Eagles' DeVonta Smith Predicted to Earn Personal Accolade After Losing AJ Brown

As we look at the Philadelphia Eagles roster this season, there's obviously an interesting talking point about not having A.J. Brown on the roster. Brown, who's undoubtedly one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, is going to be missed. No matter what Eagles fans want to say about that situation, he's one of the best players in the world for a reason, and anytime a squad like Philadelphia doesn't have him, it's worse than it was.

At the same time, there are some promising thoughts about why the Eagles can be just as good as any team in the NFL once again and won't miss Brown as much as I personally think. The hope is that a guy like DeVonta Smith comes in and is the true WR1. 

Smith has proven over the past few years in Philadelphia that he can be one of the best players in the world, but it won't be any easier this time around. In fact, it's going to be even more difficult as defenses totally sell out for him. The question now is whether he's going to rise to that occasion, which I personally think he's going to. 

One writer from NFL.com believes the same thing, recently predicting that he could be a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career.

“A.J. Brown's exit opens a trove of opportunities for DeVonta Smith. Yes, the Eagles drafted Makai Lemon in the first round and buffered the unit with veterans, but Smith is the alpha. The sixth-year pro boasts route-running ability and can generate separation with the best of them. Smith is a WR1. There will be no question now,” Kevin Patra of NFL.com wrote.

It wouldn't be surprising at all to see Smith find a different level of success this year than he has over the past few seasons. 

We're talking about a guy who has a ridiculous amount of talent and has proven that. Now, being the focal point of the offense in the passing game, there's no reason why he can't have a 1,500-yard season.

Counting numbers are going to be a very big deciding factor in an accolade like this, so Smith will have to hope that he puts up whatever numbers he needs to.