Manuel is a QB more like Big Ben than VY or Pryor. Not saying he'll be as good, but that is more his style.

Geno Smith...Probably the first QB taken in this draft unless Barclay has an amazing Pro Day. Still the question is where? Supposedly GS will not get past #8 even some talk about them possibly leap frogging #7 who might show interest n we got a trade down partner?

If Chud n Norv are super Gaga in love with him as their Guy...then no doubt we will take him at #6.

Hard to believe anything stated regarding the draft...we did have Banner a while back stating No Way we are looking at #6 for a QB in the draft. Either that was such an obvious he was not afraid to state it. Or it was smoke screen cause we want him

I don't see any answers in FA...I wasn't even high on Alex Smith for the vertical offense being brought in. I know very controversial n I think he burnt his bridges with the fans but football wise the best guy to bring in would be DA - I think Weeden beats him out in a competition but if he can take a mentor role n backup QB role assuming he has matured. Its one of the few FA QBs out there that makes sense.

Draft...I don't see these guys assessing that GS is THE GUY. But if so we probably would have to go #6 n probably still start Weeden as they develop the pick.

As for Developing a QB...the guy I would wish us to develop 3rd round but might get taken in the First...who knows with QBs now a days. But the kid Glennon impressed me as a QB to "DEVELOP"

Speaking of Develop...I don't have the tools this year to investigate players for the draft but somebody just turned me onto a Div. II prospect named Lalich...he was in two big time programs but got thrown out for Under age Drinking. Even though nobody here would ever do that 4 years down the road the kid is - Over the drinking age now, Hopefully matured not to binge drink (guessing he did n got caught) . But Hopefully my learned dawgs much more apt to Internet investigations can share some info on this kid as a later round investment.

I am pretty sure we will draft a QB I just don't think it will be early. Got a feeling we will try to trade Colt n if not able will release him this all in the case if we Invest in DA or another FA. Early Geno?, 3rd Glennon (probably long gone) late round Lalich? Really no clue what we like.

JMHO...man Bridgewater (think that is his name) gave me goose bumps for next years draft. QB??? we just cannot suck all the way to get that #1 pick at the right time. We always win those games n get to 5, 6, 7.

I would love to get Bridgewater. I would trade down this with the goal of gathering additional picks in next year's draft with the intent of going "all in" to get him.

We were very close on getting RG3 and there are possibly 3-4 QBs of that same elite caliber in the next draft. I think it would be a great move to drop down, pick up and extra #1, and maybe snag Jones/Mingo, Ertz, Cooper, or a CB/Safety towards the end of the 1st.

I think he's more a product of WV's system... kid has talent, but I dont think he'd be a better option than Weeden right now... I think we bring in a vet to compete with the thought that if Weeden fails then we'll go and try to draft a QB next year...

RGIII is damaged goods, I am soooooooo glad we did not get him .... JMHO

Teddy Bridgewater is there. When I watch him play, I see flashes of Aaron Rodgers. Tajh Boyd isn't that far behind.

That's why I wanted to go all in on RG3 last year.

So they're not on the same level as Luck and Griffin. Going into Luck's junior season everyone knew he was the slam dunk #1 draft pick and a franchise QB. Once the season was over everyone felt the same way about RGIII. If there was someone like that in the 2014 draft there would be no talk of Clowney going #1.

It will depend on the situation.

If the team drafting at the #1 spot in next year's draft needs a QB, and they most likely will, I am willing to bet a one year ban that Clowney, as wildly talented as he is, will not be drafted by that team. That honor will go to Bridgewater.

Any takers?

Yeah, Shurmur would probably have wrecked him anyway.

These guys are a little easier to trust wen it comes to evaluating QBs. If they don't like Weeden and do like Geno, I'm down. Smith is a film fanatic with a strong arm and blazing speed. He once said he sees himself as going up against defensive coordinators, not merely defenses. Pretty deep!

i've seen him #2 to JAX on several sites (at least some versions). of course, with mocks now, you can find anything you want as there are a million sites and they put out a million versions on each one.

I don't have a clue as to what the Browns will do and they never do [except for the drafting Joe Thomas] do what I think is best for them, anyway. However, I can analyze Smith as a qb.

Early in the year, Smith was putting up ridiculous numbers. It obviously peaked my interest and I began watching WVU games, hoping that he might be another RGIII. I came away very disappointed and I would not recommend drafting him at #6. I do admit I have heard a couple of things recently that made me think a bit more highly of him, such as the comments from the new A&M assistant coach who praised Smith for his work ethic and dissed Weeden for his work ethic. He was around both guys. That meant something to me, but anyway, here is my analysis:

Strengths:
--Very good arm. I think he makes the intermediate throws very well.

