Offseason chatter is in full swing but some folks are already calling Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith a top 10 player for his position. Justifiable or do we pump the brakes?
Ranking Geno Smith…
Smith isn’t exactly a lightning rod when discussing elite quarterback play in the NFL. In fact, he’s been what you would call “middle of the road” in most cases. While he didn’t light it up for the New York Jets, Smith did find his footing in Seattle playing for Pete Carroll who is once again his head coach. What happened in the Big Apple doesn’t necessarily fall squarely on Smith, the Jets haven’t been good, in well, forever (last winning season in 2015). With the Seahawks, Smith became the definition of efficiency posting a completion percentage just shy of 70 (68.5) in his final three seasons. 35 interceptions spread out over 49 starts during that stretch is also notable.
If his numbers don’t impress you much, there are other factors which would back up a case in determining Smith’s status among NFL quarterbacks. Mainly, the Seahawks have fielded one of the worst offensive lines seen by man the last two years. The fact Smith posted the numbers above goes to show you what he’s capable of; so now image what he can do if the Raiders field a competent group this season.
Pro Football Focus, a beloved publication by Raiders fans, recently made it known that they certainly believe Geno Smith is in the top 10 conversation. In fact, they have him ranked within that range at No. 10, according to their analyst, John Kosko.
“Few would have pegged Geno Smith to grade as the sixth-best passer in the NFL over the past two seasons, but here we are. In fact, his 85.8 passing grade in that span is just 0.2 points shy of Patrick Mahomes. After being traded for a third-round pick this offseason, Smith should enjoy an improved offensive line but a downgrade in receiving weapons.”
Is Raiders PFF accurate in their Geno Smith assessment?
A couple of things to note with the PFF’s assessment, namely the “downgrade” in receiving weapons. This is why so many Raiders fans often speak of a bias, a certain dislike for the Silver and Black by the publication. Smith going to a team that has the best tight end in football (Brock Bowers, duh) is the farthest you can get from downgrading. Jakobi Meyers? You ever heard of him? He’s a 1,000-yard receiver who put up this number while playing with the trifecta of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder. He’s a downgrade? Also, rookie Ashton Jeanty was no slouch in the receiving game either, he had 862 receiving yards and six touchdowns via the air.
Then again, Geno Smith will have to prove he’s not the fourth-best quarterback in his own division this season. All three of his counterparts made the playoffs last year. This will be debate many will revisit throughout the year.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
Sometimes ya just gotta love a good underdog story! Go Geno… 35 year Raiders silver and black bleeder. I gotcha back bro. I’m ALWAYS stead fast Raiders for life.