Looking for speed and yards after the catch at the WR position? This extremely underrated prospect has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a guy who has some of the best speed and hands in the entire draft. How does Devin Duvernay fit with the Philadelphia Eagles? Let’s take a look.

Previous Eagles Draft Prospect Profiles

Devin Duvernay Fun Facts

  • Devin Duvernay was a running back prior to High School
  • Texas 100-meter state champ (10.27) in High School
  • Originally committed to Baylor to play with Art Briles
  • Cousin of Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray
  • Has a twin brother who also plays for the Texas Longhorns
  • Devin Duvernay’s 106 receptions total ranked #2 in school history over a single season behind Jordan Shipley (116 in 2009)

Devin Duvernay’s Draft Player Ranking

  • Not Ranked (Top 50) – Daniel Jeremiah/NFL.com
  • 88th – Matt Miller/Bleacher Report
  • 69th – ESPN
  • 25th Best WR – Sports Illustrated
  • 79th – CBS Sports
  • 140th – The Draft Network

A Look at Devin Duvernay’s College Performance

Who is the best wide receiver in the history of the Texas Longhorns? I’m willing to bet none of you mentioned the named Devin Duvernay. After Roy Williams and Jordan Shipley, Devin Duvernay has rightfully claimed his place as one of the top wide receivers in school history. But why did it take so long? Let’s examine.

One of the top recruits in the country…

Devin Duvernay was a big time recruit out of Sachse, Texas. Duvernay was a late addition to the Longhorns and received offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma and Baylor. Duvernay busted out the gates during his freshman season, averaging 20.6 yards per reception and scoring 3 touchdowns. However, his numbers never took that natural progression during his sophomore and junior seasons.

When Charlie Strong left Texas, Devin Duvernay cleared struggled to adjust to then-new head coach Tom Herman his second season. He struggled getting on the field and clearly needed to work on improving his route running and creating separation his sophomore year. Duvernay finished with only 9 receptions for 124 yards that season and contemplated transferring to a different program.

Saving the best for last…

The struggles only continued his junior year. Despite the talent, Duvernay finished 3rd on the team in receptions along with just 4 touchdowns. Following a disappointing junior season, Duvernay agreed to switch positions into the slot his senior year and never looked back. Duvernay’s breakout moment came vs #6 LSU when he erupted for 12 catches, 154 yards and two touchdowns during the second week of the season.

Quite simply, Devin Duvernay saved his best work for his senior season, finishing with 106 catches, 1,386 yards and 9 touchdowns. In fact, Duvernay’s big play ability got him into the top five in the country in receptions (#3) and receiving yards (#5). Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Duvernay only had 3 drops in 129 targets last season.

A huge week for Devin Duvernay at the NFL Draft Combine…

Duvernay’s standout season got him first-team All-Big 12 honors and an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Devin Duvernay had a very good showing at the Senior Bowl and measured in at 5’10 and 200 pounds recently at the NFL Draft Combine. This is a huge week for Duvernay who many consider could rise up the draft boards with a successful NFL Draft Combine.

What does Devin Duvernay bring to the Philadelphia Eagles?

Speed, speed and more speed. Devin Duvernay brings some of the best straight line speed at his position. This is a guy who clocked in at 21 miles per hour during the senior bowl, good for second best at his position. To put that in perspective, Henry Ruggs III clocked in at 24 miles per hour. In terms of pure speed, Devin Duvernay is one of the best in the entire 2020 NFL Draft.

Devin Duvernay also brings elite yards after the catch ability. According to Pro Football Focus, Devin Duvernay had 719 yards after the catch this past season. To put that in perspective, more highly touted receiver prospects Justin Jefferson had 714, Brandon Aiyuk with 710 and CeeDee Lamb finished with 683 yards after the catch. If you’re looking for a sleeper draft pick, this is it Eagles fans.

The Eagles need someone who can stretch the field and stay on the field…

Duvernay also has phenomenal hands. This is a guy who is a center fielder on offense. Devin Duvernay has consistently shown the ability to make all the catches. He’s had several standout moments of spectacular catches during big time moments. Duvernay’s great hands combined with his ability to track the ball down field makes him a potential deep threat in the NFL.

The Eagles have been ravaged by injuries over the past couple of years, especially at the wide receiver position. Devin Duvernay played in all 51 games and made 29 starts during his 4 years at the University of Texas. All signs point to Alshon Jeffery’s days being numbered in Philadelphia. How many games can you realistically count on with DeSean Jackson in 2020? Duvernay’s consistent ability to stay on the field should make him a very attractive piece of the puzzle for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles must bring the big play back to Philadelphia. Devin Duvernay is a player who can make plays in the middle of the field as well as stretch the field when necessary. I don’t know about you guys, but I spent the majority of this year’s Super Bowl wishing Deebo Samuel was wearing Eagles green. He was all over the place, finishing with 92 yards on 8 touches. Deebo Samuel is a solid comparison for projecting Devin Duvernay at the next level.

Areas Devin Duvernay Needs to Strengthen

Route Running: Devin Duvernay can look stiff in motion and isn’t the quickest in his cuts with his route running. Film shows that Duvernay’s hips are too tight to get separation during his routes. Duvernay mostly faced off coverage in the slot during his senior season at Texas. Learning to become a better route runner has and will continue to be a major focus point for Duvernay moving forward. A big storyline to watch is Devin Duvernay’s agility tests at the NFL Draft Combine. If he tests well, Devin Duvernay could be one of the biggest high risers on the draft board come draft day.

Slot WR or Outside WR: After watching tape, Devin Duvernay projects best in the slot at the next level. With such a high need on outside receivers, should the Eagles invest a 3rd or 4th round pick in a guy that will primarily be a slot receiver in the NFL? Greg Ward showed immense value late last season thriving as a slot receiver for Carson Wentz. However, Duvernay’s excellent straight line speed could make him a potential project to play outside receiver down the road.

My Expectation for 2020

Listen, I love Greg Ward more than anyone. He was a fun story last year but the Eagles need inject speed and youth at the wide receiver position. In my opinion, the depth and overall talent at wide receiver simply isn’t good enough. To not select a guy like Devin Duvernay, one of the biggest sleepers in the entire NFL Draft, because he may best project as a slot receiver in the NFL would be a very bad move. The Eagles love versatility with their players and Devin Duvernay has the ability to eventually make plays all over the field.

The bottom line is that Howie Roseman must add dynamic weapons for Carson Wentz at the wide receiver position. The Eagles are desperate for dynamic playmakers and I would absolutely love to see a high end talent at wide receiver taken in the first round along with Devin Duvernay in the 3rd or 4th rounds. As a die-hard Eagles fan, adding speedsters like Jalen Reagor and Devin Duvernay is exactly the type of wide receiver my body craves. Devin Duvernay would be an amazing pick for the Eagles in that 3rd or 4th round.

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