--Excellent touch on his passes.

--Leads receivers so they can run after catch.

--Seems to read defenses at LOS and will change play or make hot read.

--Keeps his eyes downfield when pressured.

--Will look off a safety

--Has a nice release. Quick release.

--Can throw on the move.

--Decent athlete w/pretty good size.

Concerns:
--Footwork. My biggest concern. He gets his feet out of whack when trying to move in the pocket. It happens after he has been hit a few times, also. Loses accuracy when feet are misaligned. This is my biggest concern w/the guy. And it is no small matter, as it has ruined many potential good qbs.

--Doesn't take advantage of his athleticism. Rarely makes plays w/his feet.

--I questioned his mental toughness in the bowl game. He was getting beat-up by the pass rush. He looked beaten. Poor body language. You need a tough-minded leader.

--Played in WVU's high-flying offense which probably inflated his numbers. Similar to Weeden.



Bottom Line:
Smith has a lot of good tools and I like how his coach said he was a very hard worker, student of the game, and carried that offense. I love his touch and accuracy when he sets his feet. I despise his footwork at times and his mental toughness when the chips are down is a big concern.

I would not draft him at #6. Smith is one of those guys that could make it fairly big and leave a lot of "experts" shaking their heads as to why they didn't have him rated higher. A team who is sitting towards the bottom of round one and has a good, but aging qb, might reap huge dividends by taking this guy. I just think it would be a huge gamble for a team like the Browns [poor current qb and picking high in the round] to make a huge commitment to Smith.

before the Alex Smith deal heard draftnicks stating Geno Smith might go to the Chiefs...lol Talking heads say the darndest things (in my best Art Linkletter voice).

Doesn't justify a top 10 pick. After 10 I think there is a big gap of teams not looking at QB? But in this new Rookie CAP era if you DO NOT HAVE a Franchise QB you got to take the risk which is not as much as before...Contract is reasonable n because he is in the first you get him signed long enough to develop him. So who knows???

All depends on Chud/Norv how they assess him.

I'm telling you dawgs...take a look at this kid Peter Lalich - 5th 6th round pick...It could be the steal of the draft!

JMHO

I agree with your assessment, vers

Here's another, maybe more interesting, view of Pete Lalich...


Swag Champ: The Peter Lalich Story

By Harrison Weinhold on Mar 1 2013, 8:43p

A quarterback's journey from stardom, to failure, and back again.


As he stepped out of the white Toyota Sequoia he's driven since his days at West Springfield High School in Northern Virginia (the same Sequoia I took my first bong-rip in), I realized how impossible it would be for me to separate the Peter Lalich I know as a friend and the Peter Lalich I've watched as a football fan and writer.

While his remarkable 6-foot-5, 240 pound pro-style quarterback frame should certainly be noted, as well as his quiet, eccentric, and seemingly aloof demeanor, I couldn't help but notice his outfit. To a stranger, his style (described to me as "hipster swag") might come off as arrogant or ridiculous, but to me - his clothes tell a story all their own.

Starting at the feet - an old pair of Low top Chuck Taylors, no doubt the same pair from high school, complete with permanent-marker drawings all over the toe and sole from the countless girlfriends and sweethearts. The same shoes he'd be wearing when arrested in Charlottesville, Virginia, for a simple underage possession of alcohol citation that would spell the beginning of the end of his time as the quarterback at UVA.

A pair of Nudie jeans. Price tag: $200. "The raw denims". Way out of my league in terms of jeans, but Peter generally has always been ahead of the game in terms of fashion, music and culture - a byproduct of the eclectic characters he's called friends over the years and his own eccentric personality. To really give you a feel for Peter, when people use the word eccentric to describe him- imagine Johnny Depp or Christopher Walken. Seriously.

An obnoxious hoodie sweatshirt with a giant cat face on the front, a nod to some of his favorite musicians at Odd Future, a hip-hop collective including Tyler, The Creator and Frank Ocean. The sweatshirt is a gift from his younger sister Bonnie who moved out to Los Angeles to be famous. Trust me, she will be.

The vest his mom bought for him when he went to Oregon State matches the pointless balance bracelet on his wrist - the same his dad wears. A journalist looking for a good story could dig into Todd Lalich's basketball career at Florida or his intensity and competitiveness, and maybe draw some comparison to Marv Marinovich - but they would be far off. There was/is never a shortage of love in the Lalich residence - or Bibles or FCA pamphlets.

