1. Torrey Smith, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Smith’s two-year tenure in San Francisco was about as disastrous as it gets. After putting up nearly 1,900 yards with 15 touchdowns in his final two seasons in Baltimore, some figured Smith would take advantage of Colin Kaepernick’s strong arm with the 49ers. It never materialized.
The receiver was released just two seasons into the five-year deal he signed with San Francisco, tallying a grand total of 53 receptions during that span.
Some will say Smith was more a product of Joe Flacco in Baltimore. That he’s a player that will never make much of an impact without a true No. 1 receiver teaming up with him. These criticisms are more than warranted. What we do know here is that San Francisco’s coaching and quarterback situations were dumpster fires over the past two seasons. That surely played a role in Smith’s overall lack of production.
Despite this, he still found a way to lead the NFL at 20.1 yards per reception in 2015. Still only 28, it’s not like Smith has lost his explosiveness. Now that he’ll be teaming up with Carson Wentz in Philadelphia, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Smith return to pre-49er form. Add in the presence of Alshon Jeffery as a big-bodied possession receiver next to him, and this is only magnified further.
Defenses in the NFC East are going to have a difficult time defending Philadelphia’s receiver group. Smith and Jeffery will line up outside with Jordan Matthews acting as the team’s top slot guy. This will lead to a ton of opportunities for Smith down the field. It should also help Jeffery build up his free-agent portfolio for next March after signing a one-year deal with the Eagles earlier this month.