1. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
It’s hard to argue that Smith lived up to the billing of the top overall pick in 2005. But he put together a more than respectable career. Keep in mind that Smith was 21-1 as a starter at Utah, earned his degree in just two years, and scored 40 out of 50 on the famous Wonderlic Test. On paper, it’s easy to see why he was believed to be the top quarterback in that class ahead of Rodgers.
Smith had a few rough seasons in San Francisco but did guide the team to a 13-3 season in 2011. He had a little more success in Kansas City under Andy Reid, taking the Chiefs to the playoffs four times in five seasons. Of course, he was ultimately traded to Washington to clear the way for Patrick Mahomes. As we all know, Smith suffered that gruesome injury in 2018. He developed a lift-threatening infection and had to undergo more than a dozen surgeries. Somehow, he returned to the field in 2020 and went 5-1 as a starter in what was his farewell season.