Alex Smith quandary: Chiefs must find future QB

The Contenders

Dak Prescott –

Prescott has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but is very raw. He is the type of mobile quarterback that Andy Reid likes, running well in the open field. His above average arm strength lets him throw strikes when he is mechanically sound. He has shown ability and improvement with the finer points of eye-control and pre-snap reads.

Prescott has shown issues with decision-making and zeroing-in on a primary read, but has thrown for more yards and touchdowns in each successive season at Mississippi State. He continued his progression in the Senior Bowl, but inconsistency will remain his major drawback. Generally considered a day-three prospect, he could sneak into the second day for a team that values his skills.

Cardale Jones – Jones’ up and down college career has been tough to watch. Jones won a national title, but could not retain the starting job at Ohio State. Mobility and arm strength are his strengths. Again, raw is the word here. Jones needs to be tutored in pre-snap reads and the use of his eyes to influence defenders. He could also benefit from setting his base in order to become more accurate.

Jones played with a stout defense and solid running game, similar to the Chiefs’. At the end of the day, Jones has an 11-0 record as a starting QB at Ohio State. Andy Reid could reinvigorate his progression. Realistically, he has a fifth or sixth-round grade, but could be pushed into he fourth round.

Vernon Adams Jr. – The general consensus on Adams a lot like Russel Wilson’s before he was drafted. It’s undeniable that he’s small, but he has the athleticism to make plays outside the pocket. Adams transferred to Oregon in the wake of Marcus Mariota being drafted No. 2 overall and promptly won the starting job.

He finished his lone season as a Duck with over 2600 yards passing (racking up 13000 yards for his career) and a 26-6 TD/INT ratio. Can his body stand up to the NFL? That will be the question. His Shrine Game performance likely made him draft-able, but don’t expect anyone to select him prior to the sixth round.

In the House
With two young quarterbacks already signed to the roster, they could rely on their in-house development and let them battle it out for the backup duties in 2016. My money is squarely on Aaron Murray, who is well-suited to the Reid offense and has shown preseason flashes. The question is whether he is ready to step into the backup role and be one play away from running the Kansas City offense. Tyler Bray has arm talent in spades and signed a contract extension this season, but his progression has been hampered by his lack of reps.

The bottom line is that neither quarterback’s contract would preclude them from being released following a training camp competition. Bringing in a rookie with potential could lead to a stronger quarterback room for the Chiefs.

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday!