2013 NFL Draft best available: Geno Smith leads remaining quarterbacks

Only one quarterback went off the board in Round 1, leaving the best available list close to intact from pre-draft projections.

by Alex Welch

Apr 26, 2013, 1:00 PM UTC

Al Bello

As Roger Goodell exited the stage after announcing the end of Round 1 of the 2013 NFL Draft, Geno Smith was left sitting in the green room dreaming of what it would be like to hear his name called at the podium. Only one quarterback came off the board Thursday night. E.J. Manuel escaped as the only passer with a new home in the NFL.

The media made sure to capture Smith’s misfortune on camera often, showing his dejected face after seemingly every pick. This year’s draft hasn’t been coveted for its quarterbacks, and that was obvious after the position went untouched for the most part. Buffalo turned heads by taking Manuel at No. 16 overall. All other quarterbacks will be hoping for a call sometime Friday night.

More: Best players available in 2013 draft

Top Quarterbacks Available

1. Geno Smith, West Virginia, 22

2012 passing stats: 4,205 yards, 42 touchdowns, six interceptions

It’s hard to believe Smith was at one point considered the potential No. 1 overall pick in 2013. While he needs to improve his accuracy and awareness, his arm strength was a standout feature to all. Smith possesses the talent to be a quality NFL quarterback. The lack of interest in passers altogether hurt his stock.

2. Matt Barkley, USC, 22

2012 passing stats: 3,273 yards, 36 touchdowns, 15 interceptions

Ending his disappointing senior season with a shoulder injury only further added to Barkley falling in the draft. He doesn’t have elite arm strength and he can make poor decisions when pressured. Still, he has a smooth release, good football IQ and the intangibles to be effective at the next level. His draft projection was all over the map coming into Round 1.

3. Mike Glennon, North Carolina State, 23

2012 passing stats: 4,031 yards, 31 touchdowns, 17 interceptions

Glennon is a towering athlete at 6’7. His mobility is somewhat limited, and his pocket presence is tough to watch at times.He has a strong arm with the ability to make good reads downfield. His size helps his cause as well.

4. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 23

2012 passing stats: 3,387 yards, 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.

The gunslinger mentality may be a detriment to Wilson’s NFL potential. Despite his confidence throwing downfield, he makes bad decisions and changes up his mechanics often. Setting plenty of records at an SEC school proves he did something right against some of the toughest defenses in the nation.

5. Tyler Bray, Tennessee, 21

2012 passing stats: 3,612 yards, 34 touchdowns, 12 interceptions

Bray is another passer with good size, close to Glennon’s range. He was hard to figure out while playing for the Volunteers. At times it was tough to figure out what Bray was seeing while throwing into coverage. He has good arm strength, though, and can put great touch on the ball.