The answer is Yes.
We have to assume that he would've ended his career on the same note as it ended 2 years ago from Utah....otherwise it's impossible to answer this question.
Assuming that, although he wouldn't go #1 overall, he would still be a 1st round pick this year. You don't go from #1 overall all the way out of the first round just because a certain draft class is a stronger one.
I would venture to guess that if put head-to-head coming straight out of college and not knowing what we know now of his struggles with the 49ers......Smith and Cutler would grade out very similarly.
I think Smith would've graded out higher, but we still have to see what Cutler does at the combine.I actually think the tough choice would be between Smith and VY, but that's just me..
I think the order would be:
Leinart - 2 overall behind Bush
Vince Young and Alex Smith - both going somewhere between 3 and 9
Cutler would drop to 16 -- in this scenario, Miami would be able to stay put and comfortably get Cutler as opposed to having a chance of Cutler falling to them anyway, but needing to trade up to be sure to get him..
I don't think Alex Smith would touch the "enigma" that is Vince Young after that Rose Bowl performance. If all things were equal between the two, than VY would've been an easy choice just in terms of marketing potential as Alex Smith is nowhere near as exciting of a player in terms of fan base, etc.Alex Smith and Cutler are very similar prospects....both have good athleticism and leadership skills.
Alex Smith's arm strength was questioned at times, but his "smarts" and feel for the game were graded out very high.
just the opposite, Cutler's arm strength is his strong suit, but some may question his mental makeup and view him as a loose cannon (aka "gunslinger")
And as always, the arm strength trumps all when referring to top QB's and scouts falling in love with them.