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Eagles WR DeVonta Smith predicted to earn first All-Pro nod

It's been a long time since DeVonta Smith's first reception of his Philadelphia Eagles career went for six vs. the Atlanta Falcons. He spent much of his NFL career doing something that often goes unnoticed: thriving alongside other stars.

While much of the attention surrounding the Eagles' offense naturally gravitated toward Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and the team's dominant offensive line these past few seasons, Smith has quietly established himself as one of the league's most reliable and productive wide receivers. Now, some national analysts believe he could be on the verge of receiving even greater recognition.

Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker recently identified Smith as one of the NFL's most likely first-time All-Pro selections for the upcoming season. The prediction adds to what has already been an offseason filled with praise for the former first-round draft choice. Smith's talent has never been difficult to recognize.

Former NFL standout Steve Smith Sr. has repeatedly praised his game, pointing to the precision, toughness, and route-running ability that make him one of the sport's most difficult receivers to defend. Within the Eagles' locker room, his value is equally apparent. Few players understand what Smith brings to the offense better than quarterback Jalen Hurts. Philadelphia's star quarterback has relied on the receiver's consistency since their days together with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

DeVonta Smith has a chance to climb even higher

Recognition continues to grow. The discussion about Smith's All-Pro potential follows another recent projection from Eagles Wire that suggests Smith could finally earn his first Pro Bowl selection. While those honors are voted on differently, both reflect the growing belief that Smith deserves to be mentioned among the NFL's elite receivers.

The challenge for Smith has never been production. Rather, it has been standing out in a league loaded with star receivers while sharing targets with another elite pass-catcher, A.J. Brown. Despite that reality, Smith has continued to post impressive numbers and deliver in critical moments.

The upcoming season could be especially significant for Smith's legacy in Philadelphia. Already one of the most accomplished receivers in franchise history, he enters the year with an opportunity to continue climbing the Eagles' record books and move closer to several franchise legends.

An All-Pro selection would represent another major milestone in a career that has steadily exceeded expectations since he arrived in Philadelphia. Whether that recognition ultimately comes this season remains to be seen, but the fact that analysts are beginning to view Smith as a legitimate All-Pro candidate speaks volumes about how highly his game is regarded around the league.

For a player who has often let his performance do the talking, that respect is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The All-Pro discussion follows another recent projection that suggested Smith could finally earn his first Pro Bowl selection. While those honors are voted on differently, both reflect the growing belief that Smith deserves to be mentioned among the NFL's elite receivers. The challenge for Smith has never been production. Rather, it has been standing out in a league loaded with star receivers while sharing targets with another elite pass catcher in Brown. Despite that reality, Smith has continued to post impressive numbers and deliver in critical moments.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Why 2026 could be DeVonta Smith's first All-Pro season yet

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