Geno Smith's behavior at pre-draft meetings worried NFL executives: Report

The New York Jets new quarterback Geno Smith has already raised questions about his character, demeanor and ability to lead a professional team because of his behavior before, during and after the 2013 NFL Draft last weekend.

Smith sat by himself, playing with his cell phone, instead of speaking with prospective team executives and coaches in the pre-draft meetings before the NFL Draft, according to Yahoo! Sports.

This may explain why the presumed top-ten pick nosedived to No. 39.

"All these other players who were in there were talking to the coaches, trying to get to know people and he was over there by himself," one source said to Yahoo! "That's not what you want out of your quarterback."

That report was released a day after Smith fired his agents from Select Sports Group. It was reported Tuesday that Smith felt that he would have — and should have — been selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Instead Smith fell all the way to the Jets as the 39th overall selection, quickly parting ways with his representatives after he was forced to wait through the first round at Radio City last Thursday.

Smith whined after the first 32 picks went by without his name being called and considered leaving New York, but eventually changed his mind and decided to stay for the second round on Friday.

The 22-year-old Smith, who will compete with incumbent, but unpopular starter Mark Sanchez in training camp, has  a lot of growing up to do.

Smith got low marks on his maturity even before he became a Jet, as Pro Football Weekly gave his personality a powerfully negative review. "Not a student of the game. Nonchalant field presence — does not command respect from teammates and cannot inspire," that report read. "Mild practice demeanor — no urgency. Not committed or focused — marginal work ethic. Needed coddling in college — cannot handle hard coaching."

Wait until he gets under the big top — better known as the Jets camp. Falling to the second round will be the least of his problems when the media spotlight shines in his face.

"His biggest problem is that he doesn't know what he doesn't know," said a league executive in the report. "I'm not sure he knows how to take instruction because he pretty much wouldn't listen or talk to our coaches…he's talented. He can sling it, he can fit it into tight spots, he can do a lot of things and I think he wants to be good. But you can't tell him anything right now. He's tuned out because he thinks he's got it all down."