Alex Smith #1?

[maddogkf]

Supposedly after his workout all the scouts gave him a standing ovation. A few scouts said it was the best workout since Aikman.



Smith reflects on successful workout

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By Dave Richard
NFL.com

• Click here for Alex Smith's workout results

(March 16, 2005) -- When Utah quarterback Alex Smith stepped off the field from his private workout for 32 NFL teams, the first interview he did was with NFL.com. Smith wowed scouts with his arm and intellect, and was more confident in his chances of being the first quarterback taken in the 2005 NFL Draft.

What is it like to be under the microscope in front of all 32 teams and over 100 coaches, scouts and GMs?

Smith: It's crazy. It was good in a sense that at the combine, I got all that non-football stuff out of the way and come out here and just throw here in Salt Lake City. It's exciting, though, to turn around and see NFL head coaches and GMs and offensive coordinators just surrounding you and examine everything you do. You know, it feels good; it made me excited.

Were you nervous before you got out there?

Smith: Oh, I definitely was. I definitely built this up in my head, but once I threw the first couple of passes and started sweating, it all kind of went away and I just played football.

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Alex Smith impressed NFL brass with his athletic ability on the field ...
A perception was out there that you were a system quarterback in college because you played in the shotgun so much. Do you think you put that perception to rest?

Smith: I think so. Obviously I think they view me as athletic because I ran the ball a little bit in college, but I think they were happy to see me drop back and make more post-out throws, seven-step drops and comeback throws. In that sense, it was good to have them see me and prove to them that I could do that.

I know you were very confident in your draft status before this workout, but now that you've finished showing what you can do and receiving so many compliments afterward, are you even more confident that you're going to be the first quarterback taken on April 23?

Smith: You know, I definitely feel that way, but who knows what they (the NFL teams) are thinking. They're not going to show their hand and give anything away. But I definitely feel like I separated myself and proved that I should be the first quarterback taken. We'll see.











49ers watch Alex Smith's workout

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[size=-1]Associated Press[/size]
[size=-1][/size]
[size=-1]SANTA CLARA, Calif. - If the San Francisco 49ers decide to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in next month's draft, they should have a better idea who that will be after this week.

The 49ers attended Utah quarterback Alex Smith's workout Wednesday in Salt Lake City and will follow that be seeing California's Aaron Rodgers on Thursday in Berkeley.

"That will be good because having these quarterbacks back-to-back is a neat way to do it," San Francisco coach Mike Nolan said. "I'm glad that it has worked out this way for everybody, not just for the 49ers, but everybody has the opportunity to see these guys back-to-back. That is a lot better than waiting a week to 10 days before you see two guys and kind of going, 'geez, was that other guy like this or what was he like?'"

The biggest question facing Smith is how he will adjust to a pro-style offense after playing in Utah's wide-open, shotgun system the past two years.

Smith tried to ease those doubts Wednesday by showing his drop-back skills, although he did not take snaps from center before throwing to two receivers.

"It seemed like he's been doing it, but he certainly needs work," Nolan said. "He did it naturally. He is a very good athlete, but there are some subtle things as far as when you take a drop, check your feet, body lean, put your hips through and all of those types of things."

Nolan said Smith's arm strength was good, but that he was most impressed with his mental makeup. Smith will visit San Francisco for another interview before the draft April 23-24.

"It was an impressive workout from the standpoint that the guy showed he is a football player and he showed he is very passionate about the game," Nolan said.

"He is a character guy who is very smart and very tough with leadership skills. He knows the importance of being competitive in the huddle. Alex is going to be a good NFL player. Like everyone, we have to put value on him and compare him with the other guys."

Nolan will miss Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards' workout Friday because he has another commitment.

Nolan also said the team has had internal discussions about trading for Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James, who is seeking a long-term deal or a trade from the Colts. But Nolan added it was unlikely the Niners would make a move for the Pro Bowler.

Nolan also said the team had no plans to trade linebacker Julian Peterson and hoped Peterson would sign a contract in time for minicamp.

Peterson, a two-time Pro Bowl player and an All-Pro in 2003, missed all but five games last season with a torn left Achilles' tendon. He was designated the team's franchise player, meaning the 49ers can match any offer he receives or get two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Nolan said the team does have interest in receiver David Boston, cut last month after failing a physical for Miami. Boston has had a troubled past, including a steroid suspension last season.

"I want to make sure he is fully aware of what the parameters are," Nolan said. "He can add a lot to our football team, but it is going to be a mutual thing. It will be as much on our terms as it is on his.

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[maddogkf]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/football/nfl/san_francisco_49ers/11158449.htm

Posted on Thu, Mar. 17, 2005_krdDartInc++;document.write('');

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QB Smith gets ovation from 49ers

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[size=-1]By Dennis Georgatos[/size]

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[size=-1]KNIGHT RIDDER[/size]

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It did not escape 49ers coach Mike Nolan's attention that Utah quarterback Alex Smith drew a round of applause at the end of his individual workout Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

"I think everyone appreciated the fact that he worked hard," said Nolan. "The guy is a football player, and he appears very passionate about playing the game."