Finally, around his neck, dangling out of the cat-shirt - a Versace chain. It looks so absolutely ridiculous that I actually say to him "what the . is that?" Price tag: ~ $5,000-10,000.

"It's K.O.'s"

Kevin Ogletree went undrafted out of UVA to the Cowboys and has since made a nice little niche for himself on their roster. The two became friends in the short time Peter was in Charlottesville and have stayed close ever since - apparently close enough to not only loan Pete his Versace chains, but also to bring Peter down to work out with Cowboy receivers during the lockout two years ago.

"I don't know man, the thing about Peter is he's just a pure play-maker," said Ogletree, packing his bags in the hotel room he and Peter shared in Miami while they worked out at Bommarito Performance Systems with other notables such as Frank Gore and Matthew Stafford. "There's something about him where he can get hit and keep going. He stays cool under the pressure".

That's an understatement.

Lalich was a contemporary of Russell Wilson and Tyrod Taylor in high school - all three graduating in 2007. At that time, Peter was the #5 quarterback in the nation and an Elite 11 quarterback - notables of that year being Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Mallett, Jarrett Lee and John Brantley (Russell Wilson was barely blip on anyone's radar outside of the Commonwealth and ACC teams).

Lalich elected to stay in-state and be the Quarterback at UVA after turning down offers from Miami (FL), Michigan, N.C. State and UCLA. He saw time as a freshman and performed well, finishing the year 35 of 61 for 321 yards and 2 touchdowns. He would begin his sophomore year at the starter for the Cavaliers.

The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. A story we too often see end in disappointment.

Pete was arrested for underage drinking and placed on probation before the start of the season. He ended up starting the first two games before a court appearance where he admitted to consuming alcohol while on probation. He was dismissed from the UVA Football team the same day.

"I probably sat in the athletic director's office for two hours screaming and yelling about what a mistake they had made. I couldn't believe they had done this TO ME," Pete's candor is something I've taken for granted on most subjects, but we've rarely delved into his mindset during that time. "My mindset was that I was the victim. It was all about me."

While the politics of the situation at UVA might have pointed to an over-zealous administration hell-bent on ousting an unpopular Al Groh - starting with his golden-boy quarterback - Peter's take on the situation says a lot on how far he's come:

"I wanted to be the 'big man on campus'. I was worried about what other people thought about me. I was trying to be the crazy, cool guy and the football player - and it all backfired on me - twice. I didn't learn my lesson the first time."

Peter's stock was still high enough that Mike Riley at Oregon State immediately offered Peter a scholarship. One year later he would be charged with operating a boat under the influence of alcohol (a charge later dropped). The ensuing 3-game suspension would put Peter out of contention for the starting job for the Beavers. Riley called Peter himself to let him know they had pulled his scholarship.

"I was so into that Oregon mindset by that point, with a girlfriend and everything - I was ready to just give up and be a regular student. It wasn't that I didn't love football I just felt so apathetic about the whole machine and process around it. Reporters in my face and blogs writing crazy things about me - it was getting to me I think."

It was in the midst of this obviously low point in Pete's life when the head football coach at California University of Pennsylvania called up Peter to come be their quarterback. A powerhouse Division II school known for taking the scraps off the Division I and Division IAA schools, Cal-U offered Peter an opportunity back into football and a chance to redeem himself - albeit with humbler surroundings. Peter would redshirt in 2010 and hold the clipboard for Josh Portis, who ended up at Cal-U after transferring from Maryland.

In 2011, his first full season as a starter, Peter would break every single-season Cal-U passing record. Pete would finish 16-4 as quarterback for the Vulcans.

"Peter is the most different, entertaining, fun, quarterback I've ever been around," says Cal-U head coach Mike Kellar.

"I've never seen a guy - if you've seen the movie "A Beautiful Mind" - sometimes I'll leave at night and come back in the morning and that's what my greaseboard looks like in my office: Peter will go in there and draw up 60 plays, and a lot of them would be great ideas if everyone could keep up with Pete - including myself. Man it's hard to tell how many plays we could have had in a gameplan. Extremely accurate - yeah, can make any throw - yeah, but the things I noticed is he can throw from different arm angles, his pocket presence and he's just cerebral as can be - Pete made me a better football coach because of the way he made me look at things in the office"

Through all his trials and tribulations, the one thing that gets lost in Peter's story is his unmatched football IQ and the respect he gained from his coaches as a true student of the game. Ask any of his prior coaches, from coach Riley at Oregon State to Al Groh and his former staff at UVA, they all use phrases (seriously, at least four former coaches have said this, including current Chicago Bears WR coach Mike Groh) such as: "football savant" and "a real life Will Hunting" when it comes to understanding defensive schemes and the quarterback position.

