Geno Smith NFL Combine: Former West Virginia QB Will Prove First-Round Worth

The 2013 NFL draft isn't particularly deep at the quarterback position by any means, but West Virginia's Geno Smith is above and beyond the best QB in this class.

As the NFL begins to transition into a dynamic quarterback's league—with the likes of Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson—Smith has the all the tools to follow that trend.

Smith has one of the strongest arms and some of the best speed among QBs in the draft, according to ESPN:

The former Mountaineers quarterback didn't have much of a chance to show off his speed and rushing skills in college, as Smith never carried it more than 106 times or rushed for more than 217 yards in a season.

But he did showcase what he could do through the air.

Smith eclipsed the 4,200-yard mark while tossing 42 touchdown passes—a TD mark that led the nation—to a mere six picks.

His 2012 campaign was highlighted by his first five games, when he threw for 24 touchdowns and zero interceptions. No game was more impressive than when he threw for 656 yards and eight touchdowns against Baylor on Sept. 29.

While Smith's impressive 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine doesn't solely make him deserving of a high pick in the first round, the fact that a number of NFL teams need a quarterback does.

Smith's 40-time proves he has the necessary speed to be a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL, and his body of work at West Virginia proves his effectiveness as a passer.

ESPN draft guru Todd McShay pegs Smith as a top-10 selection in the 2013 draft, with the Buffalo Bills selecting him with the No. 8 overall pick.

The former Orange Bowl MVP still has a lot of work to do at the combine, but given his resume at West Virginia and his quick 40-time, Smith will prove himself to be a first-round pick.

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