NFL Draft 2014: Brett Smith declares
Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Brett Smith (16) runs against the Hawaii Warriors during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Warriors 59-56 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
The Wyoming Cowboys have one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, but he doesn’t get much national recognition due to the low profile school that he plays for. Brett Smith isn’t touted by many people, but there are a few writers, such as FanSided’s Peter Smith of With The First Pick, who view Smith as worthy of being a first-round draft pick in May.
Smith wasn’t expected to declare for the 2014 NFL Draft, but the Wyoming Sports’s Robert Gagliardi reports that he has done just that. The dual-threat QB broke many records at Wyoming, and he told A.D. Tom Burman his decision yesterday, citing a desire to go out and fulfill his dream of being an NFL QB as the prime reason for declaring.
With 33 total touchdowns and a 62.7% completion percentage, Smith put up solid numbers for the Cowboys this season, but they might not be good enough considering the competition that he faced. He’s one of the more interesting quarterbacks declaring for the draft, and the pre-draft process will dictate where the junior goes in this year’s draft. He could end up being plucked as high as in the first round, or he could end up merely being a late-round pick. The Combine and other pre-draft events are the only times in which Smith will truly be on a national spotlight, and he’s definitely a prospect worth keeping a close eye on.
So if you haven’t heard of Brett Smith until now, it’s a good time to start reading up on him a little more. He is a bit of a mini-Johnny Manziel with his ability to extend plays and willingness to get out of the pocket. He does a great job of making throws on the run, and that’s what makes him such an interesting player. He has plenty of physical tools, but there are a myriad of questions marks relating to his NFL-readiness that may or may not be answered in the coming months.