TABLE: Is there a Heisman jinx?

The quarterback's stock took a roller-coaster ride from a career high of winning the Heisman after leading Ohio State to a 12-0 regular season and the Big Ten title to a forgettable finale against Florida in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Winning the Heisman doesn't guarantee NFL success, especially for quarterbacks. Sure, there are Southern California golden boys Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. But there also are Jason White, Eric Crouch, Danny Wuerffel, Gino Torretta, Chris Weinke and Andre Ware.

Where will Troy Smith fall?

"Troy Smith has been all over the place in people's evaluations," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock says.

"He's probably a third-round quarterback. The reason is that he makes about 80-90% of his plays outside the tackle box. He struggles to find his vision within the pocket."

In other words, Troy Smith doesn't appear to measure up as another Drew Brees, the 6-0 former Purdue star with the classic over-the-top delivery who has led the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints to the playoffs.

Small wonder that Troy Smith carried a Heisman-sized chip on his shoulder at the Indianapolis scouting combine. "The height thing, I can't do anything about it," Troy Smith says. "You make it seem like being 6 feet is a disease or something."

But Troy Smith raised questions about more than a lack of ideal height. He was suspended from the 2005 Alamo Bowl and a regular-season start after accepting $500 from an Ohio State booster.

Still, a kid who survived Cleveland's toughest streets and four years in a foster home has demonstrated a leader's resilience.

"I guarantee you he has an NFL arm," Mayock says. "He's going to get drafted. And he's going to have an opportunity to play the quarterback position.

"Unfortunately for him and (Florida quarterback) Chris Leak and all the guys under 6 feet, it's a short list of quarterbacks in the NFL who are on the roster, let alone starters."

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