Geno Smith may not be a target for the Jets after all.
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It appears Geno is a no-go for the Jets.
Speaking to Metro New York on the condition of anonymity, one source familiar with the Jets’ draft preparations said he would be “surprised and shocked” if the team selected West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the No. 9 overall pick. Smith, a Heisman candidate early last season, visited the Jets for two days last week during their predraft meetings with prospects.
“He isn’t as high on their board as some people might think,” the source told Metro. “If he fell to them at the right spot, say in the middle of the round, maybe he could be used by them then. But right now at No. 9, he doesn’t appear to currently be their top priority. That all could change as picks ahead of them go in different directions, but don’t look for Geno to be a Jet.”
Jets fans and draft prognosticators have gotten excited over Smith, in large part due to his gaudy numbers last year. During his senior season, Smith completed 71.2 percent of his passes for 4,205 yards with 42 touchdowns and six interceptions.
But as prolific as those numbers were, the source said he isn’t the best fit for the Jets.
“Jets fans are excited because Geno Smith isn’t Mark Sanchez. So he automatically is better in their eyes. If the Jets had the Sanchez from 2010 or 2011 — the one who managed games and made plays — then they wouldn’t want Smith,” the source said. “He’s the best quarterback in a very average, if not below average, quarterback draft. If he came out last year when there was [Andrew] Luck, [Robert] Griffin then he would have been a second-round pick at best in my eyes. He benefited from that offense at West Virginia. I don’t think it translates and the Jets can’t risk that right now. This pick has to be a success.”
One name gaining traction on several draft boards around the league is Zac Dysert. As initially broken by Metro in March, Dysert has been gaining interest from the Jets. He visited with the Jets last week and could be a possible mid-round selection.
“He played on a Miami (Ohio) team that wasn’t very good, just 4-8 I think. They couldn’t run and didn’t have playmakers,” the source said. “But he has good intangibles and he’s accurate, something [Jets offensive coordinator] Marty Mornhinweg would like in that West Coast offense. He might emerge as the Jets quarterback this draft.
“Don’t let his numbers fool you, I think he could be the steal at quarterback in this draft.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
