Our 2013 Community Mock Draft [is underway]! In this annual exercise we put the fates of all 32 teams in the hands of our community. This exercise accomplishes several things. For one, we often have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to the NFL. We will get a glimpse into the needs of each of the franchises. It also helps us get familiar with each of the first-round prospects because like last year in a trade up for Morris Claiborne, you never quite know what the future holds for Dallas.
Every GM has been informed of their team's needs and is ready to roll. Let's see who will be selected with the eighth pick in the draft!
Draft Pick # [8]
Team Name: [Buffalo Bills]
GM: [I'm jed & I hate the giants]
Selection: (QB) Geno Smith, West Virginia
Here's our GM with his explanation of the selection:
Why the pick: "The Buffalo Bills played their hand for the entire nfl to see by cutting Ryan Fitzpatrick, and they are incredibly elated to see Geno Smith still on the board here, as they were not willing to wait until the second round for their QB of the future.
Smith will be able to step in and help this offense immediately, as he is a great pocket passer that can make all the throws in the nfl. Doug Marrone is looking to pick up the pace with his offense, and Geno has plenty of experience directing a no huddle offense. With surrounding skill players like Cj spiller, Fred Jackson, and Stevie Johnson this offense can make strides in 2013, making this pick a no-brainer"
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Quarterback, 3-4 OLB, 3-4 SILB
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): Feature Receiver, Guard, Tight End, Center, Left Tackle, 3-4 WILB, 3-4 DE, Free Safety, Cornerback
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): COP Back, Possession Receiver, Right Tackle, Strong Safety
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Feature Back, Slot Receiver, 3-4 DT
-- Drafttek.com ranked #17 Overall, #1 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #48 Overall, #5 at the position
SUMMARY - Based on all the great things NFL scouts told me about Geno's character, leadership, work ethic and intangibles, I was very excited to evaluate his play. While he impressed me with his athleticism, strong arm and most impressive his ability to avoid mistakes, his footwork/mechanics, conversion rate and inconsistent accuracy kept me from giving him a first round grade. I have no doubt that in terms of physical skills, arm strength and athleticism, Smith is elite, but quarterbacks with accuracy issues often struggle to become consistent starters in the NFL. Overall, I have no doubt that Geno Smith will be a first round pick because of his physical skills and outstanding intangibles, but I would not draft him until the second round. I believe he will be a solid starting quarterback who rarely makes mistakes, but constantly struggles with accuracy issues. He will need to improve his footwork, both dropping back to pass and in terms of his mechanics, and accuracy to become the elite quarterback many expect him to be.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #9 overall, #1 at the position
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #19 overall, #1 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #22 overall, #1 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #15 overall, #1 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #1 at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):
Clearly his statistics have been inflated by coach Dana Holgorsen's high-octane passing attack, but make no mistake Smith is blessed with some intriguing traits that helped him shred a talented Clemson defense with 401 passing yards and six touchdown tosses -- each of which eclipsed Orange Bowl records.
Despite his gaudy statistics, there are some warts to Smith's game. He takes virtually every snap from shotgun, is inconsistent with his set-up and delivery, often throwing off his back foot and has only average accuracy, at this time, on deeper throws -- especially those that require touch.
Against the notoriously leaky secondaries of the Big 12 conference, Smith is eye-popping statistics this season, perhaps earning himself all-conference, All-American and perhaps even Heisman consideration, but he does have mechanical issues to work on.
Now On The Clock: New York Jets
Previous Picks: Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel, Jaguars: CB Dee Milliner, Raiders: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones, Eagles: DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Lions: DE Ziggy Ansah, Browns: DE Sharrif Floyd, Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher