Okay by now we know that Alex Smith graduated in only two years and had a 3.74 grade point average. We know that he has a great reputation for breaking down game film and knowing his opponents. We know that he was able to grasp one of college football's most complex offenses and then take that understanding into battle in a near flawless display of decision making.
We also know that he broke the hearts of many Ute fans by declaring for the NFL draft. Not only did he break hearts, but to some he did the wrong thing. He made a quick, self-serving decision that was probably based on the euphoria of leading the Utes to a great season, more than it was on sound reasoning. Right? I mean c’mon, Alex is great but he isn’t going to go that early in the draft. Why did he leave early? Why not get better, stronger, and go pro later?
What? What's that? Well, then all of a sudden we heard what Alex already knew. He would be a first round draft pick. More than that, he'’d go in the top 10. Some fools even said, top 5 or even #1. No way are we getting caught up with that #1 overall non-sense, but wow, seriously first round? Alex must know something afterall.
Now of course, even we know that reality. Alex Smith could very well go number one in the entire draft, and if not, will almost certainly be number two. The 49ers who own the first pick have even been negotiating with Alex, although his unwillingness to sign for less than market value may drop him out of the number one spot. We also hear rumors about teams faking interest and maybe the 49ers are playing games to set themselves up to trade the pick.
Given all that we now know, perhaps its possible that Alex Smith could be the one playing some good cards in all this pre-draft smoke screening. Either he'’ll negotiate a great deal, one better than Eli Manning signed last year, or perhaps he'’ll cause San Francisco to let him drop to #2. Number two would mean he lands in Miami and would work with much heralded coach Nick Saban. Who knows, maybe Miami might be the better place for Alex afterall. Perhaps, Alex has this figured out as well and is on his way to making more of the right decisions.
Lastly, we’'ve heard repeatedly that there are no absolute ‘"must haves’" in this draft and its weaker than some recent drafts. That fact in itself could speak even more to Alex’'s strong decision making. Knowing that this would be a so-called weaker draft, meant this was the perfect time for Alex to come out. He went pro when he was at the peak of his college career, and enters the NFL draft at a time when there is lack of mega stars who would take the top draft positions away. Smart move. And to think, he won't even be 21 years old until two weeks after the draft. Hold the Champagne!
After the first few picks of Saturday’'s NFL draft, we’'ll know just how smart Alex is. Good luck Alex.
1 comment:
AIU, I just happened across your site. Nice job, you obviously know your stuff. As for Alex, he did the right thing and not just because he landed #1. His stock was never going to be higher, especially since Urban left, and Utah was headed toward a ball control offense. I heard someone say he was the smartest athlete to ever enter the draft. I find that hard to believe, Bob Griese was a Rhodes Scholar, but he is incredibly smart.
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