Is Eagles DeVonta Smith the ‘No. 1’ college wide receiver ever to play in the NFL?

DeVonta Smith may not be the top receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles roster, which belongs to AJ Brown, but he’s undeniably one of the best receivers ever to make the switch from college to the NFL—perhaps even No. 1.

During a recent appearance on NBA legend Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Smith, aka ‘Smitty,’ provided his thoughts on the subject.

The 26-year-old’s resume certainly builds a case for him. He’s won 2 CFP trophies with Alabama—one of the four receivers ever to win the Heisman Trophy (the other three are Tim Brown, Desmond Howard, and Travis Hunter)—played in two Super Bowls, and won a ring in the 2024-25 season.

I say yeah.

DeVonta Smith when asked if he’s the greatest

DeVonta Smith didn’t hog all the glory

It’s not easy to just pick out the ‘No. 1’ college receiver to play in the NFL from just four people because the list is massive. Several current and former players would stake their claims on the title.

Smith, even though he views himself in the same ballpark as the greats, didn’t sound arrogant. Instead, he quickly gave credit to some of the players who made a name for themselves in the NFL but were overlooked in the college scene due to how they were used and where they played.

Julio Jones is the first name that came to Smith’s mind. Jones never won a ring, but he was a 5x All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowler, and twice led the NFL in receiving yards (2015, 2018).

There were other receivers —in me, you know kinda watched the other receivers like guys that didn’t get the opportunities like I had. You had Julio [Jones]. Run-first offense was the only option in the pass game. Doing the things he did.

DeVonta Smith said

Where does DeVonta Smith rank himself among all-time college football receivers? 🤔

"I'm No. 1." 🐐 pic.twitter.com/sxjbrOIGKi

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) March 21, 2025

It was a different story in college. Jones attended Alabama like Smith, but unlike the latter, the former Falcon and Buccaneer, was part of an offense that ran the ball more. Despite the disadvantage, the Falcons drafted him sixth overall, where he played for a decade.

The next name Smith mentioned is Cooper Kupp (he only uttered Coop/Kupp). Some in the comments suspected he meant former Bama receiver Amari Cooper, but the former Raider doesn’t fit Smith’s theme, but Kupp does.

Kupp never played for a big program like Bama or Ohio State. He went to Eastern Washington (FCS) close to his home. He broke and set several divisional records, including all-division career leader in receiving yards: 6,464; most career receptions: 428 (FCS); most consecutive games with a reception: 52 (FCS); and a few others. The 31-year-old won the Jerry Rice Award, and he was twice the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016).

While Kupp’s productivity in the NFL slightly dipped, he still won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 by leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1947), and touchdowns (16).

You had Kupp who was cooking everybody.

DeVonta Smith said

The final name on the list is former Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, who recorded back-to-back 1550+ receiving yards (1782 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010) seasons.

Justin Blackmon… He won the Biletnikoff Award back-to-back.

Devonta Smith added

Blackmon’s stay in the NFL was cut short after the police arrested him for DUI in 2012. So, he never managed to show his talent in the big league.

Smith is undeniably the best of the lot

No matter how humble Smith is, there’s hardly any doubt that he is up there with the best of the best. He knows it too.

It was just like I know I was cooking but they was cooking too. Respect for’em, you know those guys kinda make me wanna do what I did. Take my receiver stuff to another level… [But] all of them I am No 1.

DeVonta Smith quipped

Smith has yet to receive any Pro Bowl honors, but he churned out top seasons behind Brown. In 63 games, Smith recorded 4011 yards from 308 receptions and 27 touchdowns. The Eagles tied him down to a three-year, $75 million contract extension in April 2024.

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