Troy Smith a raven

[ExiledRaven]

last pick of the 5th. At this point, he's worth the flier.

[Sephy]

Ravens pick Troy, Round 5, #174

More to come.

[Ravenshon]

This could be Kyle Boller's final season here b/c he didn't pan out in his first three years as starter. McNair has two to three good years left. Drafting Smith would be beneficial to the future.

[ravenwoman]

This is a good value pick. He can learn behind Steve McNair.

[Sephy]

OVERVIEW

Smith is coming off brilliant junior and senior seasons, leading the team to a pair of Big Ten Conference championships, as he improved to 25-3 as Ohio State's starting quarterback. His exploits on the field in 2006 were capped when he was named the Heisman Trophy winner.

Smith played his first two years of football at Lakewood St. Edward High School, but transferred to Glenville High as a senior, where he was coached by Ted Ginn, Sr., the father of Smith's prep and Ohio State teammate, receiver Ted Ginn, Jr.

He threw for 969 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, leading Glenville to the state playoffs. He also gained 324 yards with four scores rushing that year. As a junior at St. Edward, he picked up 1,400 yards passing, adding 500 more yards on the ground.

Smith lettered three times in basketball and ran track, competing in the high jump, long jump and 1,600-meter relay. He was rated the nation's No. 13 quarterback and timed at 4.1 in the 40-yard dash by Rivals.com.

Smith enrolled at Ohio State in 2002, but sat out the season as a redshirt. He was a seldom-used running back for the Buckeyes, appearing in 10 games in 2003, running three times for 14 yards (4.7 avg.) and returned five kickoffs for 83 yards (16.6 avg.).

Smith played in eight games in 2004, starting the final five regular season games at quarterback. He completed 68 of 122 passes (55.7 percent) for 896 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He scored twice on 82 carries, gaining 339 yards (4.1 avg.), finishing with 1,235 yards in total offense before being suspended prior to the Alamo Bowl.

After sitting out the 2005 season opener, Smith shared playing time with Justin Zwick early in the season. He played in 11 games, starting the final 10. Smith hit on 149 of 237 passes (62.9 percent) for 2,282 yards, 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions, but also fumbled 11 times, with the opposition recovering six of thems. He ranked second on the team with 136 rushing attempts for 611 yards (4.5 avg.) and led the team with 11 touchdowns. He also became the first player in school history to throw for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 500 in a season.

As a senior in 2006, in addition to capturing the Heisman Trophy and earning All-America first-team honors, Smith was the recipient of the Davey O'Brien Award and Walter Camp National Player of the Year Award. The Big Ten Conference Player of the Year connected on 203 of 311 passes (65.3 percent) for 2,542 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He rushed 72 times for 204 yards (2.8 avg.) and a score, finishing with 2,746 yards in total offense. He also ranked seventh in the nation with a pass efficiency rating of 161.91.

Smith appeared in 42 games at Ohio State, including 32 contests at quarterback. He boasts a 25-3 record as the team's starting quarterback, completing 420 of 670 passes (62.7 percent) for 5,720 yards, 54 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He collected 1,168 yards with 14 scores on 293 carries (4.0 avg.) and gained 83 yards on five kickoff returns (16.6 avg.). He also recorded two solo tackles while amassing 6,888 yards in total offense on 963 plays.
ANALYSIS