"If Peter spent four years as a starter at UVA, even if he had . seasons, he would be a top 15 quarterback in this draft right now," said a pro scout I spoke with on the condition of anonymity. "He's definitely on some teams' radar, especially in this class."

Depending on what you read - Peter is currently somewhere between the 24th and 30th ranked quarterback in this year's crop of prospects. For the last two months, Peter has been training at Bommarito Performance Systems in Miami, Florida - a veritable who's who of the NFL works out there as well as draft prospects preparing for the combine and their pro-days.

"I've been working with Drew Stanton almost every day just getting my footwork right. Got my pro-day on March 11th and then a regional combine later in March and then an all-star game too. Just a few more chances to show the scouts what I got."

The reality of the situation is that no raw food diet, throwing drills, or 40-yard dash time is going to improve Peter's draft stock. The scouts have seen his tape. They know he can make every pass and is a leader in every locker room he walks into. They know he's a great quarterback, and much higher on everyone's boards than they would like admit. His NFL stock, by his own admission, has less to do with the lack of playing time and being at a Division II school, than it does the bad decisions he made over the course of his college career.

"It's tough, man, but I don't dwell on all that anymore," said Peter, sitting in my living room, critiquing my Madden play and drinking his vita-coca - making a stop for an old on his way up from Miami to his pro-day in Pittsburgh. "I have to focus on the things I'm doing now to just get prepared. I can't let the past haunt me like that."

It was high school when we used to talk about the day when Pete would get drafted. When the whole Oregon State thing went down, I never really brought it up again. All the miserable people who took Peter at face value - a big, dumb jock, who didn't deserve a free education or second chance - "what's Lalich doing these days? Man...that's a shame...what a . up."

Peter's story had become either disappointing anecdote or a punch line to all the people we grew up with. All of that could change in a matter of months.

"The thing about Peter is that he's so confident in his abilities," said Mike Brown, former roommate and teammate of Lalich's at both UVA and Cal-U. "He's a guy who's faced numerous setbacks and remains persistent on his goals, he's the type of guy who would draw up plays and concepts when he was ineligible, because he never lost sight."

"After all, the underdog is the only one who believes he can win before and after he has gained victory."

Never once did Peter let things fall apart the way he could have - the way we see so many others throw away their gifts and abilities. To scratch and crawl his way back into the mind of NFL scouts, Peter has had to work harder and swallow his pride more than most could, given the circumstances. As bad I'd like to go back to the summers we spent at the beach, drawing crowds of people to watch my fat ass chase down Peter's consistent 50 and 60 yard bombs, drinking our parents' booze and lying to girls about my football career - that Peter is long gone.

"Whatever you write, man, just make sure they know I have the most swag in the league and I'm just generally way better than any other quarterback out there," Peter said, laughing and holding his chain out. "You gotta make me look like Tim Tebow."

Well, mostly gone.

I'm probably not qualified to evaluate the true talent of an NFL quarterback (although I will never miss a chance to mention that I played against Peter and Russell Wilson in high school), but I am uniquely qualified to speak on the character and integrity of this specific prospect.

To any NFL decision-makers who might read this - No, Peter is not a Bible thumping Jesus-freak. He's a follower of Christ, no doubt, but also a student of science and philosophy who would rather have a discussion about spirituality with you than pray with you.

As a leader, Peter connects with people on their terms. The most ghetto/urban/hood/rachet guys on the roster will call Peter a "goon". The most country, rural, hillbilly-ass guys on the team will call Pete a "good ol' boy". The most straight-laced, hard-assed coach you can find - will call Peter "fun" and "talented as hell".

As a friend, his loyalty and clutchness is only matched by his ability as a wingman.

This is the story I thought needed to be told. About a kid from Northern Virginia who almost lost it all and his journey to earn it all back. Am I biased? Maybe - but I truly believe that Pistol Pete will be - not could be - will be the next Tom Brady. Yeah, I guess he's eccentric, quiet, poised and, of course, swagged-out, but most of all, he's comfortable in his own skin and a damn good quarterback. As with all special quarterbacks, there's just something about Peter that you can't quite put your finger on.

