Geno Smith has a plethora of critics–present company included. However, there's a difference between making judgments on a person's character through snap judgements as Nolan Nawrocki did in his Pro Football Weekly scouting report, and critiquing someone based on analysis and in-game performance. The truth is that this entire draft class is full of questionable talent at the quarterback position.
However, it appears that Smith has had enough and finally broke his silence in fewer than 140 characters.
Just want to thank all those so called "experts" who say I can't be an NFL QB. Thursday will be a special day but the work has only begun
— Eugene Geno Smith (@GenoSmith_12) April 23, 2013
The most shocking revelation is those tweets was the existence of Smith's Twitter page. He's so nondescript that his Twitter page probably went under the radar unless you're a West Virginia football fanatic.
Smith also spoke to the USA Today about jabbing back at his detractors on social media.
"It's not even to get back at anyone because I can't do that through Twitter,'' Smith told USA TODAY Sports Wednesday. "The only way I can do that is to prove them wrong on the field. Basically, what I said is, 'I'd like to thank you for continuing to motivate me and to keep me motivated.'
"I didn't read the things. People called me to say, 'Did you hear this, did you hear that.' I said, 'No. I don't care about that type of stuff.' As long as it's out there, I have to stay on my 'A' game.''
He was asked why the Tweet now on the cusp of realizing his dream?
"You know what, I think I just went with it,'' Smith said. "It wasn't anything in particular. I just went with it.''
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said Wednesday that if the 6-3, 220-pound passer with 42 touchdowns and 6 interceptions last season doesn't go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6, he could fall into the bottom third of the first round.
Matt Barkley has been called a third round talent, even though he was projected as a first-rounder before the scouting season began. Ryan Nassib may be the second quarterback taken at No. 8 by the Buffalo Bills, but there's a sentiment that the only reason he's going that highly, or in the first round at all, is because his college coach is the Bills head coach. Critics are going to look for holes in these prospects and as long as they are valid, that's fair game.
If Smith is intent on proving everyone wrong, more power to him.
