
Unquestionably the biggest surprise last year was the emergence of Geno Smith as a viable starting quarterback. Smith earned “Comeback Player of the Year” honors, as well as a legitimate Pro Bowl nomination. Not one born out of players dropping out, but a first round of balloting.
Folks around the league are starting to notice Smith, and in The Athletic’s quarterback tiers ranking, Smith improved 15 spots. He went from No. 35 to No. 20 overall.