You don't always get to hear general managers in the NFL divulge any information regarding their draft thoughts and strategy. Chiefs GM John Dorsey did give some insight yesterday into what Kansas City is thinking. The Kansas City star reported that Dorsey doesn't think there is a clear cut choice at quarterback in this years draft.
“There is no quarterback where personnel guys can definitely say, ‘He’s a first-round pick,’ ” Dorsey said. “There were so many inconsistencies in the collective group. There was not one guy that stood up and said, ‘I’m the guy in the position this year.’ There really wasn’t one clear-cut guy.
“There are too many technical flaws, scheme flaws. There are so many different variables that there are a lot of people all over the place on naming the top four or five guys and who those guys would be.”
Dorsey's comments mean two things:
1. The Chiefs don't really like any of the quarterbacks in the draft
2. Other GM's who need a quarterback could be thinking the same thing as Dorsey. While the Chiefs and other teams could change their minds about a quarterback before draft day, they clearly are interested in filling the void via free agency or trade.
Some things that will help Alex Smith's value:
- The free agency crop of quarterbacks are less appealing than the draft prospects. Depending on if Joe Flacco stays in Baltimore, the crop features the likes of Matt Moore, Jason Campbell, Rex Grossman, and Brian Hoyer among others. A free agency group of those guys will have teams very interested in Alex Smith.
- Smith is still young, only 28. Teams invest their future in quarterbacks that age. Last year the Browns selected Brandon Weeden 22nd overall, and Weeden is 29. Smith could be a long term answer for a team
- If the Chiefs aren't impressed by the QB prospects, other teams probably aren't either. This will definitely help Smith's trade value, it's all about supply and demand. Oh yes, there is a supply, but the quarterback stock this year appears to be a bad batch. Smith will be in demand, being in demand drives up the price.
For teams looking for a starting quarterback I feel the choice boils down to if they decide to draft one, or decide to trade for Smith. Maybe Matt Moore will draw some interest in free agency, but I highly doubt any other free agent QB besides Smith will be considered for a starting role next season. It will be very interesting to see what pick the 49ers get for Smith. How high could it be? I say at least a third.
Do you think John Dorsey's comments mean anything? Could this mean Alex is more sought after than some have suggested?