Analyst · #18

Steve Smith Sr.

NFL

ESPN

@SteveSmithSr89

TakeScoreC#18

Analyst · #18

Steve Smith
Sr.

ESPN · NFL · @SteveSmithSr89

TakeScore

ranked #18 overall.

ACCURACY

17%

takes that landed

BOLDNESS

Not Very Bold

VOLUME

graded takes

RECEIPTS

public flip-flops

THE HIGHLIGHT REELbest, worst, and most recent take — at a glance.

BEST TAKEOCT 8, 2024

ARIGHT

“Jayden Daniels is the most ADVANCED rookie QB in the NFL🗣️”

Jayden Daniels conclusively led the 2024 rookie QB class in advanced metrics, finishing with a 100.1 passer rating, top-4 QBR (70.6), top-6 EPA per dropback (0.13), and the highest QB+ score for a rookie since the metric was introduced in 2019. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, set multiple rookie records including the highest completion percentage (69%) and most points per game (28.5) in NFL history for a rookie QB, and led Washington to the NFC Championship. By comparison, Caleb Williams ranked 28th in accuracy (CPOE -0.1%), Drake Maye was slightly negative in EPA per play, and Bo Nix — while solid — was universally regarded as the clear second-best rookie QB behind Daniels.

WORST TAKEAPR 23, 2026

FWRONG

“Who will be the first WR off the board in the #NFLDraft tonight? Here is why I think the Giants need to go with Carnell Tate instead of Jordyn Tyson at #5”

The Giants did not select Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson with the 5th overall pick. Tate was taken 4th overall by the Tennessee Titans, and the Giants instead selected Ohio State edge/linebacker Arvell Reese at pick 5. Jordyn Tyson went 8th overall to the New Orleans Saints.

MOST RECENTMAY 29, 2026

–PENDING

“Steve Smith Sr. said DeVonta Smith is ready to be a No. 1 receiver if A.J. Brown is traded: 'Yeah, of course he is. He's been waiting and biding, chomping at the bit for his opportunity. A.J. Brown is an alpha, and I would say he's a 1a. DeVonta Smith is 1b... DeVonta Smith, he's a number one wide receiver. He's been waiting for that opportunity. He runs great routes. They move him all over the field. He's going to shine and show you that he's a hell of a wide receiver.'”

Awaiting result — this take gets a grade once it resolves.