Troy Smith not the answer for the Cleveland Browns

Troy Smith’s name comes up a lot in Ohio, but not just when talking about the Buckeyes.

Many Cleveland Brown’s fans want the team to waste, yes waste, their number one pick on Smith. Why? So the Browns offensive line can destroy another promising career? Last night was proof that Smith was not the answer.

Yes, I know it was the Buckeye’s only loss of the season, and really the only game that Smith looked bad. But it was the reasons he looked bad that makes him not the answer. The Florida Gator defense put pressure on Smith all night, making the Buckeye offensive line look bad. In other words, he had no protection. And what did Smith, a more mobile quarterback than Charlie Frye, do under that pressure?

He played bad, very bad.

And he was getting hit by basically college-sized defensive players. What do you think people like Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu would do to him? He would be injured, just like every other Brown’s quarterback who has played since their return in 1999. Not to mention Smith is undersized for a NFL-quarterback. Smaller frame means a higher chance of injury.

This is not to say Smith cannot excel. Drew Brees, with a similar frame, has excelled. But he has a great offensive line. Smith will need a good line to protect him if he wants to do well at quarterback. My guess is, though, he will be wide receiver when its all said and done.

On top of all that, JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn are both better quarterbacks. The Browns also need an offensive lineman over anything else, but if Adrian Peterson is there when they go to pick with the third or fourth pick, I think they should take him. If he isn’t there, go offensive line for sure.

I hope that last night quiets some of the Troy Smith for Brown’s quarterback talk. Charlie Frye is fully capable of succeeding at the position – as long as he gets some protection, and a real offensive coordinator. Otherwise the Russian Rolette of Brown’s starting quarterbacks will continue forever.