NFL news: DeVonta Smith capable of being Eagles No.1 receiver, says A.J. Brown
- Sean Fisher
- 5 June 2022
After making the switch from Tennessee to Philadelphia, A.J. Brown is enjoying working with a very talented pool of receivers.
A.J. Brown's two years with the Tennessee Titans was enough for him to emerge as one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he's now looking forward to a new chapter with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 24-year-old made the switch to the Eagles ahead of the 2022/23 season, with the Mississippi-born receiver signing a bumper contract with the franchise.
But while Brown will undoubtedly be the Eagles' No.1 receiver for the upcoming campaign, he's already been impressed by the skills of DeVonta Smith upon his arrival in Philly.
"In my opinion, Smitty [Smith] is a wide receiver No. 1," said Brown.
YEAR 2 SMITTY@DeVontaSmith_6 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/oeORVWHhQ9
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 2, 2022
"And he's going against a cornerback No. 2 - I expect Smitty to dominate. Just taking pressure off each other. Even being on the same sides, so you can't really double. It's great having another great wideout besides you."
Smith is heading into the new season after enjoying a superb rookie season with the Eagles. The 23-year-old recorded 64 passes for 916 yards and five touchdowns in an offence that often preferred to run the ball downfield.
But with Brown and Smith now approaching their primes, the Eagles can certainly explore more passing options next season, with the franchise now boasting one of the most stacked receiver corps in the NFL.
"He's a really good route runner," Brown added.
"Guys early on in their career, like first year, Year 2, they're still developing and he can run every route in the route tree.
Slay vs Smitty returns@bigplay24slay | @DeVontaSmith_6 #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/8yVNNDsuME
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 19, 2022
"I think the sky's the limit for Smitty. So, I'm excited for him Year 2. I'm excited for the steps he takes.
"I'm always trying to help him out as much as I can.
"We're learning from each other and just trying to pour my game into him. What he can learn and whenever he messes up on something, I try to give my advice on it. Just trying to, like I said, give me advice."
The Eagles will hope Brown and Smith can help raise each others levels and help the side to reach the Play-Offs this season, with their campaign starting off with a trip to the Detroit Lions on September 11.
