Geno Smith silenced some critics at the NFL Combine with a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash, the fastest among quarterbacks, potentially quieting criticism of a possible No. 1 pick not known for his ability to move his feet.
2013 NFL Combine results: Geno Smith runs fastest 40 among quarterbacks
Geno Smith bested all quarterbacks with his 4.56 in the 40-yard dash - a great result considering his reputation as a pocket passer.
Smith is in line to go first overall because of his passing ability - and because the Kansas City Chiefs are badly looking for a signal-caller with the pick - not his quickness. Although straight-line speed isn’t the most important facet in determining whether a quarterback can scramble with the ball, Smith’s 40 time won’t hurt:
A little surprising (and promising) that Geno Smith ran a 4.56. Didn't realize he was that fast, being a pocket passer and all.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2013
Smith is definitely a pocket passer, not an option guy or a scrambler. But even so, he’s apparently faster than the rest of the guys in his class - even those considered more mobile. For what it’s worth, Colin Kaepernick ran a 4.53.
4.56 is a terrific time for a guy measuring in at 6’3 and 214 pounds. It puts him above the rest of the quarterbacks - even guys considered dual threats like Arizona’s Matt Scott, possible NFL tight end Collin Klein, and a guy who played wide receiver in college in Minnesota’s Marquise Gray - and in line with some of the slower wide receivers. It should be noted that Denard Robinson, who ran an unofficial 4.34 40, is listed as a wide receiver.
Smith is generally considered the top quarterback in a thin class, but considering the importance of the quarterback position, he’s still considered one of the players who could go No. 1. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said he thinks Smith is his top quarterback in the class, even if he didn’t give the West Virginia product a first-round grade.
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