Did Geno Smith’s Workout Get Chip Kelly’s Attention?

I know Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said Michael Vick and Nick Foles will compete for the team’s starting quarterback job, but West Virginia quarterback prospect Geno Smith might have gotten the coach’s attention with his outstanding workout at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, yesterday.  He stood out in his workout as both a passer and as a runner.

Smith was one of the leading passers in the nation this past year and he’s considered the top-rated quarterback in what is a down year for quarterbacks.    He exhibited his live arm and made all the throws for full stadium of scouts and GM’s to see.  Smith has zip on the ball on short routes and he was very effective putting the ball up deep.

Smith, who isn’t considered much of a runner, but is labeled a pocket passer. He surprised the scouts when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds.  This had to get the attention of Kelly, GM Howie Roseman and the newly signed VP of Player Personnel Tom Gamble.

The read option has been part of Kelly’s offense during his four-years at Oregon and Smith showed everybody with his 4.59 forty-yard dash that he can run the read option and be a threat to keep the football.  Still it’s doubtful Smith will be selected by the Birds since Smith isn’t considered a sure quarterback prospect and the team already has both Vick and Foles on the roster.

Despite that, I do believe his workout solidified his hold on the number one spot for quarterbacks in this year’s draft.

The quarterback who is considered the second best quarterback, USC’s Matt Barkley, didn’t throw yesterday because his shoulder is recovering from a late season injury.  He won’t throw until he has his Pro Day

I could see the Birds grabbing a quarterback in the second or third round.  Remember that Kelly recruited Florida State’s E.J. Manuel to Oregon, when the youngster was coming out of high school.  Manuel has great size, 6’5″, 237-pound, and he ran an impressive 4.65.  He’s considered a very good leader.