Brian Brohm’s
decision to stay for his senior year, rather than enter the NFL Draft
not only made his new coach Steve Kragthorpe happy, but also put a
smile on Troy Smith’s face. If Brohm entered the draft this year,
he would probably of been the third quarterback drafted, after JaMarcus
Russell and Brady Quinn. Brohm figured to be a shoe in for the
first round. Troy Smith, on the other hand is considered a late
first rounder to early second round prospect.
This decision helps Smith in two ways: First with Brohm’s
intention to stay, Smith now becomes the popular third best quarterback
in the draft. And second, Brohm’s vacancy from the draft weakens
this year’s quarterback draft, making Troy Smith that much more
desirable. A draft’s depth at a certain position has a huge
impact on player’s stock. A draft filled with talent at a certain
position makes that position less valuable. This year’s draft is
flooded with talent at the wide receiver position, causing teams to
question is a high pick worthwhile on a wide receiver knowing they
could get a quality prospect in the later rounds. Jeff
Samardzija, Anthony Gonzalez, Jason Hill look to be available in the
2nd round. Johnnie Lee Higgins may last until round three.
After Troy Smith for quarterbacks in the draft there is Drew Stanton
and Kevin Kolb. Solid prospects, but a whole different
echelon.
Before Brohm’s decision, it seemed at worst Troy would fall to
Cleveland in the 2nd round. Cleveland’s quarterback situation is
questionable and having the chance to take its hometown boy seems too
good to be true. If memory serves me right, I think the city is
enjoying having a local kid play for the Cavaliers. Yes, I know
LeBron is from Akron, but it is pretty close to Cleveland. But as
I said before, that was Smith’s at worst situation. Now Brohm is
out of the draft and the prospects look good for Troy. Four
possibilities for Troy could be Miami, Carolina, Jacksonville, and
Baltimore. I really think Smith’s at worst situation now is
Baltimore with the 29th pick.
Alex Smith went number one because Matt Leinart stayed in school.
Jason Campbell went in the first round because lack of quarterback
depth in the draft. Brian Brohm has done a huge favor for Troy
Smith. But you could look at the other end of this
spectrum. Kenny Irons is my top senior running back in the
draft. His only problem: Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch,
Antonio Pittman, and Michael Bush all declared. Imagine if all
four stayed in school. Kenny Irons would have been a first round
pick.
So a player’s draft fate is not always in the hands of NFL scouts,
coaches, and owners. Sometimes a college player’s decision to
return to school can make another player millions of dollars.
Brain Brohm; you should be getting a fruit basket soon from a Mr. Troy
Smith. But remember Troy; do not get to elaborate because Mr.
Brohm will be a multimillionaire in short time.
Brian Brohm made the right decision. He is now a leading Heisman
candidate for next year and a sure top five draft pick in 2008.
He also will get a degree from the University of Louisville.
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