The Geno Smith campaign tour is officially underway. As draft day is officially under a month away, Smith is off to show exactly what he can offer a team. The quarterback who most believe to be the best option in the draft at his position is gaining interest from multiple teams. His first stop is Kansas City who hold the first pick in the draft. It is unknown what the Chiefs actual interest in Smith is, but they are taking a legitimate look at him and keeping their options open.
The Chiefs made a marquee trade at the beginning of the offseason to acquire quarterback Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers. It was not believed they would consider taking a quarterback with their top pick, but head coach Andy Reid has said he is looking to keep all draft options open, considering all players as a valid option. The Chiefs were reportedly fascinated by Smith after watching him at the NFL combine and during his Pro Day. He could be another quarterback option.
Smith told USA Today that he hopes the Chiefs interest in him is legitimate and not just a smoke screen.
"I hope Kansas City is legitimately interested. I hope I go No. 1, but, hey, we'll see. The Chiefs are bringing me in, so I'm going in there thinking they're interested in me, because I am in them," Smith said.
Kansas City could be interested or they could just be looking to drive up the price for Smith. The Chiefs have the option of trading their top pick in order to acquire more picks in later rounds. The Chiefs gave up their second round pick in the trade for Smith and might look to get that back. Smith threw for 4,205 yards while at West Virginia last season, leading the nation with 42 touchdown passes.
There are multiple teams pulling for Smith. He will have visits with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles later this week. The Bills just signed quarterback Kevin Kolb to a two-year contract so they might no longer be a serious contender for Smith.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the team in serious need for a quarterback at this point. They select No. 2 overall. With Smith visiting Kansas City, Jacksonville might feel pressured to try and make a trade with Chiefs in order to move up and get Smith before anyone else has a shot. With Buffalo and Oakland likely to acquire quarterbacks prior to the draft, the only competition the Jaguars have left for Smith is Kansas City.