I'll let Pete speak for himself:

"Yeah I believe I ‘m the best quarterback in this draft, but every guy should think that way. I know I'm different because I've been to the bottom and I worked my way back. There's nothing you can throw at me that I can't handle. I decided a while back that I wouldn't be defined by my circumstances. Now I'm just ready to show that I belong in this league and that I'm the best quarterback. Period."

This is my "told ya so".





hogshaven.com

I grew up near that school.. It's in Little California outside of Brownsville PA..

They love this kid down there. think he's wacko, but love him just the same. LOL

Ok...is it in California or Pennsylvania...lol

I still say one of our 6th round picks...take a shot the kid could be the steal of the draft.

JMHWhy not!

O.K. vers.. first of I agree with almost everything you said here on Geno.

But you mention that he keeps his eyes downfield when pressured as a pro. But then you mention as a concern that he doesn't use his feet to make plays. You can't have it both ways, can you? Just nitpicking.

As a whole I like the kid but do have the same questions that you do. Seems to break down under pressure. Really think his accuracy and throwing mechanics are top notch.

The only two guys in this draft I would take a chance on right now are Tyler Bray and E.J. Manual. They both are no where near ready to start but in two or three years could be. Bray needs to work on the same things Geno does. Breaking down under pressure. E.J Manual needs to polish his game as a whole, but he is the closest thing to Cam Newton in this draft. And Chud did really goods things for Cam.

wow! I like this Lalich kid.

He can run if he had to and when he does he has the speed n skills to get the most out of it. But I sort of like that out of him...Make Plays??? No, not so much with his feet but in extending plays n finding open WRs he is not bad at it at all?

Really the bad rap on him is the Inconsistencies. Accuracy under pressure...I just don't know many QBs if any that are accurate under pressure. Its the MO to beat Brady probably the most accurate QB around...Even Rogers Hit him hard n often. Eli too. Maybe the best I've seen is Payton Manning...only cause he can anticipate it n throw from a strict 3 step (less than 2 seconds) n burn teams.

I think in developing a QB there is a fine line...he will see it more n learn how best to cope with it. Or he will not n become damaged goods mentally as well as physically.

I think Payton is so good at it cause the first 10 years or so of his career...he led the NFL in Not even getting knocked down at all. This gave him confidence to improve his skills n then when Tarik Glenn retired he started to get hit n pressured unlike he ever did before. But he adjusted - still paid the price (broken neck?) but had dealt with it more than any I've seen. I think we got that kind of OL here for a young QB to develop. Of course there will be some pressure but it won't be like Couch or Carr or Luck last season who got hit more than any QB in the NFL - he handled it well but if the Colts don't fix it...(OL) he could become damaged goods (what a waste). We have a pretty good environment here for a QB to develop n succeed.

Geno is nowhere on my personal target...which means absolutely nothing until I become a Multi-Billionaire n buy the team... 999,999,000.00 to go...lol

Still if Chud n Norv...feel not he is the best in this Draft...but that he will be THE GUY. So be it - I'm fine with that. I still say Weeden starts and groom GS n if Weeden just doesn't show growth...He can start Mid-season that is Weeden at the worst. If Weeden shines there is no rush...Of course not playing your overall #6 is frowned upon. But I think we are entering a new era considering the Rookie Cap doesn't force teams to start those early QBs to justify the $$$$ spent. Also Norv had a #4 in Rivers n because of the good play of Brees had no problem developing him from the outside looking in.

JMHO - I'll go with Chud/Norv decisions. Now if its all Banner/Lombardi n forced on the two...It won't be good. But I will not make that assumption...I would wait till that became FACT before chastising the FO.

Vers. I understand what your saying about making plays with his legs, and he doesn't do that much at all. I agree. Its just my personal opinion, but I'd rather have my QB looking downfield rather then look to run. So I would call it a positive. I'd rather have to get in thw QBs ear about running more then have to do it about running less, ala RGIII. Those guys just don't seem to last a long time. You don't see many old running QBs.


OH and eo.. if I chip in a couple bucks can I have some say in personel decisions???

RG3 and Russel Wilson were pass first guys last year.

Most of their runs were out of read option. Which while is there decision to keep it. Is still the coach calling the play.

Wilson made a living out of his spin out and roll move. But still passed it more than he ran.

My analysis of Geno Smith:

There is plenty to like about Geno. When you watch him you see all the aspects that make up a good quarterback. He had a sparkling 71.2% comp percentage last year with a career 67.4 . His int's percentage was terrific 42 TD's 6 int's. Career passing efficiency rating 153.5 outstanding. No fumbles in four years.

