West Virginia University Football's NFL Draft Legacy: Celebrating the Top 5 NFL Careers of Mountaineer Draft Picks
By Joseph Smith
HONORABLE MENTION: Geno Smith (2013 NFL Draft, Round 2, Pick 7)
Florida native Geno Smith was a three-year starter and multi-time all-conference selection in the Big East while at WVU, and was the 2012 Orange Bowl MVP in a win over Clemson. He still holds the Orange Bowl record for passing touchdowns.
He started off slow during his NFL career. Drafted by the New York Jets, Smith had mixed results with the team before venturing on to brief stints with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers.
After finally landing some stability with Seattle, Smith earned the starting nod had a breakout season in 2022, earning his first-ever Pro Bowl selection and being named NFL Comeback Player of the Year while leading the team to a playoff appearance. He would follow up with an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him another Pro Bowl trip.