Bills' Whitner thinks QB would fit with Gailey in Buffalo. Matt Bowen
I’m curious about Ravens QB Troy Smith — the former Heisman winner from Ohio State.
We know he isn’t going to get an opportunity in Baltimore behind Joe Flacco, but is there a market out there for a young, yet unproven, quarterback? I think Smith has some upside, as he’s athletic and — like most non-starting QBs in the NFL — is just looking for some work.
His agent, Ralph Cindrich, has lobbied for a trade, according to the NFP’s Aaron Wilson. But, don’t read too much into that, as Cindrich is just doing his job, trying to find a good situation for his client. You expect that as a player.
Now, one of Smith’s former Buckeye teammates — Bills safety Donte Whitner — has voiced his own opinion on bringing him to quarterback-starved Buffalo — a team that needs someone under center in Chan Gailey’s new offense.
Whitner wrote via Twitter, “Troy can come compete with the guys we have and the BEST man will win the job. Coach Gailey would make him so dangerous.”
I like when players stand up for the guys they played with in college. I did it when I was still playing, and I do it now in my own writing whenever I am discussing an Iowa Hawkeye. It is only natural to expect that from Whitner, and I know from playing with Donte in Buffalo that he is a big fan of Smith’s game.
I happen to like the idea of the Bills going after Eagles QB Michael Vick — a player that could bring some excitement and a strong arm to western New York. But, outside of Whitner's claims, the questions still remain about Smith.
Can he play — and produce — every Sunday in the NFL? And, if a team were to make a play for Smith, what would his value be?
The people I talked to today in the league and who cover the Ravens think there isn’t a ton of value for Smith right now and that you may be able to get a mid-rounder for him.
But, beyond that, does Smith have the arm to throw the ball at Ralph Wilson Stadium in November or December — or even September with the unpredictable weather in Buffalo?
The answer I heard today is that Smith does. He can drop back and deliver the football up north.
Bottom line: it is another option for the Bills if they are going to be active this offseason in the quarterback market — which I still believe is the key above anything else to getting this franchise back on its feet.
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I said at the time he came out that if Troy Smith was 6'3 he would have been a 1st round pick. he has a strong arm and displayed all th intangibles needed when he was at Ohio State. Troy Smith was going to start for the Ravens had he not gotten sick right before last season. with guys like alex smith, ryan fitzpatrick, brady quinn, etc penciled in as starters I think Troy smith is certainly worth a look.
If teh Bills want to trade a pick for a big, strong-armed QB, I suggest they get in touch with Bruce Allen. Pretty sure he can help them out.
Matt,
I've been on the Troy Smith train for awhile and would really like to see him competing for the job in Oakland. The have an extra 5th rounder that they could offer up for him and he could compete with Russell and Gradkowski for the starting role. Also, and here is the perfect part, his QB coach was just brought in as the OC in Oakland.
Hey Matt, I am an alum of Wide Receiver U, aka THE Ohio State University. Sorry we handed it to your Hawkeyes this year - not! Watch out for us next year.
Re Troy Smith, he was a beast in college, had all the intangibles of leadership and great athletic abilities. And he could throw the pill. I know about the stomach thing and him penciled in as the starter. In no way do I think he is better than Flacco. But better than what they have in Buffalo? LIke Donte said, let him compete. Could be, could be. He deserves a shot somewhere. Not that I feel terrible for any backup QBs in the NFL - nice work if you can get it.
I have always been a fan of Troy Smith. He's got the confidence without the cockiness. Definitely like the intangibles, especially the leadership part. I think he will be valuable in the league if given the chance, that's why I think the Redskins should make a play for him. Instead of drafting a rookie QB, get Troy and have him compete with JC and Colt Brennan. It also will add a wrinkle to the offense if they want to run a couple of wild cat plays a game.
Being a Buckeye here in Columbus Ohio, I would love to see Smith get a shot starting somewhere. He's a little short but Drew Brees is about the same size. Baltimore was supposed to play him more in certain run situations but I didn't see it.
Anyone that's watched Troy Smith play knows he is a an astute QB with great patience in the pocket, yet has the instict to evade defenders and gain positive yardage during a blitz. Troy Smith pass completion % was 65% in his senior year with 30 TD's. He only had one bad game (Florida) and the O-Line left him for dead in that game.
If I have a team, I want a guy like this, makes few errors, can lead his guys on the field, has heart, yet still humble. His play style reminds me of a (dare I say) Brett Favre with legs. Whatever the case may be has great potentail to be a QB in the NFL, when.... we'll have to wait and see.
Troy is legend.
Given the chance Troy Smith will be an elite QB in the NFL! There are many players in the league with the physical ability to play the game, but Troy has the confidence and leadership ability that can bring a team together and produce a winning atmosphere! Believe me, I have seen it before! He has gone from not staring to the Heisman Trophy winner. OSU also went from a mediocre team, to the National Championship game! I can't wait until some lucky team takes a chance on Troy and he shows what I am talking about and makes me look prophetic! The guy has the 'it' factor and I'm a lifelong fan!
With all the talk of the Jags drafting Tebow to sell tickets and merchandise, wouldn't it make sense for the Browns to trade for Smith and get all those Buckeye fans in the stadium?
Saint - The Browns don't have trouble drawing fans... they just have trouble winning games. What THEY need is a real (ie. "proven") QB.
As for Buffalo, I don't see how getting Troy Smith could hurt. They are ridiculously weak at QB. Prefer Smith to Vick any day. Buffalo has more than enough character issues as it is.
Jan 27, 2010
03:36 PM
I watch troy Smith play in a preseason game against the patriots two season ago when he was competing with flacco for the starting nod. Smith played confident and seemed to really have the support of the entire team. I really believe that He can lead a team to the playoffs and had it not been for what i have read was a stomach virus. That was detected after the game in New England he would have been the starter of the future in Baltimore