
The NFLDraftguys staff is going to duke it out over the question of whether the most enigmatic players in the 2007 draft class will become their best or worse case scenario right up until the 32 NFL franchises show us their take on those players in Radio City Music Hall on April 28 and 29.
Editor's Note: Troy Smith is one of the most hotly debated players in the entire 2007 draft class. You can jump into the fray and add your two cents in The Ohio State Pro Day Thread
High Side by Cecil Lammey
Forget the tale of the tape, just watch Troy Smith and you'll see he's the real deal. This kid came to Ohio State as a raw athlete that liked to scramble more than he did read defenses. During his time with the Buckeyes we saw him mature on and off the field. He capped off his senior year with a Heisman Trophy, and a chance at a national title. Too many people put too much negative stock in that OSU v. FLA game. Troy Smith can be a VERY good QB at the next level.
Leadership is his hallmark, and he can rally his team, making all the players around him better. He has SUPERB arm strength and can make all the NFL throws with ease. He does not look to run first, instead he reads the entire field and if everyone is covered he has great ability to pick up yards with his feet. Troy Smith represents great value as a 2nd or 3rd round QB, and with the proper grooming he could be in for one helluva NFL career.
Low Side by Sean Baca
Troy Smith has great arm strength and highlight reel athleticism. In the shotgun formation he is deadly. There are a number of quarterbacks who's resume read the same , almost verbatim. Where Troy must improve is under center, where he is far too jittery and loses the composure he has in shotgun. Fundamentally he has a good release but tends to throw the ball with just his shoulder, especially when throwing on the run. His clock/motor are a little to high for an NFL quarterback and he will have to learn to compose himself in the pocket in order to be play-maker at the next level. His "devil-may-care" attitude about throwing the ball into tight coverage as well as throwing it back across the field, relying on his arm strength to get the ball thru, will be concern head coaches as well. In summation, he is a great athlete and since I am a die-hard Michigan fan, I am thrilled to see him headed for the NFL and I do expect big things from Troy - once he settles down.
