NFL roundup: QB Smith disputes scathing scouting report

Quarterback Geno Smith spoke out against a harsh scouting Pro Football Weekly assessment that criticized his physical skills, football acumen and leadership ability.

"It's untrue in all things," Smith told USA Today Sports on Wednesday. "I heard about it (Monday) night when my quarterbacks coach (Jake Spavital) called me to tell me about it."

PFW's draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki issued a scathing report of Smith's ability, writing that the former West Virginia quarterback is "not a student of the game," "does not command respect from teammates and cannot inspire," is "not committed or focused" and "cannot handle hard coaching."

Smith visited the Kansas City Chiefs, who own the No. 1 overall pick, on Monday and Tuesday. He reportedly visited the Philadelphia Eagles, who own the No. 4 selection, on Wednesday.

"A cross between Akili Smith and Aaron Brooks, Smith is a gimmick, overhyped product of the system lacking the football savvy, work habits and focus to cement a starting job and could drain energy from a QB room. Will be over drafted and struggle to produce against NFL defensive complexities," Nawrocki also wrote.

Nawrocki also criticized Cam Newton before the Carolina Panthers selected him first overall in 2011.

Spavital disagreed with Nawrocki.

"I thought he was one of the hardest-working quarterbacks I've ever been around," he told USA Today.

--Veteran linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo was released by the Baltimore Ravens.

The 10-year veteran is primarily a special teams player. He turns 37 before the start of next season.

His minimum salary given his total years of NFL service will be more than $900,000 next season. Because he doesn't play in the base defense, Ayanbadejo might be pressed to find work in a role that typically is filled by younger and much cheaper backup defensive players.

--Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington will sit out the first four games of the 2013 NFL regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team announced Wednesday.

The team announced that Washington would be able to take part in all offseason programs, as well as training camp and preseason games. However, he will not be able to take part in the first four games or practices during those weeks.

--Linebacker Brian Banks traveled a winding road to the NFL, but he's officially a member of the Atlanta Falcons after a torturous journey to reach the professional ranks. Banks first confirmed the signing via Twitter on Wednesday.

Cleared in May 2012, Banks was wrongly jailed for five years but released when he was exonerated because the alleged assault victim that put him behind bars recanted 10 years after he was convicted.

Banks worked out for the Seahawks, Chiefs and Chargers last spring and participated in the San Francisco 49ers' rookie minicamp.

He's 6-2 1/2, 240 pounds, he's considered a middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme.

--Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker told ESPN Radio that he's spoken to his new quarterback, Peyton Manning, as well as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, since joining the Broncos.

Welker said he met Manning for dinner in Miami.

"We just kind of caught up and talked about the year and different things about the offense and stuff like that," Welker told "Mike and Mike in the Morning." "I'll be working with him next week and start to get that process going."

Welker signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Broncos last month, leaving the Patriots and Brady, one of his closest friends.

--Linebacker Stevenson Sylvester signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A fifth-round pick by the Steelers in 2010, Sylvester has played in 41 career games with one start.

Primarily a special teams player, Sylvester has 23 career tackles and two forced fumbles in three seasons.

--Wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, a salary-cap casualty of the Dallas Cowboys last week, re-signed with the team Wednesday. He could serve as a situational deep threat for quarterback Tony Romo.

Armstrong visited the New York Giants on Tuesday.

--Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum cut his teeth as a contract negotiator and salary-cap manager, a role that required regular dealings with player agents.

Now Tannenbaum is set to become an agent himself, with the intent of exclusively representing coaches in the Priority Sports firm.