Is DeSean Jackson the Next Steve Smith?

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Press Rewind back to this time a year ago...The 2008 NFL Draft was right around the corner and just like every other in recent memory, the Eagles were talking about acquiring a big name wide receiver.

Little did we know that in the second round, with the 49th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, we would select the next Steve Smith. 

Steve Smith was selected in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Utah.  The similarities between the two are striking.

Similarities

DeSean Jackson is listed as 5'11" and weighing 175 pounds.  Steve Smith is listed as 5'9" and weighing 185 pounds..both DeSean and Steve are little guys with lots of speed and big play-making ability.

Steve Smith has ran a 40 yard dash time of 4.38...very quick.  DeSean Jackson ran a 4.35 40 yard dash at the '08 combine.  Both guys have lightning speed!

In Smith's final year at Utah, he caught 34 passes for 743 yards and four touchdowns..not eye-popping stats..but what caught my attention was the 21.2 yards per reception.

In Jackson's final year at Cal, he caught 65 passes for 762 yards and six touchdowns..like Smith, these stats are not eye-popping....however, in his 2006 campaign, Jackson averaged 18 yards per catch...similar to Steve Smith's 2000 season.

Both guys are kick return MONSTERS!!!  Smith went to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season for his return game..Jackson also made a huge impact in the return game for the birds in his rookie year.

Differences

Take a look at both players' rookie seasons: Steve Smith played sparingly, only catching 10 balls for 154 yards and zero touchdowns.  We all know what he has become and how great of a player he is.

DeSean Jackson's rookie year was filled with big plays.  He caught 62 balls for 912 yards and two touchdowns.  He has experienced success that not many rookie wide outs have had.

Blocking

Steve Smith is known around the league as a great blocking wide receiver...in fact, one of the best in the game.  DeSean needs a lot of work in his blocking game to say the least.

Body Type

For only being 5-foot-9, Smith is built like a brick house...the guy is a physical specimen.  DeSean is not a big-bodied receiver and looks like he could break in two if he got hit coming across the middle

DeSean Jackson is a promising young wide receiver with a plethora of talent...still a little rough around the edges at times, but is going to be a deadly receiver for years to come.

As talented and productive DeSean is, he would benefit greatly if the Eagles went out and got a wide out such as Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards.  The wide receiving core would go from good to great, and would be one of the best offenses in the league

With that being said, this guy will shine regardless of if a big-bodied wide out comes to Philly. He is the next Steve Smith...Just sit back and watch!

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