Positives: Shorter than ideal, but has good body structure with solid muscle definition, good upper-body tone in his chest and arms, thick thighs and calves and above-average body control, balance and flexibility … Alert playmaker who aligned mostly in shotgun formation, but showed good foot quickness on occasions driving back from center … The pulse of the offense and the unquestioned leader in the huddle, he shows good improvisation skills and the vision to quickly recognize coverages, as he is not the type who will force the ball just to make a play (only 13 interceptions on 670 pass attempts) … Precision-type passer who is more effective in the short-to-intermediate areas, but has the strength to air the ball out with touch and accuracy (completed 62.7 percent of his throws) … Has worked hard to regain the respect of the coaching staff and displayed excellent maturity the last two years after having off-field troubles in 2004 … His feet and strong throwing arm make him a viable threat to score on the ground or throwing the ball … Has the foot quickness and agility to throw on the move, showing the body control and balance to break tackles or avoid the defender with his explosive second gear to accelerate into the second level … Has improved his smooth delivery, as he no longer drops his elbow, generating better touch on his deep throws … Has the arm power to fire tight ropes up field and can make all the throws, knowing when to take something off his tosses so the receivers can catch the ball in stride … Poised in the pocket and knows he has the valid foot speed to make things happen when carrying the ball … His ability to scramble allows him to stay alive rolling out of the pocket, as well as put the ball away and run with it when his targets are covered … Puts nice zip on his short tosses into tight areas and can also displays the touch needed to feather the ball over the defender on long throws … Does a good job of retaining plays and is quick to improvise on the run … His natural football instincts are displayed with his ability to create when his targets are covered … His low interception ratio indicates he is capable of scanning the field, stepping up in the pocket or throwing the ball away rather than try to force the ball into a crowd … Aggressive playmaker who will not hesitate to sacrifice his body to make the play … Sells out and plays with reckless abandon, similar to Steve McNair earlier in his career … Shows good accuracy with all of his throws and will make a lethargic defense pay for even one mistake … One of his best attributes is his ability to create on a broken play … Very effective throwing on the move and carries the ball chest-high … Steps to his target point with good balance in his drop and helps put good velocity behind his tosses by keeping his feet under him … Does a good job of laying the ball away from defenders and it is rare to see him try to force the ball into a crowd … Does not "eye-ball" his primary target for too long and is very good recognizing underneath coverage (not many of his passes are tipped at the line of scrimmage) … Has developed a high release, showing the ability to improvise on the move … Throws across his body effectively and has good timing and consistency moving the chains … Takes what the defense gives him rather than going for the home-run ball at every opportunity … Has nice touch throwing in the short-to-intermediate areas and threads the needle well … Has a knack for making proper adjustments at the line of scrimmage and the vision needed to scan the field … Distributes the ball well, utilizing all of his receivers and is quick to look off his primary target and go through progressions … Effective at hitting his receivers in stride and over his target's outside shoulder … It is very hard for the defender to lock on to Smith due to his natural awareness … Poses a real threat for the opponent with his quick feet when flushed out … Can avoid the sack and buy a second chance, showing the ability to create out of a complete breakdown in protection … Has good body control rolling out of the pocket and does a nice job of avoiding on the move … Best when attacking from the far hash, as he is a threat with both his feet and arm … Has very good accuracy throwing the intermediate pass when on the run.

Negatives: Lacks the ideal height you look for in a pocket quarterback … Better suited for a spread offense … Will sometimes revert to a wind-up delivery, but still has the ability to get the ball off quickly … Best in the short-to-intermediate area, as some of his deep throws will sail even though he has the arm strength needed to fire up field … Seems to be more accurate throwing on the run than in his drops from center … Had character problems in high school and earlier in his Ohio State career, but has matured and joined the program his last two seasons (no further off-field issues and embraced his leadership role) … Is more quick than fast and. while he can buy time in the backfield with his scrambling ability, he doesn't have the burst or second gear to be a big running threat past the line of scrimmage … Has shown good maturity off the field, but is still sensitive to issues about his height and timed speed … Needs to tighten his throwing mechanics, as he will get sloppy with his delivery at times … Lack of height is sometimes an issue when he can't locate the receiver to make progression reads, being late getting the ball out … Needs to set his feet better, as he tends to throw off his wrong foot at times, especially when on the move … Tough to judge his pass set-up quickness, as he appeared more effective in the shotgun than when lining up under center.

Compares To: Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay -- While Smith has good short-to-intermediate accuracy and can throw the long ball well, he lacks ideal height to scan the field over towering defensive linemen at the next level … He could develop into a Drew Brees type, but hasn't displayed Brees' foot speed … Smith will have to be in a West Coast or spread offense to get the best out of his ability, but like other college-type scramblers who lack ideal height, his best football might have been left behind in Columbus, Ohio, much like recent "pro ready" Ohio State quarterbacks Bobby Hoying and Joe Germaine.

[The Fanatic]

IMO, this is a great value pick at this point in the draft.
Don't know if he'll pan out and become a legit NFL starter, but bringing him here to learn behind Mcnair is a great start.

This might be the perfect situation for someone like Troy Smith.

[Sephy]

NFL Draft Countdown:

Strengths:
Very athletic with great speed for the position...Arm is more than adequate and he throws a nice ball...Moves well, can scramble, throw on the run and hurt teams with his feet...An accurate passer who minimizes his mistakes and doesn't throw a lot of interceptions...Became a leader as he got older and is well respected by his teammates...Has a solid build and is tough to tackle...A gamer who steps up in the biggest situations...Really developed as a passer in '06 and is still improving.

