If you look at what traits have correlated with WR success they are generally not the measurables that get talked about by many here. IMO the reason that so many WRs that are taken high are less successful than some taken earlier is b/c of the focus on size and speed.
I find that far and away the physical traits that most predict NFL success are hands and route running. Jefferson excelled as a rookie b/c he was arguably the best route runner and he had great hands. He was in no way a physical freak. The mental traits that matters most are work ethic and drive. Antonio Brown was a head case, but he was also the best WR in the league for several years b/c he was driven and had an insane work ethic. He didn't have elite size or speed, but he did have elite quickness. The one measurable that I do find consistently suggests NFL success is length. Anybody who has played keep away with an older, taller sibling understands how frustrating it is to face somebody with more length. Even that measurable is limited b/c it depends on hands, body control, catch radius, technique, etc. Our own Devante Parker always had a great wingspan, but he took that step up when his technique improved.
Smith is elite in all of these traits. IMO anybody that is betting against his NFL success doesn't understand football.
I find that far and away the physical traits that most predict NFL success are hands and route running. Jefferson excelled as a rookie b/c he was arguably the best route runner and he had great hands. He was in no way a physical freak. The mental traits that matters most are work ethic and drive. Antonio Brown was a head case, but he was also the best WR in the league for several years b/c he was driven and had an insane work ethic. He didn't have elite size or speed, but he did have elite quickness. The one measurable that I do find consistently suggests NFL success is length. Anybody who has played keep away with an older, taller sibling understands how frustrating it is to face somebody with more length. Even that measurable is limited b/c it depends on hands, body control, catch radius, technique, etc. Our own Devante Parker always had a great wingspan, but he took that step up when his technique improved.
Smith is elite in all of these traits. IMO anybody that is betting against his NFL success doesn't understand football.