Matt Barkley, Geno Smith out to prove 2013 draft's QBs are franchise players
 

Matt Barkley, Geno Smith out to prove 2013 draft's QBs are franchise players

BRADENTON, Fla. — Matt Barkley, Geno Smith and Tyler Wilson are tired of the (unfavorable) comparisons
from experts who insist the 2013 NFL draft's top quarterback prospects don't stack up with Andrew Luck or
Robert Griffin III as sure-fire, rock-star franchise players.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay went so far as to say he doesn't see a first-rounder among a crop he says is
the antithesis of last year's draft -- in which Luck and Griffin established themselves early as the top two picks
to the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, respectively.
But beneath ready smiles burns a smoldering pride. Smith, a former West Virginia passer, and Barkley, from
University of Southern California, believe they are franchise answers in their own right.
"I feel like I am the best, and (given) what I've done up until this point, I do have a case for being the No. 1 overall pick,'' Smith told USA TODAY Sports
at IMG Academy. "It's up to the GMs and coaches. I have plenty of work to do still as a player and a person. I have to go up to Indianapolis (at the
scouting combine) and impress them there.
"I have the capabilities to be a franchise guy. It's just about exhibiting that.''

The strong-armed Smith (6-3, 220 pounds) will throw on the combine stage Sunday inside Lucas Oil Stadium after declining to play in the Senior Bowl.
Barkley can't begin to prove doubters wrong until his March 27 pro day (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...e-usc/1928257/) when he is expected to be 100% recovered from a season-ending sprained right (throwing) shoulder he
suffered Nov. 17 against UCLA.
"Geno should think he should be the No. 1 pick like I think I should be No. 1,'' said Barkley, who was viewed to own that position last year when he
returned to the Trojans for his senior season. "Just like (Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl MVP) Joe Flacco said, 'I'm the best quarterback in the NFL.' And
then he lived up to it.
"I don't have any doubts in my mind where I want to be. My goal is to go out and prove why I should be.''
Barkley steered USC through its rocky transition from former coach Pete Carroll to Lane Kiffin, a period that included NCAA sanctions including a twoyear bowl ban. Barkley hoped to finally compete for a national championship in 2012 only to struggle along with his 7-6 team.

Well to be fair all high QB draft picks are franchise players....they either make the franchise....or break the franchise....

What if it's already broken?

I think I am the most amazing man in the world. heh

you can always make little rocks even smaller.

If 2-14 isn't already broken I don't know what is...

This franchise is the finest grade of sand.

I don't understand... Why so many people are searching for reasons NOT to draft Geno.

What is it that people are scared of?

Because he's black? Because he's not Luck? Because he's not 6' 5" 240?

Help us understand.

I see nothing but positives with this kid. He's got everything that we are looking for in a QB, and then some... one of the most accurate passers out there... driven... a winner.

Because if he's no good, we might be 2-14 again and in position to draft Teddy ****ing Bridgewater.

We need a tackle. We need 9 wins, January BBQ, and a playoff loss!

I don't know if they grade it.... but "coarse"

That's why we're here right? To break down everyones game to the smallest degree. What translates from college? How many great statistical QB's didn't make it at the next level. The big question I've seen with Geno is why can he nail a throw through a window with touch on one throw, but then miss badly a wide open receiver breaking away from one on one coverage? Still better than anyone we have on roster...

what are you talking about? At one point the guy had more TD's than incompletions... is that some made up notion that you've come up with?

Watch the Mayock video on the main page. Didn't say I dont like him, but there's the proof on video. Just saying its odd to make such incredible throws then miss some wide open ones. Obviously not the only one to see it if they felt the need to make a video montage of it.

Completely understand, ALL elite QBs never miss a throw. I mean come on...