In many ways he reminds me of a streaky NBA shooter. When he is in rhythm; he can light it up.

He can also make throws that you just go WOW!

At the same time he can miss guys that are wide open and should not be missed. He can miss by a lot. You don't know if it was him or the receiver but you think?? What happened?

His footwork when not under pressure is good and he will throw a good ball. Nice tight spiral with a good quick release.

Under pressure things break down. Footwork goes haywire and that is when the inconsistency comes in his accuracy.

From all I have read and heard he is a good kid who will work hard at his game. He appears to have good command of the huddle.

In the OK game when the team was down he was working the sidelines encouraging his teammates. I loved that.

He has all the physical tools size, speed, arm strength.

In the end though I have some lingering doubts. I wish I liked him more. Luck and Griffin kind of spoiled me when looking at QB prospects. Hardly fare to compare with those guys. But you do.

The offense they ran at WVA is a long way from what is run in the NFL. He will need to learn the footwork from under center. How quickly he makes the adjustment to the pro game is a question. He has not seen anything like NFL defenses. How fast will he learn progression reads and route trees in the NFL is anybodies guess.

Andrew Luck was the best QB prospect I have ever seen coming out of college. I felt he was sure thing.

Geno Smith has the potential to be very good. However, he is not sure thing. There is risk.

The Browns though have to really examine him under a microscope and bright lights. We do not have a winning QB on the roster. No matter how you slice and dice it. Weeden is a question mark at best. McCoy is not viewed as a starter.

You do not know when you will pick 6th again. You can not expect to compete against the best teams and win a championship without a great quarterback.

Until the Browns identify a true franchise quarterback they have to keep looking.

Eagles to work out Geno Smith

Got it - regarding your assessment is from the eye not browsing the web

I too watched him - well after his amazing start (in my Is he RG3 Part Deux quest) That is where I thought he made some amazing accurate passes n then he would disappear for a game or two. Ergo without going into some vast Detail...for me at #6 just too inconsistent which is why when I state I'm ok if Chud/Norv feel he is worth it...it always comes with the condition that we start Weeden n develop him.

As for the General consensus being Inconsistent - mainly cause that is the common denominator I have seen but more important pretty much what I saw also...some very very special good. But then disappearing. In those games of very good I didn't see many flaws at all. In the ones where he did not do well they just popped up out of no where??? I got a feeling he might not go as soon as some expect...the later the better dropping QBs back...I would love to have a Glennon there at our 3rd round pick. I think he would do well under Chud/Norv. Outside of him...I want that Diamond in the Rough Pie in the Sky pick Lalich our last pick

JMHO I'm sure everything you critiqued you saw we differ sometimes in what can be fixed or not. Why btw QB is the toughest evaluation from College to draft.

I love Geno. I would have no problem taking him No. 1 overall. Here's something I wrote in January:

Pros

Geno Smith possesses excellent ball placement and rarely misfires. He can accurately throw the ball at all levels of the field.

Smith has the athleticism to move outside of the pocket and scramble for first downs. His inclination, however, is to stand in the pocket and pass the ball.

In the face of pressure, Smith remains calm and delivers the ball without panic. He does an excellent job of throwing from different platforms and retaining accuracy regardless of how awkward the situation is. He does a great job of moving around in the pocket to avoid the rush, and he keeps his eyes downfield, running only when there are no other options.

Smith’s footwork under center is excellent. He also utilizes solid throwing mechanics and a quick, consistent release.

A smart player, Smith rarely makes mistakes and does a good job of reading the defense. He is excellent at avoiding turnovers and taking care of the football.



Cons

Smith doesn’t have a rocket arm, though it is strong enough. At times, he could stand to put more velocity on his throws instead of lofting them.

He too frequently locks onto his primary option instead of going through his progressions. Out of the shotgun, Smith struggles with his footwork and doesn’t cross his feet when dropping back. He’s much better under center.

Smith could actually afford to take a few more chances, as he doesn’t make a ton of big plays. Part of this could be West Virginia’s offensive scheme, but he should take more shots downfield.

yep to this

Deep...probably the best QB in this draft could be good return...the only QB I would wish us to take a chance to be a starter if we think Weeden is a dud...but I don't think we think that at all.

Develop a guy??? I would prefer to possibly utilize a 3rd on Glennon.

Gino has skills...a negative I saw for us here..Browns...8 games off the lake...He does not throw a tight spiral.

In a drop back situation only way I hope we think about Geno.

