Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
General managers usually go above and beyond to hype their players, especially if said player was a high draft pick or was traded for.
It only makes sense, right? Not only is their reputation attached to how good that player can be, but they’re trying to sell said player to the fans. Whether it be the sale of jerseys or just hope, part of the job of being a general manager is to essentially be a cheerleader for your guys.
That’s why I’m not surprised that Chiefs’ general manager John Dorsey came out and said that he thinks Alex Smith can be a top ten quarterback in the NFL.
Yes, that’s right. He said that. Here’s the quote, according to Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports:
"I believe he can be a top-10 quarterback, and here’s why,” Dorsey told USA TODAY Sports recently.“I think he’s got the athleticism. I think he’s got accuracy. I think he’s got really good reaction quickness. Once he gets comfortable with the offense, he reads defenses very well. I think the game’s slowed down for him.”"
For the record, I do not disagree with Dorsey’s assessment of Smith’s talents. Some of you here on Arrowhead Addict refer to him as “Captain Checkdown.” In reality, that’s far from the truth.
Smith does bring a great amount of talent to the quarterback position. He’s accurate, has a good arm and his athleticism is extremely underrated. Smith can bootleg out of the pocket and hit receivers on the run, but can also take off and make something happen with his feet.
He is a former No. 1 overall draft pick, mind you, so it’s not as if he isn’t talented.
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Some Chiefs fans have been unfairly critical of No. 11, and I firmly believe that’s a fact. With that in mind, Dorsey may be stretching it saying that Smith can be a top ten quarterback in the NFL right now.
Can is the key word to focus on here, because it does give Dorsey somewhat of an out.
Can Smith be a top ten quarterback? Of course. He has the talent to do anything he wants as a quarterback.
In the same way though, can I become a millionaire? Sure thing. If I work hard enough and save, I suppose there’s a chance.
You see, if you’re remotely talented, stay out of trouble and work hard, you can do anything you want to in life.
Will you though?
That’s the better question.
The one factor that the word can seems to ignore is outside influences. In Smith’s case, he of course can be a top ten quarterback, but that statement clearly ignores the fact that the NFL is filled with many elite quarterbacks.
Off the top of my head here’s what I believe the top ten list would be heading into the 2013 season:
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Tom Brady
3. Peyton Manning
4. Drew Brees
5. Ben Roethlisberger
6. Eli Manning
7. Joe Flacco
8. Matt Ryan
9. Colin Kaepernick
10. Andrew Luck
This is a list that doesn’t even include potentially elite quarterbacks whom I’d like to watch for one more season, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Next, let’s talk about the NFL quarterbacks who are great, but may not be elite. We’re looking at a group that features Cam Newton, Tony Romo, Matthew Stafford, Jay Cutler and Philip Rivers.
If he has a good year, Smith has the potential to work his way into that second tier of quarterbacks, but even if he does, he wouldn’t be top ten in the league.
Look, I’ve been very open about the fact that I think Smith is the quarterback who can lead this Chiefs team into the future. I like the fact that he’s a smart passer, and he’s much more physically gifted than he gets credit for.
With the right offensive weapons around him, the Chiefs will be a dangerous draw in 2013. For the record, I do believe Kansas City will make a splash this season in the NFL.
Smith is going to be a huge reason why, but to say he can be a top 10 quarterback in the NFL is a bit ridiculous.
What do you think, Addicts? Sound off below.