http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10970933 Thus ends the SF career of one of the most unsuccessful #1 overall picks ever.
Vick's teams were 38-28-1 in his starts, he led a team to the NFC championship game, and he was probably the best rushing QB in history. From 2003-2005 Carr was a run-of-the-mill mediocre QB, something Smith only barely reached once. Couch is closest, but he did throw for more than 3000 yards one season, and his career TD/INT numbers were 64/67, much better than Smith's. The only thing that doesn't make this a slam dunk is that there is the chance that Smith will come back and be a mediocre starting QB for someone for a few years, but I personally doubt that that will happen.
the 1-2 QBs are starting and ending in that Smith/Rodgers draft.. this is a good example that starting a rookie QB right away really does take away from his development rather then rodgers being on bench for 3 years or w/e
He didn't have the greatest opportunity to succeed by being in SF anyway. If I remember correctly, he's had a new offensive coordinator every year. Next year may be good for him if he can find a team with some stability that will give him time.
Utah was College football's equivalent of a one hit wonder and the Niners drafted the QB of that team number one overall and there are some people out there that are shocked this guy turned into a bust. Not saying you guys, but over the past few years there's a lot of people that felt he could turn into a solid starter.
I knew it all along Alex Smith will never live up to the expectations. The same will go with Leinart.
I don't think coming from Utah has anything to do with it - if anything, leading a nothing program to great success would make it more likely that he personally is exceptional, rather than less. How many people are saying now that Bush and Leinart just benefited from playing in a great system, surrounded by tremendous talent? Roethlisberger want to Miami of Ohio and Pennington and Leftwich went to Marshall, and all have had success in the NFL.
I don't know vince young still has a shot, way more was expected of him than Alex Smith, he plays on a team that should be a title contender, one of the best Ds in the league and a good runnng game, but Vince just KILLS them.
I hate to see players getting injured, but kind of like VY's injury with the Titans, it could be a sort of blessing in disguise for the 49ers. Probably without any of the disguise though. Or the "sort of".. so really just a blessing.
With hindsight it's always easy to say "I knew that guy would be a bust". But look at his 2005 draft info from SI. No real red flags and seems like a perfect fit for a WCO. What did the scouting community miss on this guy ?? ******************************* BIO: Two year starter voted MWC Player of the Year last season after passing numbers of 67.5 percent/2,952/32/4. All-Conference selection as a sophomore after posting 65 percent/2,247/15/3. POSITIVES: Efficient and reliable passer that's done well in his college system. Accurate in the short field, leads receivers over the middle and places throws where only his target can make the reception. Solid timing on crossing patterns. Patient in the pocket, effectively reads the defense and does not make poor decisions. Goes through receiver progressions, waits for pass catchers to come free and throws to the safe underneath target if nothing's available downfield. Sets up with solid fundamentals and passes with an over-the-top delivery. Keeps his feet active and easily gets outside the pocket, making the throw on the move. Displays outstanding wherewithal and knows where receivers are on the field. Throws tight spiral with good zip. Stands strong and poised in the pocket as it collapses around him. NEGATIVES: Must improve his corner patters in the end zone as passes tend to be flat. Rarely threw the ball down field in the Utah system. ANALYSIS: A natural leader that does an excellent job running the offense, Smith has been very productive the past two years. Stays away from mistakes and has a tremendous touchdown-to-interception ratio. Does not have a deep passing arm just yet but would be initially effective in a timing or West Coast offense as he grows into a pro passing game. PROJECTION: Early First Round
