Another kick at the can?? … Way back in 1999 when the GBN was in its infancy – in fact that was just our second draft – we thought we made something of a splash when we were the first website to include former Oregon QB Akili Smith in our top 100; we were the first to list him as a potential first rounder; and we were the first to move him up into the top 5. And we went into that draft with Smith as our top overall prospect for that draft. Of course, Smith was ultimately selected 3rd overall by Cincinnati, but lasted barely 4 years in the league during an undistinguished career in which he threw a measly 5 TD passes and had a completion % under 50% (actually 47%). In one sense, it was a rather humbling experience. More importantly, though, it was a bold lesson that in fact the draft is a crap shoot lottery. We are reminded of the story, though, as Smith’s son, Akili JR, recently committed to Oregon where he will also play for the Ducks beginning in 2025.
And while we are on the subject of QBs, for those that haven’t seen it, Daniel Jeremiah over at NFL.com has an overview of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, one of the top 2-3 prospects at the position for the upcoming draft. People should read it for themselves, but its not the most ringiest of endorsements. They comp Sanders to Geno Smith and classify him more as a point guard type game manager.
