The Great Alex Smith Question

Rumors abound the Niners are considering picking a QB with the 13th pick in the NFL draft. Hmmmm.

If the Niners were thinking about a QB, why didn't they go for McNabb? Weak NFL West with the Niners defense and Gore and Crabtree coming along. McNabb would get them in the playoffs for sure, barring injuries. The defense is young and good. The question mark is Gore's longevity. He's gotten injured the last couple of years and has lots of wear and tear on him.

But going with another unknown - a Jimmy Clauson type pick? Seems not to make much sense. Without a good QB coach or system, we're destined to not develop a great quarterback unless a Peyton Manning or John Elway drops from the sky. Not happening. Not in this draft.

I say stick with Smith, although it goes against all my objective thoughts on the matter. If a guy doesn't step up and find it within himself to be "the man" when the opportunity is presented, generally, it ain't ever going to happen. Smith has had multiple opportunities and never really quite shown the spark. Initially, I thought he got a bad rap with Nolan and then last year really stepped up for like 1/2 games at a time. He never really delivered. But the way I see it, maybe we just need to give the guy a total reset and think of last year like he was a rookie. When viewed through that perspective, we give it a go this year and then decide whether he's meant to be a back up or a real quarterback. This is the best opportunity Alex Smith is going to get. A weak division, a strong running back, and a good defense, in a passing league. If he can't succeed in this situation, he isn't going to succeed.

I'm not confident.