Irving Fryar believes DeVonta Smith will outpace A.J. Brown this season

· Yahoo Sports

Few people better understand what it takes to succeed as a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver than Irving Fryar. A former All-Pro, albeit with another organization, the former standout spent three seasons with the organization, earning Pro Bowl honors twice during that span (1996-97).

Visit fish-roadgame.com for more information.

He closed his third in 1998 with the Bart Starr Award. Long before his induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, Fryar established himself as one of the most accomplished receivers ever to wear midnight green despite spending minimal time here. That's what makes his recent comments about DeVonta Smith so intriguing. During a recent appearance on 94 WIP-FM with Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio, Fryar shared a prediction that may surprise some Eagles fans. He believes Smith won't simply thrive this season. He believes the former first-round pick will outperform A.J. Brown across the board.

According to Fryar, Smith will finish the season with more receptions, more receiving yards, and more touchdown catches than his former teammate. Don't take anyone else's word for it. Take a look for yourself.

Irving Fryar's bold statement isn't unfounded

Making that prediction requires a great deal of confidence. Brown has spent years establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness makes him one of the league's most difficult matchups, and he has consistently produced at a high level throughout his career.

Yet Fryar clearly sees something in Smith. Perhaps it's the Eagles star's route running. Maybe it's his reliability, durability, or ability to create separation. Whatever the reason, Fryar believes Smith is ready to take another step forward and become the Eagles' most productive receiver.

That's a significant statement, considering the expectations now accompanying Smith. For much of his career, he has thrived alongside another elite pass catcher, forcing defenses to make difficult choices about where to devote their attention. This season presents a different challenge, but it isn't one that we've already seen him tackle. He thrived as Philadelphia's WR1 during his rookie season in 2021. He, along with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, is expected to shine as one of the NFL's great offensive trios.

If Fryar is correct, Smith won't simply replace production. He'll emerge as the centerpiece of Philadelphia's aerial attack. Of course, projections made in June rarely decide what transpires once a team reaches December.

Defenses will adjust. Opponents will devote additional resources to slowing Smith down. The responsibility that comes with being a team's unquestioned top receiving threat is substantial.

Still, Fryar's opinion carries weight because it comes from someone who understands both the position and the city. If Smith delivers on that prediction, the Eagles won't just have found a replacement for lost production. They'll have confirmed what many have believed for years: DeVonta Smith is capable of carrying a passing game as its leading man.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Irving Fryar believes DeVonta Smith will outpace A.J. Brown this season

Read full story at source