Philadelphia Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith was feeling confident after Monday’s team meeting with head coach Nick Sirianni. The two chatted about the regular-season opener and how to attack it. No one knows what to expect from the new-look offense. And Smith wasn’t set to spill the beans.
The 10th overall pick would only say that Sirianni talked about “embracing roles.” Whatever that role is remains to be seen, although Smith appears to be penciled in as the starting outside receiver in Week 1. He saw 26 offensive snaps in the preseason and finished with two catches for 19 yards (four targets). Throw the numbers out. Smith’s crisp route-running was a thing of beauty.
“Just play my role,” Smith told reporters. “Coach Sirianni, we just had a meeting, it was all about people playing their roles. So whatever my role is, just embrace it and just play my role.”
Sirianni didn’t elaborate too much when asked what he told Smith. The Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama is mature beyond his years and has more big-game experience than half the Eagles’ roster. He knows how to keep his head down and make the plays when his number is called.
“We just talked today about embracing our role on the team,” Sirianni said. “What is your role, embrace your role and DeVonta is going to have a big role on this team.”
Big role, huh? Smith has already started picturing it in his mind.
“I envision myself probably making some plays, there’s going to be plays that are going to be called,” Smith said. “I’m excited just to get to work this week to dive into the game plan.”