Build or Destroy: QB Troy Smith

One of the most debated quarterbacks in recent memory is Troy Smith. After leading Ohio State into a National Championship, Smith was the talk among many writers as to whether or not he should be the top quarterback taken in the draft this April, leaving JaMarcus Russell as the outsider. Well, in an 8-day span, the role reversed and Smith is now on the outside of the first and second rounds looking in. He will not slip out of the first day unless he has a horrible Senior Bowl week and bad combine.

There are many positives in Smith's game. He has one heck of an arm, plus his mobility is more than adequate for the next level. He minimizes his mistakes in the passing game and has great accuracy. I like what I seen from Smith this year as he matured dearly from his incredible junior campaign. He took a giant leap in his passing abilities from 2005 to 2006 and is still progressing. Troy Smith also has a reputation of stepping it up in big games despite his disappearance in the BCS National Championship versus Florida.

As for his negatives, let me remind everyone that he was suspended for one game in 2005 for being found guilty of disorderly conduct. On the field though, Smith does have difficulty in reading defenses and seeing the entire field. He has raw potential but his mechanics can look worse than Vince Young's at times. We will also have to see how his character pans out on the next level. His value will take a dive like LenDale White's did last year. Smith could develop into a good NFL quarterback with the right coaching.

Even though he is the Heisman Trophy Winner, don't be fooled. Remember, Jason White from Oklahoma didn't get drafted. After his performance January 8th, Smith's value took a tumble and I look forward to teams like Tampa Bay, Carolina, Houston, and Kansas City to target him in the second and third rounds. Smith could also be sought after by an under-the-radar team looking for their next quarterback, maybe a franchise like St. Louis, Philadelphia, or Miami.

As for Smith's long-term fantasy potential, he has some, but depending on where he gets drafted, it is not substantial right now for rookie drafts unless something more concrete becomes evident.

If you are anxious to see where Troy Smith might get drafted, stay tuned for my next mock draft which will hit a web page near you next week.