Geno Smith is the player grabbing the most attention leading into this year's NFL Draft. While he may not be the top player taken first off the board, he is the one that almost every team is trying to get a closer look at. In a year where there is a weak quarterback draft class, Smith has emerged as the top target for teams in need of a signal caller. The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team that has been taking numerous trips up to West Virginia to give the quarterback a closer look. Head coach Gus Bradley reports he was very impressed with Smith, leading many to believe he will be the first quarterback drafted.
The Jaguars currently hold on to the No.2 overall pick in the draft. The Kansas City Chiefs recently acquired Alex Smith in a trade so it is unlikely they will use their No.1 overall pick to take a quarterback. The leaves Jacksonville to grab Smith if they think he is the right fit. Bradley and other Jaguars' team officials took a trip up to West Virginia in order to give the quarterback a private work out to determine if he could be a fit.
"We had a great talk. I was very impressed with him. I had high expectations but I think I came out there feeling even better," Bradley said.
Jacksonville does have a quarterback in Blaine Gabbert who they traded up to get in the draft two years ago. However, Gabbert has failed to emerge as a team starter, forcing the Jaguars into other options. In his two years with the team he started 24 games, threw for 21 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
Smith impressed during the NFL combine and during his Pro Day. He ran in the mid-4 second range in his 40-yard dash. The Jaguars specifically had him thrown downfield to test his accuracy and arm strength. He impressed in both aspects.
While Jacksonville may claim to be sticking by Gabbert as the starter, Bradley has said he wants there to be quarterback competition on the team. It makes the most sense to go ahead and grab Smith as quickly as possible.
