Atlanta Falcons three players to watch closely against the Eagles

2. DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith faced some criticism heading into this year’s draft regarding his size and how he was going to hold up to taking NFL-level hits. Having watched Smith’s career at Alabama there is little doubt he is going to adjust to the league.

Smith is an elite talent who is capable of being the Eagles’ primary weapon during his rookie season. Atlanta should have A.J. Terrell shadow Smith throughout the game. It would be a good early test for both players as to where they are in their development.

Smith and Jalen Reagor are the team’s starting receivers and neither are established weapons. Out of the two Smith has more pure talent and homerun potential. Shadowing him in week one may be drastic coverage for a rookie, however, when you consider the few offensive threats Philly is featuring it won’t hurt the Falcons defensive performance.

A successful week against Smith isn’t going to be shutting him down completely rather not allowing him to catch a deep ball. Smith’s ability to find ways to break big plays is what made him so great at Alabama.  A trait Atlanta simply cannot afford to let translate to the next level. Slowing Smith down in week one is a must for the Atlanta defense.