NFL Combine quarterbacks
Rodgers, Smith vie for top spot INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – While Aaron Rodgers was busy winning games at California, he still kept track of Utah’s Alex Smith.
Now the NFL is watching them face off.
The next challenge for the two quarterbacks, generally considered the top two at their position in the draft, comes Saturday in front of scouts at the NFL combine. The two will work side by side and the more impressive could find himself as the first player selected in April.
The former California high school stars are ready to go at it.
“It’s a trip,” Smith said Friday. “It’s something you dream about but you never really expect it to happen. I’m trying to enjoy it.”
They may be working side by side for the first time this weekend, but seemingly know each other – or at least each other’s careers.
Both played minor roles early in college, spent the last two years building their resume and left school early to position themselves as first-round picks.
Even on the field they seemed to mirror each other.
“It’s funny, his first start was the same day as my first start. His first big game was the same day as my first big game,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited to go against him.”
Smith and Rodgers aren’t looking at this week as merely a head-to-head showdown, though.
Their primary goal is to solidify themselves at the top of the first round and stay ahead of an intriguing group of prospects that includes Hawaii’s record-setting Timmy Chang; Auburn’s Jason Campbell, who led the Tigers to an unbeaten season last year; and 2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White of Oklahoma. Add a small-school gem like Akron’s Charlie Frye and the class seems deep.
Yet Rodgers and Smith always get mentioned first – and in tandem – at a spot most coaches still consider the foundation for success.
“Quarterback is the key position,” San Francisco coach Mike Nolan said. “I think every team will you tell that this is your go-to guy.”
The tale of the tapes shows this:
– Rodgers measured in at 6-foot-2, 223 pounds Friday. Smith was 6-4, 217 pounds.
– Smith is the more elusive runner, but must learn a new offense next season after playing in Utah’s wide-open system the last two seasons.
– Rodgers may possess the stronger arm and played in Cal’s West Coast offense where he was tutored by coach Jeff Tedford, who has helped develop quarterbacks such as Trent Dilfer and Kyle Boller.
The biggest question about Smith is how he will adapt from Utah’s wide-open system, while others question whether Rodgers is tall enough.
“I actually prayed to God last night to give me a couple more inches,” Rodgers joked. “But I don’t really think that’s a factor. A friend e-mailed me the other night that the average size of the Hall of Fame quarterbacks was 6-1, 200 pounds.”
The other quarterbacks face even more scrutiny.
White hopes to break the trend of Heisman busts, but may not get much of a chance. The 2003 Heisman winner is now 24, has two surgically-repaired knees and realizes that three national championship games and four Big 12 titles won’t mean much on draft day.
“That’s college, it’s over and done with,” White said. “The other guys have more potential than me. All I want is an opportunity.”
Chang finished his career as the NCAA’s leader in yards passing, total offense and second all-time in TD passes, came in at 6-2, 211 pounds and must demonstrate he’s more than just a product of coach June Jones’ run-and shoot system.
Scouts wonder how he will fare in a more conservative system that includes fullbacks and tight ends.
“The timing thing is an adjustment,” he said. “At Hawaii, it was three steps to the right, three steps to the left.”
Campbell has a strong arm and good mobility but was helped greatly by two of the top running backs in this year’s class – Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and Ronnie Brown. He measured in at a little less than 6-5 and 230 pounds.
Then there’s Frye, who played in the Mid-American Conference that has recently produced NFL starters Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich and Ben Roethlisberger. Frye is one of the rare highly-touted quarterbacks who intends to work out in Indianapolis.
“They erased all those doubts about the MAC and set the bar pretty high, too,” Frye said of his three predecessors – all first-round picks.
Despite all the possibilities, however, it appears this is a two-man race between two players who are familiar with each other’s background and are ready to duel before they ever put on an NFL helmet.
“We both put up good numbers and I’m excited to run against him, throw against and see how I can do,” he said. “The key is to run well, throw well and let all the other stuff take care itself.”