Smith’s story was well documented this past season due to the emergence
of Colin Kaepernick during the 49ers run to the Super Bowl. After a strong 2011
season in which he threw 17 touchdowns against only five interceptions, Smith
was having an even better season in 2012 – enjoying a 104 QB rating through
nine games before suffering a concussion against the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick
played well in Smith’s absence, and head coach Jim Harbaugh stuck with the
young QB instead of Smith all the way up through the 49ers loss in the Super
Bowl to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Chiefs’ most glaring need is at quarterback, and many thought the
team would draft a QB with its top overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. However,
this draft does not have any quarterback prospects that deserve to go number
one overall, and many reports have indicated that Kansas City is moreinterested in drafting Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel.
If the Chiefs trade for Smith, there are two paths the team can take.
Kansas City could make Smith the starting quarterback and still draft a QB like
Geno Smith or Matt Barkley with the top pick, grooming the young signal caller
for the future similar to how the Packers brought along Aaron Rodgers. The
Chiefs could also make Smith the starter and spend its top pick on an impact
offensive or defensive lineman, and select a QB later in the draft or next
season. Acquiring Smith certainly gives the team options.
Is Smith a good fit for Kansas City? He rarely turns the ball over and
has excelled in a scheme in San Francisco that emphasizes conservative passes
and running the football. With the dynamic Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs are built
to be a run-first offense, and Smith could give the Chiefs just what they need –
a steady quarterback who limits mistakes. The downside to Smith is that he
struggled his entire career in San Francisco until a championship-level team
was built around him. As Matt Cassel proved, an average QB can look good with a
strong team around him, and Smith will not have the talent supporting him that
he enjoyed in San Francisco.
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