Smith, who won 21 of his 22 career starts, threw about 80 passes before NFL coaches, scouts and spectators, including a high-level contingent from the 49ers, who have the first overall pick in the draft April 23-24.

Nolan, vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan, offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Jim Hostler will reconvene in Berkeley today for the workout of Cal's Aaron Rodgers, who joins Smith as the two highest-rated quarterbacks in the draft.

"It's good we're seeing them back to back," Nolan said. "That's a lot better than waiting a week or 10 days and trying to remember, 'Was that like what the other guy did?'"

Smith, 20, demonstrated his arm strength and accuracy with an array of short-, medium- and long-range throws in giving the 49ers and others a firsthand look at his abilities. Neither Smith nor Rodgers worked out at the NFL's scouting combine last month, though both were interviewed by 49ers officials.

"He did a very good job delivering the ball," Nolan said of Smith. "There were some little things, but nothing that was not correctable."

Smith ranked second nationally in passer efficiency and fifth in total offense while operating primarily out of the shotgun in Utah's wide-open offensive system. During his workout, he also threw off the three-, five- and seven-step drops common to the West Coast scheme used by the 49ers, though he did it from a standing start rather than taking the ball from center.

"I would have liked to see a center there, but the fact that there wasn't one is not huge," said Nolan. He said Smith demonstrated sufficient athleticism to show that he's capable of adapting to changes in footwork and throwing more on the run.

"He can get better at it," Nolan said. "Even someone who has been doing it for a while, it's rare that you say, 'Wow, they have it nailed down.'"

Rodgers, on the other hand, has some familiarity with the 49ers system, having worked in a West Coast scheme under Jeff Tedford at Cal.

"Right now, today, he would have the upper hand," Nolan said. "But that all kind evens itself out in the process. They're both going to have to learn things in the NFL."

Notes: Nolan said the 49ers remain interested in signing David Boston but won't act on it until the coach has a chance in the next week or so to meet with the free-agent wide receiver, who has a checkered past. "David can certainly bring a lot to the table for us, but I need to make sure it's the right thing for the 49ers," Nolan said. ... Tim Rattay, who had postseason forearm surgery, may not be ready to participate in the 49ers' three-day veteran minicamp that starts April 1, Nolan said.

 

[maddogkf]

Smith shows off arm for NFL coaches, scouts
Private workout: Only three balls hit the ground as former Ute QB is on the money in an impressive display of passing
By Andrew Aragon
The Salt Lake Tribune

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Alex Smith throws from one knee to give NFL coaches and scouts a look at his arm strength. (Steve Griffin/The Salt Lake Tribune )

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More than 100 NFL team representatives closely watched Alex Smith's footwork and the accuracy and velocity of his deep throws during a workout on Wednesday.

But Smith knew he didn't have to worry too much about his performance in what probably would be his only throwing workout before next month's NFL draft. His red Fiesta Bowl T-shirt told the prospective pro teams what they needed to know.

"A workout is certainly a benefit to the people watching them physically," San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "But I believe what you've done on the field in a game situation is most valuable. The most important thing you look at is how successful they are playing the game."

That's good news for Smith.

Still, Smith hadn't thrown in front of NFL scouts until he put on a personal workout at the Utes' indoor practice facility on Wednesday afternoon. And the NFL reps, including Nolan, Dolphins coach Nick Saban, Tennessee general manager Floyd Reese and Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, wanted to see some things that they don't have film of Smith doing. They wanted to see Smith drop back, as well as check how far he could throw and how accurate he could throw deep balls.

According to Gil Brandt, who worked in the Cowboys' front office for nearly three decades and now writes for nfl.com, every NFL team was represented at Smith's workout. The NFL staffers certainly weren't disappointed by the performance put on by Smith, who threw approximately 80 passes to Paris Warren, Steve Savoy and Marty Johnson.

Only three of Smith's passes hit the ground. Warren dropped two of the three incompletions and Smith overshot Savoy on a deep throw. When the workout was completed, Smith and his receivers got a nice ovation from those in attendance.

"He put everything on the money," Johnson said. "I think he's the best quarterback this year and he should be taken No. 1."
Smith chose not to throw at the NFL combine last month because quarterbacks were limited to 15-20 passes. Despite not throwing, he still boosted his stock with his impressive times in the 40-yard dash and shuttle runs. Smith waited to throw on his terms, on his practice field and to receivers he's familiar with.

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"You get a better evaluation of yourself and you can show what you can do," Smith said. "I could just come out here and relax. It takes big mental preparation to get out here and throw in front of 100-plus scouts."

The teams with the top picks in the draft - San Francisco and Miami - had the most representatives of any team at Wednesday's workout. Nolan and three other members of the 49ers staff talked privately for about 15 minutes after Smith finished throwing. San Francisco plans on attending a workout by Cal's Aaron Rodgers, Smith's main competition for the top pick, this morning.
"Certainly Alex didn't hurt himself at all today," Nolan said. "The most important things [about Smith] we already know or at least have confidence in."

