The first round of the NFL draft is in the books and will be remembered for a few things that are making it look like a storyline from Wrestlemania. Enough dramatics to start a soap opera "Days of the two minute Drives". Three of the first four picks were offensive tackles, the first pick was a offensive lineman from Central Michigan and the first quarterback taken was previously rated a fourth or fifth round pick. For the first time in 50 years no running back was a first round pick. If Lattimore of South Carolina had not had that gruesome knee injury this streak would surely be intact
Tavon Austin became the newest member of the St Louis Rams with the number eight selection. This seems to be a good fit with a team that will play at least half their games indoors on a fast artificial surface. Austin has proven his versatility gaining yards thru the air,ground and return game. Defensive Coordinators will have a bigger headache if the Rams choose to line him up in the backfield setting up a mismatch on a linebacker or safety. Look for Tavon Austin to do well in the NFL
Now I'm gonna get to the hot topic. Geno Smith goes undrafted in the first round while Florida States EJ Emanuel, formerly rated as a fourth or fifth round selection by the guru's is taken by the Buffalo Bills.
A guru I'm not. I did have the chance to talk to a longtime NFL scout before the draft that is a well known authority on QB play at the NFL level and when I asked him about Geno his answer was one word "enigma". The scout went on to state that while Geno had NFL talent there were some concerns around the league about his play. The NFL is a sort of secret society with wonderlick tests that nobody seems to know what is for or how to properly answer downbto the way teams scout and grade both their own players and potential roster spots
Geno will get his shot. Keep in mind the draft status of such stars as Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers, Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana. Let's also not forget names like Jamarcus Russel and Todd Marinovich
Why the fall from potential top five to out of the second round? Again I'm no guru. I wonder how much the statements from some yahoo about Genos intelligence and work ethic came into play. I don't think it played a role, for organizations with million dollar scouting budgets are not inclined to take the word of a sportswriter than probably never played a down of football in his life. If it were that easy teams could subscribe to USA today and use the savings to buy chicken wings by the truck load ( a recurring theme from previous posts)
What may have played into Smiths drop down the draft board was his refusal to play in the annual Senior Bowl. This game is more than a all star game. It's a chance for players to be scouted in a NFL atmosphere by NFL coaches and general managers. I thought at the time that this was a mistake on Genos part. The early season success had already waned from Heisman favorite to no invite to the Heisman ceremony. A team that had been ranked in the top 5 had closed the season on a huge downward slide and we know who usually gets the blame wether earned or conceived. The Senior Bowl offered a chance to show the decision makers that Geno was indeed worthy of his early season accolades, but Smith chose to decline for whatever reason
Ever hear of a guy named Charlie Wysockie ? A running back from Maryland in the early 80's that lead the nation in rushing when he came to Mountaineer Field to defeat Don Nehlen 14-11 Wysockie was a cinch first rounder, that's what everyone attending his draft party thought. Thing is, no one from the NFL agreed and he went undrafted. Geno Smith will certainly be drafted and I think he will be successful but to what degree I cannot say. The lesson here,concerning the Senior Bowl, is not to bypass any chance to help you along.
Again, I'm no guru. Good luck Geno and the rest of the players from our state. It's not to late to get it done.
My opinion
Mike
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