Eagles Get a Visit From Geno Smith
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith is in town for an official visit with the Eagles, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network.
The 6-foot-2, 218-pound signal-caller spent yesterday with the Kansas City Chiefs and has been at the center of draft conversation the past couple of days. A Pro Football Weekly report earlier this week slammed Smith for his work ethic, among other things. As Tim noted this morning, Smith stood up for himself, calling the labels “untrue.”
Others refuted the claims as well:
Re: Geno Smith – Ive spoken to at least 10 diff scouts with varying opinions on Geno as a football player.But not 1 questioned work ethic
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) April 2, 2013
.@jrc233 @sc_dougfarrar The work ethic knock on Geno is total BS. He spent more hours in WVU FB bldg after midnight than the custodial crew
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) April 2, 2013
Asked around on Geno … RE: work ethic. What I heard is he’s not the biggest weight room guy, but is a grinder on-field and in classroom.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 2, 2013
As we mentioned yesterday, character and leadership are especially important with quarterbacks. That’s part of the reason why Jeffrey Lurie accompanied Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly on a trip to Morgantown last month to work Smith out. Official draft visits are different from prospect workouts. Smith will not do any on-field work for the Eagles today. Activities will include interviews and medical checks.
It’s also important to remember that this process isn’t just about who the Eagles are going to take with the No. 4 pick. What if Smith slides far past where most are projecting? What if things don’t work out for him with another team and he becomes available a few years from now?
That’s what this time of year is for in the NFL: extensive research on college prospects that can help you come draft time, or down the road.
Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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