Quarterback Countdown- #9 Brett Smith - Wyoming

Brett Smith played in 35 games during his 3 seasons at the University of Wyoming.  He finished his career with 8,834 yards, 76 TDs, 28 INTs and a completion percentage of 61.9% while rushing for 1,529 yards and 20 TDs. In his final season at Wyoming Smith passed for 3,375 yards, 29 TDs, 11 INTs with a completion percentage of 62.7% while rushing for 571 yards and 4 TDs. In the table below (which is sorted by completion percentage) you can see that among my top 10 QBs, Smith ranked 9^th in completion percentage and 9^th in yards per completion.  The combination of a low completion percentage and low yards per completion average is worrisome but in a moment I’ll explain why it doesn't worry me with Smith as much as it does with my #10 QB Tom Savage.

Strengths:

Decision Making- What I like most about Brett Smith is his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly. He’s able to do this for a few reasons. The first is that he does a good job of reading coverage before the ball is snapped. The second reason is that he has great anticipation. The third reason is that he has developed chemistry with his receivers which isn't something that all college QBs end up doing. It takes time for a QB to build chemistry with his receivers but it also takes dedication and the ability to communicate. All of these factors come into play in determining whether or not a QB gets the ball out quickly. Seeing the way that Smith routinely gets the ball out before his receivers make their breaks along with the fact that his receivers are ready for the ball gives me confidence that he will be able to build chemistry with receivers at the next level which is one of the most important aspects of being an NFL QB. The video below is a compilation of plays in which Smith shows his ability to get the ball out quickly.

Athleticism- What might be more impressive than Smith’s ability to get the ball out quickly is what he has the ability to do when there isn't anyone open immediately. People praise Johnny Manziel for his ability to make plays outside of the pocket and on the run and when I watch Brett Smith I see a lot of the same ability. Smith doesn’t possess the same level of agility as Manziel but he has similar top end speed and more importantly he understands when to use his athleticism. The video below should give you a feel for the type of plays Brett Smith can make with his feet.

Weaknesses:

Arm Strength/Deep Accuracy- Smith just flat out doesn't have the type of arm strength that starting quarterbacks in the NFL usually possess. I was only able to watch four of his games but during those games he was rarely asked to throw deep outs and comebacks. Part of that is probably because it isn't a big part of their offense but the bigger reason is that he can’t produce the velocity necessary to make those throws routinely.  And his lack of deep ball accuracy seems to be a product of the fact that he has  to really put everything into the ball and loses touch.

Mechanics- Smith has an inconsistent delivery that is different than most QBs.  It seems to change depending on the depth of the route. It’s more compact on shorter throws which allows him to get the ball out quickly. Coaches may try to change his throwing mechanics but I don’t think it’s necessary. The only reason I list it as a weakness is that I think he may be able to make some adjustments to add touch to his deep ball.

Overview- Brett Smith will not be a starting QB in the NFL. He does a few things really well unfortunately the one thing he really struggles with (arm strength) isn't something that he can really improve. That being said, I think he could have a very successful career as a backup. Smith’s ability to get the ball out quickly makes him a good fit for a lot of west coast offenses. Smith’s has the ability to establish chemistry quickly with receivers and that ability is crucial when you’re expected to come off of the bench and keep the offense from missing a beat. Smith’s ability to make plays with his legs will add a dimension to most offenses.  It’s fair to ask why I would rank Brett Smith ahead of Tom Savage if I consider Smith to be a career backup. The reason is that I feel Savage has a lower floor than Smith.  Savage may end up starting at some point but more than likely he’ll end up as a backup.

Draft Projection: 7^th Round - Undrafted

I’ll be back tomorrow with QB #8.

And thanks again to the guys at draftbreakdown.com for the work you do compiling prospect video.