Weaknesses:
Does not have the ideal height you look for and as a result he will have trouble finding throwing lanes and get too many passes batted down at the line...Does not always see the entire field...Will get sloppy with his mechanics and technique at times...Still somewhat raw after only starting a little more than two years...Has some character concerns from early in his career that will have to be checked out.

Notes:
Heisman Trophy winner...An older brother, Rod, played guard at Ohio State in the early 1990s, and another brother, Andre, played at Bowling Green...Played for the famed Glenville (Ohio) program in high school where he was coached by Ted Ginn, Sr...Overcame a rough upbringing...Was found guilty of misdemeanor disorderly conduct which led to him not starting the critical Texas game (a loss) in 2005 and was also suspended for the Buckeyes Bowl game in 2004 for taking money from a booster...If he were a little taller Smith would probably be a Top 10 pick but his lack of height is going to be a concern and will likely push him down draft boards.

[Sephy]

For what its worth, as I said in the other thread, I love Troy. Would be great to learn under McNair. Short, but the fastest QB in this year's draft, accurate, and a very strong arm. Forget the Florida game, he is a winner. Oh, and 5th round? No risk there.

I'd love for the Ravens to look at Mason Crosby at the end of the 6th. Could replace Stover when he decides to go.

[psuasskicker]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[highwater]

I'm not really a huge Troy Smith fan, but I like picking him up in this round. Good, solid pick for the fifth round. I'm a little surprised he was still on the board at that point.

[dbcw]

A lot of analysts compare him to Drew Brees. I am excited to have him.

[sailorsam]

his opponent in the championship game, Leak, didn't get drafted.
I agree with everyone; definitely worth a 5th round pick.

[Fanman]

I like this pick b/c there is little, if any, downside. If he develops, which Boller did not, then the value is obvious from a late 5th round pick. If he has the talent displayed the last 2 years at OSU then he WILL develop much faster than Kyle and have a decent chance to take over after McNair is gone.

If we let him go you know Cleveland will sign him. :>)

FM

[GreenWave52]

OVERVIEW

Compares To: Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay -- While Smith has good short-to-intermediate accuracy and can throw the long ball well, he lacks ideal height to scan the field over towering defensive linemen at the next level … He could develop into a Drew Brees type, but hasn't displayed Brees' foot speed … Smith will have to be in a West Coast or spread offense to get the best out of his ability, but like other college-type scramblers who lack ideal height, his best football might have been left behind in Columbus, Ohio, much like recent "pro ready" Ohio State quarterbacks Bobby Hoying and Joe Germaine.

He compares to Garcia, but with a cannon arm. If Garcia and his noodle arm can lead teams to the playoffs and go to pro-bowls imagine what a Garcia type player could do if he could throw the 15 yard out and a deep ball that didn't flutter the whole way (which Troy can).

[Mad Puppy]

I don't like this pick one bit.

He is gonna go the way of all the past athletic guys that happened to play QB. He won't make the team.

[festivus]

He's another 3d string quarterback. Derek Anderson, Brian St Pierre, Josh Harris, Drew Olson. I have higher hopes for him then for the others, but we have to be realistic. These guys are drafted to be backups, which is fine, the NFL needs backups. There is a chance of lightning in a bottle, but that would be gravy.

[Sports Steve]

I love this pick. A 5th rounder we can't lose


:jester: :jester:

[RavensDomination]

He's another 3d string quarterback. Derek Anderson, Brian St Pierre, Josh Harris, Drew Olson. I have higher hopes for him then for the others, but we have to be realistic. These guys are drafted to be backups, which is fine, the NFL needs backups. There is a chance of lightning in a bottle, but that would be gravy.

There's a difference I think though. Guys like Harris, Olson, Anderson et. al didn't play in huge games every year like Smith. They certainly don't move like Smith does in the pocket. The biggest thing against Smith is his height and I like our chances in that department since it's not impossible someone with his height could make it in this league. Overall I think the chances are much better a guy like Smith will develop into something worthwhile over a guy like Anderson or Harris.

[psuasskicker]

These guys are drafted to be backups, which is fine, the NFL needs backups. There is a chance of lightning in a bottle, but that would be gravy.

