Scouting Report:
Athleticism:
+Excellent size and frame for an NFL quarterback – legit 6’3″.
+Has enough bulk to hold up to some hits at the next level.
+Added 15 pounds of muscle this off-season.
+Strong enough to shrug off would be tacklers.
+Decent speed, but certainly not a running quarterback.
+Balanced, stays under control on the move.
-Tentative to pull it down and run.
Arm Talent:
+Phenomenal touch down the field, very accurate on deep balls.
+Can drive the ball across the field without a dip – elite arm strength.
+Leads receivers well, allows for yardage after the catch.
+Quick, over the top release.
+Able to throw from multiple arm positions.
-Occasionally rockets a pass at close range through his receivers hands.
-Seemed to struggle throwing in the wind.
Pocket Presence:
+Doesn’t watch the rush, eyes stay downfield when adjusting in the pocket.
+Feet stay active in the pocket, but doesn’t waste movement.
+Stays in the pocket as long as possible, looks to pass first always.
+Has some elusiveness, doesn’t look to run but will take an easy first down when given.
+Able to climb the pocket and avoid edge rushers.
+Maintains proper depth in the pocket, doesn’t hang his OL out to dry.
Command of offense:
+Can make all the reads, high/low, left/right.
+Experienced with run/pass reads and route adjustments based on defense.
+Manipulates safeties with subtle fakes and eye discipline.
+Understands when to take chances and when to make the safe throw.
-Occasionally locks onto his first read when in a pressure situation.
-Doesn’t spend much time under center, mainly in pistol/shotgun.
Overview:
Geno Smith has been my number one quarterback prospect since the beginning of this season and despite a couple of rocky games against Texas Tech and Kansas State, he is still my guy at the end of the season.
Smith has the size, accuracy and arm strength that is requisite in the NFL, while his pocket presence and athleticism put him in position to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. Dynamic receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey have certainly helped Smith develop, but he has also made them look good with his touch and accuracy.
He isn’t as NFL-ready as Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were coming out last year, he certainly is a prospect that you can try and build a team around. He took criticism from 2011 (improve touch, play within the offense, add bulk, etc…) and has improved greatly in all areas.
If I’m picking first in the 2013 NFL Draft and need a quarterback – I run up to the podium and turn in the card with the name Geno Smith on it.
Scouting Notes
West Virginia vs Baylor
-Goes through two reads, hits his third option underneath.
-Looks very comfortable with trash at his feet – strong enough to shrug off some would be tacklers.
-Can tuck and run with the ball – has some elusiveness and speed but it is his last option.
Full scouting notes for Geno Smith vs Baylor.
West Virginia vs Texas
- Hangs in the pocket as long as possible, delivers 3rd down throw with man in his face
- Sells the draw and delivers a strike to Bailey for TD on 3 step slant
- Immediate front side pressure from Okafor, able to escape and pick up positive yards before being stopped short of 1st down marker
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2012/...ng-report.html