But I can see dawgs liking him. I'm not going to scream n shout if he's a Brown.
JMHO

I like Landry Jones, but I am concerned that he may be the next Tony Romo.

Too many 4th quarter meltdowns.

i am hoping for smith to make people want the number 6 pix(ahead of 7 enough that we trade down unless, best cb is still avail...millner? , if not flat out trade down..im kinda missin that second rounder, but not really!!!!! gordon seems well worth it and now even has a year exp!... i agree with eotab,, 6th rd or later maybe five
or maybe not at all on qb
although there is a lot of good cb in free agency still, so either way get a cb then trade down if its in fa, or best cb or trade down

There is an elephant in the room and it is growing in size.

Haslam and company have made it clear: There will be competition.

So! No quarterback has been signed as yet.

Free agency has started. The Browns have been active and are still looking. TE (Kellan Davis, Fred Davis) and corner ( Brent Grimes) may still be added.

Kruger, Bryant, Groves all signed. If Grimes signs the draft is wide open.

They could still decide go with Jarvis Jones, Dee Milliner, Dion Jordan, or Ansuh but the free agent signings may have opened the door to Geno Smith.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=149&f=1547&t=11371104

The Browns heavyweights attended as they should.

Of course speculation between now and draft day will be all over the place. Quarterbacks always are the Buzz. Trade ups and downs will be discussed.

Funny how that goes. Last week Geno was a 15 to 20 pick. Now again he is top ten. Jags, Raiders, Eagles, Browns, Bills, Cardinals could all be in the mix.

It would not surprise me one bit if the Browns drafted Geno if he is there.

Jacksonville needs a Qb
Oakland needs a Qb
Philly could use a Qb

Arizona could trade up for a Qb
Buffalo has talked about trading up for a Qb

Lots of teams draft for need. Even if the quality is in question they talk themselves into it by pure desperation.

Right now I don't care who takes who as long as either Jarvis Jones or Dee Milliner is there when we pick.

I'm good with either one of them.

And we need to make teams think we're interested, even if we're not.

Working him out is not signing drafting him. I'm for giving Weeden another year, but if for some reason Norv sees Geno as the guy, I'll take it.I absolutuely trust Turner as far as QBs go. I want a stud defender in the 1st, but, if he is better than Weeden, go for it.

Well he could be going to possibly the Chiefs but that could be changed over now that Alex Smith is going to start. Or to the Bills! Now that Fitzpatrick is out!

I don't want people to feel like we want him enough that they have to jump US.

Just jump others by trading with us...

"The best QB in the class" is not the same as a "franchise quarterback." If you need a QB and have a chance to get a franchise QB, you take it. If you need a QB and spend a high pick on one just because he's the best one out there at the time, then you are hurting yourself.

His stock fell because his play declined from the early part of the season.

Pro days are pro days. Set up to showcase a player's strengths.

If the powers that be think he is a franchise guy, then by all means get him. If they see him as only the best one this year, then pass.

Yep.

Jamarcus Russell was the top QB in the draft once upon a time. (and our GM at the time tried furiously to trade for him) That same year we did trade away a couple of draft picks to move back into the 1st to draft Brady Quinn ... the "most NFL ready QB in recent memory".

Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, and Christian Ponder were all top 12 picks in 2011.

Sam Bradford was the top overall pick in 2010. He has made some progress, but he's far from being anything resembling a top QB going into his 4th season.

The Jets desperately wanted to trade with us back in 2009 to move up to 6 and grab Mark Sanchez. (the 2nd best QB in the draft)

Just because a player is drafted 1st or 2nd overall at his position doesn't ensure success. Some are even of the opinion that Barkley (lol) may move up to overtake Smith as the top overall QB taken.Now I don't care if he is drafted high, as long as it isn't by us.

I see no value at QB anywhere in the top half of the first round of this draft. Maybe if one of these guys gets to do as Rodgers did, and come in and sit, learn, and develop his skills behind a very good starter, then they might succeed. However, I just don't see success for either guy if thrown into the fire right off the bat.

In general QBs are the toughest evaluation for the transition. Probably no other position OTHER THAN Wide Receivers Bust out pct. wise.

So do you decide not to draft a QB or a WR in the first round because of that?

The position QB will always elevate the conceived worth of a prospect as well as the contract. There just is not ONE position on the team that will define its competitiveness.

Geno has the technique n God gifted tools to become a star in the NFL...would he be my pick? No but last I looked I do not have a say.