Smith was definitely NOT drafted as a backup. He's either gonna be able to play or he's not gonna be tall enough or have good enough mechanics to make it. He'll have a year or two to learn and we'll figure out in that time if he can play.

But make no mistake, this guy's boom or bust. There's pretty much no way I see any sort of in between here.

- C -

[crazyraven]

He's another 3d string quarterback. Derek Anderson, Brian St Pierre, Josh Harris, Drew Olson. I have higher hopes for him then for the others, but we have to be realistic.
Most of these guys never even made the squad - so yea, higher hopes would be in order otherwise why even bother. What I'm surprised about is that many are low balling his potential but many of the NFL pundits on the NFL draft day shows were *ravening* about what a great pick this was, surely they werent thinking in terms of the Backup qbs you mentioned Fest.

[festivus]

He has more tools then the other guys I mentioned, who were (I think; not sure about St Pierre) all drafted later, or UDFA's.

And I love him as a pick at the tail end of the fifth round.

I'm just saying, there is a very good chance he's not the guy we hope he is. That's all.

[GreenWave52]

Whether Troy Smith pans out or not, at least we didn't burn a 1st rounder on THIS GUY (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/TheKingOfBums/2774-haha.jpg)

[Ravens0587]

Im not homophobic or anything but I don't think touching another mans penis is ok to do unless you are gay

[Big Meaty]

Hmm - so am I supposed to assume that guys like Tamba Hali and Alan Branch have gotten taller the day they were drafted? Because if not, I think Troy Smith has performed just fine against them. It's not like our newest QB has played against midgets (I mean little people) his entire college career. I think Ohio State qualifies as elite and he seemed to do just fine finding passing lanes. Let's not forget he repeatedly torched the best defense in major college football in the biggest rivalry game of them all. Four players from the Michigan defense were drafted, including the best corner, and Troy cut through them like a Blue Ox filet.

Enough with the height issue already. If "analysts" want to over-analyze and cause his stock to drop then I am happy that Ozzie and ED were there to scoop him up and buy low.

Anyone who has ever played sports knows that some guys are winners and others aren't. Troy Smith has proven that he knows how to win at the highest level of college. I think it will translate to the NFL and he will be a solid pro.

[festivus]

Whether Troy Smith pans out or not, at least we didn't burn a 1st rounder on THIS GUY (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/TheKingOfBums/2774-haha.jpg)

That is lovely. I'm not supposed to recognize any of those people, am I? I hope I'm not embarrassing myself asking.

[otherside_of_tracks]

I'm not to sure how great this guy is but i'd think puting a 6'0 QB behind a 6'9 Ogden is not that great. He can do a 5 step drop every time and still wouldn't be able to see over J.O's head. So if he plays at all this year watch and see how often he passes left and right. He maybe like a Ryan Leaf. But at least we only used a 5th and not the 1st overall pick.

[Losac]

Whether Troy Smith pans out or not, at least we didn't burn a 1st rounder on THIS GUY (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/TheKingOfBums/2774-haha.jpg)
Is that Brady Quinn?

[RavenScallywag]

otherside of center...I am sure Ohio State didn't have Ts that were shorter than 6'0". It's not like a receiver or a CB is going to be able to hide in the blind spot of Jon Ogden...

also, someone mentioned the idea that if Troy Smith doesn't pan out as a QB, maybe having him do CB or WR. Any thoughts? I still say 5th round is a nice place to get him, no pressure to make him QB of the future, and we get a great athlete.

[GreenWave52]

Is that Brady Quinn?

Yes it is. The male crotch-grabbing future of the Cleveland Browns.

[festivus]

Oooh, turns out I did embarrass myself. :grbac: Nice find, Greenwave!

[OriAl]

I like this pick b/c there is little, if any, downside. If he develops, which Boller did not, then the value is obvious from a late 5th round pick. If he has the talent displayed the last 2 years at OSU then he WILL develop much faster than Kyle and have a decent chance to take over after McNair is gone.

If we let him go you know Cleveland will sign him. :>)

FM

Boller has developed - he's improved each season. He has shown that, with decent protection and decent receivers, he can do fine as an NFL QB (100+ QB rating in four of his last five games.)

If the Ravens are smart, they'll sign Boller to an extension, and keep Smith behind him (or competing with him), hoping to find themselves in the same situation the Chargers did with Brees and Rivers - two quality QBs, with one to trade.

[RavensNTerps]

except they didn't trade Brees, he left.