2014 NFL Draft: John Elway Has Another Young QB Crush in Brett Smith
Nov 23, 2013; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Brett Smith (16) throws against Hawaii Warriors defensive lineman Beau Yap (92) during the first quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Warriors 59-56 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
According to Broncos insider Cecil Lammey, the team has scheduled a pre-draft private workout with Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith. The Broncos also were well-represented at the Wyoming pro day and have likely talked to Smith prior to this.
What does this mean? Pre-draft interviews are common. Teams going to pro days are common. However, teams don’t always schedule private workouts for players unless they are serious about bringing them in.
The Broncos have the NFL MVP in Peyton Manning. They drafted in 2012 their QB of the future, Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler. In 2013, the Broncos drafted another project in Miami (OH) quarterback Zac Dysert.
The interesting thing about the Broncos’ reported interest in Brett Smith is the depth of their interest in him. In 2012 when the Broncos wanted Osweiler, they basically let the world know it by sending a contingent to his Pro Day and working him out privately. They did the exact same thing a year ago with Zac Dysert, putting him through a private workout as well.
The pattern would seem to indicate the Broncos really like Smith’s potential as a QB in the NFL, and thanks to his athletic ability he could be another really intriguing sleeper at the position in this year’s draft.
Denver doesn’t obviously have a pressing need at QB and they are high on the guys they do have, but I wouldn’t put it past John Elway to stockpile at the position in case they need a wider variety of options for whenever Peyton Manning chooses to hang up the cleats.
Again, take this for what you will, but based on recent trends it would almost be surprising if the Broncos didn’t come away with Smith after the way they are expressing interest.