The Washington Commanders find themselves in a unique position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, armed with just six picks and none in the second and fourth rounds. General Manager Adam Peters and his team are leaving no stone unturned, evaluating prospects across all stages of the draft.
At Notre Dame's pro day, while star running back Jeremiyah Love drew much of the attention, cornerback DeVonta Smith also made waves. Sharing a name with the Eagles' standout receiver and having played at Alabama before transferring to Notre Dame, Smith has an intriguing backstory. During his college career, he appeared in 34 games for the Crimson Tide, including 22 starts, before finishing his final season with the Fighting Irish.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing in at 196 pounds, Smith hails from Cincinnati and has caught the eye of Washington's scouts. Although he didn't specify if it's an official top-30 visit, Smith mentioned to NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline that he has a meeting lined up with the Commanders.
Last season, Smith played in eight games for Notre Dame, notching 20 tackles and three passes defensed. Despite not recording an interception over his five college seasons, he's projected as a Day 3 pick, aligning with Washington's four picks on that day.
Pauline provided insights into Smith's pro day performance, noting that Smith was slightly disappointed with his 40-yard dash times, which ranged from the low 4.5s to a best of 4.48 seconds. However, Smith's short shuttle time of 4.11 seconds and a blazing 6.83 seconds in the three-cone drill showcased his exceptional agility. His vertical leap reached an impressive 43 inches, despite an even higher attempt being scratched due to a technicality.
Smith's remarkable short-area quickness and vertical leap suggest he's well-suited for a role in the slot at the next level, where quick reflexes and agility are key. As the draft approaches, Smith's unique skill set makes him a player to watch for teams seeking to bolster their secondary with versatile talent.