What I do know is these guys did not pick Weeden.
What I do know we have a lot of young players ready to contribute a lot more - ergo we will not be in the top 10 of the draft for quite a while.
What I do know we had Mega Cap Space to invest in precise pieces to add to the youth we have n become a better team.
What I do know we have an excellent OL, RB n a young impressive WR corp.

What I do know is we have had a terrible offense for like...FOREVER!

We did not get the opportunity to draft the SURE THING QB at #4 position in the draft n there were TWO PROSPECTS...What makes you all think one will drop into our laps as we become more competitive?

New Regime...Prospect in the wings who is going on 30 n not yest established that they Inherited. I think he will do well with our new Offense. Still this might be their best chance at a Franchise QB in the draft. I would not be surprised nor could I criticize the New Regime if they went in this direction.

So what is the Smoke Screen? Us doing a private workout with Geno to put him in more prioritized throws from our new playbook...to our WRs who come down to help?

Or Banner stating back in Jan. "We will not be looking at QB with our #6 pick", to again state after our Private Workout - Just taking a look we are not looking to draft a QB

Just guessing...but I think Geno Smith has been the target from DAY ONE! Would love to get Ansah, Jones or Millner. But lets face it. Franchise QB is the one position that has held us back since 99!

I've read posters state they wish they can Morph Weedens Arm to Colt's Legs...well I think that is what Geno Smith gives us...so I will not be surprised nor disappointed if Norv Turner n Chud review this QB n fall in love with his Talent.

I will like whatever we end up taking at #6 - well unless its a WR

JMHO

What do you do with Weeden?

Start him and let Gino learn? Waste of a pick when you could wait till next year.

Trade him? Who wants him? (Besides the jets probably)

Let Gino start over him? you're just asking for trouble.

If they think Smith can come in and be productive DAY ONE then you take him and dump Weeden for whatever you can get.

If not you go with Weeden. And if he bombs you get a (better than Weeden and Gino combined) QB next year.

It's easy EO...regardless of Weeden....if we "invest" a 1st for Geno or a 2nd or more for Mallet, than we WON'T draft a QB in 2014, a much better QB class....I can already name you 3 guys that are better prospects than Geno, possibly up to 5.

With Weeden on the roster, it makes even less sense, since we don't even know exactly what we have in him, especially after being forced in a system not suited to him and now moving to a shotgun system that fits his style much better...so by going elswhere at QB this offseason NOT ONLY do we buy high in a crap class, thus inhibiting us to get value at QB in 2014, but we ALSO waste a valuable piece of the 2012 draft class....yeah, I get that they have no ties to Weeden, but that still does not absolve them to do dumb things

Only way I'd accept Geno or Mallet is if we collect value along the way....Geno after a trade down? Very unlikely, as we would not trade down if we think he's THE guy, right? and I'd only accept Mallet if it "only" costs our 3rd or less (unlikely too). In this draft class it might make sense to switch our 6th with the Pats 29th though, which is still the value of a mid 1st but that could make it work for both sides....think about it, what would you rather have? Geno? or Mallett and a low 1st? The latter looks like a better gamble to me, but I'm still talking "lesser evil" here...oh and NO WAY they'd draft Geno or trade for Mallett and Weeden starts, NO WAY

My plan would be: add Kolb on a 1 year deal for competition at QB, trade out of the 6th pick for more value and not think about the QB position before the 3rd round

Btw, I could care less to "follow" the new FOs thought process...I voice my opinion on what would be the best thing for the Browns, not what the egos of a new regime want

Just curious but I like the long term potential of Jones and Manuel better than that of Geno and Barkley. I think Manuel goes in the 2nd but I would take Jones with our 3rd and have him absorb this offense behind Weeden. That would not preclude us from drafting a QB in the 1st next year but it will help us to develop the QB position. You look at what the backup QB has been traded for lately and it is well worth that investment.

The A&M vs Okla game last year sold me on Jones running Chud's offense in the AFC North in the worst weather conditions. His ball slices the wind like Farve and I see enough to work with.

Toad, this has "trade down" written all over it potentially. I want our guy there. At 6. Don't be too cute with a sub-par draft unless you have had a great FA run. Not sure what part of the competition is the new offense, but these are two different packages in Weeds and Smith. Think we CAN lock down another corner at 6. Wait and see, I guess, but this feels worse as it wears on.

My hope is we get Jones in the 3rd round.He could push Weeden and then Norv could work with him and he could take over if weeden dosen't get the job done this year.

How many minds are going to be blown when we trade our first, next years first and more picks to trade up and get Geno?

Not a huge McCoy fan, but I do think he is a better qb than Weeden.

No problem, Pastor.