While the NFL Draft is still weeks away, rumors are beginning to fly as to what team is taking which player with their first pick. The quarterback has been the must scrutinized position of this year's draft class with no true starter emerging. With that being said, there are still plenty of team's in need of a new starting quarterback. The Arizona Cardinals are a team in search of a new signal caller and all signs point to the team drafting Geno Smith.
Smith is the standout mobile quarterback out of West Virginia. In 2012, Smith threw for 4,205 yards on 518 attempts. He registered a 71.2 completion percentage while throwing for 42 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His numbers read that of a starting quarterback but there is still some doubt that he can carry a team through a season.
The Cardinals currently have Kevin Kolb as their starting quarterback. He is signed to a large contract through 2016, but a slew of injuries have had him be anything but consistent. The Cardinals will likely attempt to restructure Kolb's contract and sign him to a smaller deal that is more cap friendly. Kolb only played six games last year, throwing for 1,169 and eight touchdowns. Backup John Skelton is in his final year of his rookie contract but the Cardinals do not see him as a starter as well.
If Kolb opts to not have his contract restructured, Smith is the best option Arizona has. He has a big arm and is extremely fitting nicely into a Bruce Arians' offense. His speed and footwork make him ideal option. The only thing hindering Smith to the Cardinals would be if Jacksonville or Oakland try and get him first.
Jacksonville could decide to let quarterback Blaine Gabbert go and start fresh with Smith. The Raiders currently have both Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor and are unlikely to select Smith as well. This would put Smith right into the hands of the Cardinals.