Smith had dinner with 49ers personnel on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, he met with Saban, Dolphins general manager Rick Spielman and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan for breakfast and a film interview session. They looked at plays from last season and the Miami staff members asked Smith why he did what he did on certain plays, and what reads he made in different situations.
"They wanted to check his understanding of the game," Brandt said. "I imagine that any kid who can graduate from college in two years is going to understand the game pretty well."
Smith, who has put on about 15 pounds of muscle since the Utes beat Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl, believes that he's done all he can to impress NFL teams. He's confident he's the best quarterback in the draft.

"I feel like I bring more to the table than anyone there," Smith said. "But that's for them to decide. I'm going to be happy with any team that takes me."

 

[RobbleRobble]

I actually think Smith might slip to us at #8 despite his workout. I've stated my case in detail in the Ronnie Brown/Alex Smith thread.

Basically, even though Smith tested well, Rogers is expected to do the same. Really its a matter of taste between the two. I think Rogers is a lock to go #1. I don't see any other team including the Dolphins and Browns taking a QB before us and I don't see a team trading up before us to go QB.

 

[Russ Smith]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/football/nfl/san_francisco_49ers/11158449.htm

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Weird, that article is actually from the San Jose Mercury News, I guess they must be linked to the Contra Costa Times somehow.

The Mercury has a poll on who they should pick, about 1500 votes, Rodgers has 21%, Smith 13%, Braylon Edwards 17%, and trade down 38%. That's actually a jump there was a poll last week I think in the chronicle and Rodgers had about 30%, Smith about 10 and trade down about 35% so Smith's workout has definitely at least changed some fans opinions.

 

[JeffGollin]

So Maddog. What do you think about Alex Smith?

 

[JPlay]

I wouldn't necessarily say the Browns will pass on Smith before he gets to us. They may take him to be their QB of the future.

 

[maddogkf]

So Maddog. What do you think about Alex Smith?

I only saw 2 games of his this past year. I think he has good field awareness & a strong, quick release. He throws a nice deep ball & is mobile both in the pocket & can run when the offense breaks down.

However, the offense that Utah ran was somewhat of a gimmick offense which I am leary about. Other quarterbacks who have run in a pass-happy, spread 'em out & try-to-stop-us type offense have not fared too well when thrown up against NFL defenses (-Ware, Klingler, Wuerful, Akili Smith, Detmer, Sarkasian, etc)...

One thing about Utah's offense though was that they did rely on the under stuff & it was dink & dunk for many plays, then when the defense was keying on the under, they'd go long.

I think he is more physically gifted than the guys I listed sans maybe Ak Smith.

All that said, where would I rate him....I like him better than Rodgers. Would I take him #1? Probably not. If I were drafting 5-10 & needed a QB bad, I'd snatch him up.

If Benson, Brown, or C Williams are on the board when Az picks, I'd take the RB before I'd take Alex Smith or Rodgers.

 

[overseascardsfan]

Would anyone say there as good as Eli or Ben? Big Ben lasted until pick #11, I don't think either Smith or Rodgers is near his level. Roethleisberger should have waited to come out this year so he would be the clear cut #1 overall pick.

 

[ajcardfan]

According to reports, Rodgers missed only 1 of 92 throws in his workout yesterday. The Niners will pick the one they can settle a better contract with before the draft, IMO.

 

[ajcardfan]

Would anyone say there as good as Eli or Ben? Big Ben lasted until pick #11, I don't think either Smith or Rodgers is near his level. Roethleisberger should have waited to come out this year so he would be the clear cut #1 overall pick.

In spite of all the starry-eyed memories everyone seems to have of Ben R. in the draft now, there were as many questions about him as these two. Niether guy is considered to be basically a slam dunk like Eli was, and neither has drawn as good of reviews as Rivers did in his offseason last year. Remember, Rivers moved from Round 2 to the top five in about 3 months.

 

[Russ Smith]

In spite of all the starry-eyed memories everyone seems to have of Ben R. in the draft now, there were as many questions about him as these two. Niether guy is considered to be basically a slam dunk like Eli was, and neither has drawn as good of reviews as Rivers did in his offseason last year. Remember, Rivers moved from Round 2 to the top five in about 3 months.

And the bigger thing is this years draft is thinner up top, Ben would be the first pick this year almost for sure. People forget Blesto had Ben rated #1 BEFORE his senior year, during the year, and after the year. But with guys like Manning, Fitz, Taylor, Winslow etc and Rivers coming on, Ben slipped.

Rodgers and Smith would not have gone top 10 last year, that's why Rodgers didn't come out in all likelihood.

 

[football karma]

Ben R was basically Alex Smith with a bigger build.

Roth had questions on the level of competition he faced and the fact that he also played in a shotgun heavy, spread the field offense.


one last note on Ben R -- he was great when the Steelers run game was cranked up -- but come playoff time in two games where the run was stuffed -- Roth looked very rookie like and unable to carry an offense on his arm.

 

[maddogkf]

*cough*