Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith enjoyed a strong fifth season, leading the team in receiving yards. Smith hauled in 77 receptions on 113 targets for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, along with eight receptions on 11 targets for 70 yards in the Wild Card Round. He also posted three drops, gained 344 yards after the catch, went 10-for-25 on contested catches, had 335 yards and two touchdowns on passes more than 20+yards, and recorded a 104.5 passer rating when targeted.
With A.J. Brown gone, DVS is now expected to take over as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. If all goes well, the former Heisman Trophy Winner could post career highs and make his first Pro Bowl.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ star lands at No. 22 in the wide receiver rankings
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) carries the ball after a reception against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
In an ESPN article written by Jeremy Fowler, NFL coaches, executives, and scouts identified the top 10 wide receivers heading into the 2026 NFL season. Additionally, the list included six honorable mentions and 10 players who received votes; in total, 26 players were mentioned. DeVonta Smith was excluded from the top 10 and surprisingly snubbed from the honorable mentions, but fell into the also-received votes category.
Here are the top 10 players:
Ja’Marr Chase
Justin Jefferson
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Puka Nacua
Amon-Ra St. Brown
CeeDee Lamb
George Pickens
Nico Collins
A.J. Brown
Davante Adams
Here are the six honorable mentions:
Malik Nabers
Mike Evans
Zay Flowers
Tyreek Hill
Drake London
Jameson Williams
Here are the 10 who also received votes
Alec Pierce
Tee Higgins
DK Metcalf
Terry McLaurin
Garrett Wilson
DeVonta Smith
Ladd McConkey
Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaylen Waddle
Chris Olave
Fans react to DVS being ranked the 22nd-best WR
DeVonta Smith clearly surpassed AJ this past season.
— Lloyd Christmas (@4LloydChristmas) July 15, 2026
Bet.
— Lucas Pickard (@Pickstakes) July 15, 2026
My top 15 #NFL WR’s @NFLFrascella
Chase
JJ
Puka
JSN
Aj Brown
Lamb
Pickens
St. Brown
Drake London
Terry McLaurin
Malik Nabers
Nico Collins
Davante Adams
Tet McMillan
DeVonta Smith
HM’s
Tee Higgins
Ebuka
Jameson Williams…
— Mob Miz (@MobSquad508) July 15, 2026
“HOW TF DIDNTDEVONTA SMITH NOT MAKE THE TOP 10 WR?? I’m turning this s*** off✌🏼
”
DeVonta Smith is going to make a lot of people look stupid
— Philly Fly (@thephillyfly) July 15, 2026
“What a joke.Devonta Smith 22!?!?”
ALEC PIERCE RANKED AHEAD OF DEVONTA SMITH THATS WHERE I DRAW THE LINE LMAOO
— Slimm 🦅 (@Dizzy_3D) July 15, 2026
Laughable!
— Intimidator21 🦅🇺🇸 (@Intimidator21) July 15, 2026
DeVonta Smith ranked as WR22 is laughable.#Eagles https://t.co/YCgeqVxAgL
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) July 15, 2026
Facts lmfaoo
— Tiger Hiryu (@ItsJubeisan) July 15, 2026
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