Geno Smith, the consensus top quarterback in this months NFL Draft, has been the target of a scathing scouting report from Pro Football Weekly. The harshest portion of the report reads:
“Not a student of the game. Nonchalant field presence — does not command respect from teammates and cannot inspire. Mild practice demeanor — no urgency. Not committed or focused — marginal work ethic. Interviewed poorly at the Combine and did not show an understanding of concepts on the white board. Opted not to compete at the Senior Bowl and has approached offseason training as if he has already arrived and it shows in his body with minimal muscle definition or strength. Has small hands and glaring ball security issues (32 career fumbles). Really struggled handling the snow in Pinstripe Bowl (took two safeties) and will be troubled by the elements. Needed to be coddled in college — cannot handle hard coaching.”
This is similar to the harsh review that Pro Football Weekly had about Cam Newton, and it is likely the result of teams trashing Smith in the hopes that his stock will drop and thereby be available for them to take him.
Many analysts have questioned whether Smith is worth a Round 1 pick, particularly if he were to go as high as top 10 as many have suggested. However, this critique has been almost universally discounted by scouts in the know. My own evaluation of Smith is that he is by no means a top 10 pick, but he is worth a first round selection for a team in need of a quarterback.