Other Dynasty Fantasy Football Stock Risers).

Role / Depth Chart

Eagles' WR1 following A.J. Brown trade to New England. Lead receiver in Sean Mannion's West Coast scheme; elevated target share from four seasons of splitting targets with Brown. Training camp mailbag projects Smith to average 75+ yards per game (1,275 receiving yards over 17 games at 75 ypg, or 1,360 yards at 80 ypg), effectively stepping into Brown's production void (per Eagles mailbag: Backup QB competition, safety help, potential Jalen Carter contract).

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026. Minor hamstring soreness reported during early August training camp but not considered serious; Smith continued to participate in practices with the offense keying on involving him when available (per Camp takeaways for all 32 teams: Who's turning heads?).

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping DeVonta's role

Nick SirianniHead CoachSean MannionOffensive CoordinatorJoe KasperDefensive Passing Game CoordinatorJosh GrizzardOffensive Passing Game CoordinatorAaron MooreheadWide Receivers CoachChris KuperOffensive LineGreg AustinAssistant Offensive Line Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

FantasyProsFantasy Football RANKINGS: Top-36 WR Tiers, Draft Targets & Players to Avoid (2026)
Fantasy Football Today13 Players Fantasy Football Experts LOVE for 2026! Jameson, Willis, Coker, Schultz, & More!
The Fantasy HeadlinersDON’T PANIC! These Fantasy Football STUDS Could Start Slow