17 August 2023 , 22:03
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The Philadelphia Eagles could not quite get the job done in the Super Bowl last season, but that has not dented their confidence as they begin another pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.
The reigning NFC champions are stacked across the board on both sides of the ball, with an abundance of youthful and veteran talent for head coach Nick Siriani to work with. Among the hugely promising young stars is wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who is heading into his third year in the league.
The University of Alabama alum has accumulated more than 2,000 yards across his first two campaigns in the pro game, dovetailing brilliantly with AJ Brown to give the Eagles one of the most dynamic offenses in the league.
Former Tennessee Titans star Brown was the team's leading receiver last year with 1,496 yards, but former All-Pro cornerback Slay – a leader of the Eagles' defence – believes Smith will not only take on the mantle but also become the best wideout in the NFL.
"He got all the tools," Slay told NBC Sports. "I told him, ‘You know, it ain’t going to be too much longer we’re going to be saying Smitty the best receiver in the league,’ for sure. It ain’t gonna be too much longer.
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"I’m not gonna put a crazy [expectation] on him, but he’s got that type of ability to be that kind of guy. He could continue to keep doing what he’s doing and growing as a player, which I know he would. Yeah, it ain’t gonna be too much longer than that. We’re gonna have the best two [with AJ Brown], for sure."
Patrick Mahomes and Kadarius Toney connected for a touchdown in the Super Bowl last season. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Slay is not the only NFL player who has been building up his teammates this summer. Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who inspired his team to Super Bowl glory over the Eagles in February, believes Kadarius Toney will show his true potential as one of the best in the NFL this season.
The 24-year-old is recovering from surgery on a torn meniscus, but he is on course to be available for Week 1. And after showing flashings for the Chiefs after being acquired in a trade with the New York Giants, Mahomes has high hopes.
“I’m extremely excited [about him],” Mahomes told the . “He has all the talent and he works his tail off, like I was talking about with [Travis Kelce].
“Obviously, we’re going to try to keep him healthy and on the field as much as possible — because when he’s on the field, he’s a difference maker. I think y’all saw that when he was with us this last year and in the Super Bowl, especially. He’s one of those guys that if you can just get the ball in his hands, he makes plays happen.
“So I’m excited for him to have a full season, not only with me, but with coach [Andy] Reid, and with Travis and where he can learn how we do things. And I think the sky is the limit. He can be one of the best receivers in this league.”