AP

With buzz increasing regarding quarterback Geno Smith, including the teams picking second (Jaguars), third (Raiders), and fourth (Eagles) linked to the former West Virginia quarterback, the Chiefs’ best play becomes obvious.

Get one of them to trade up to No. 1 to get Smith.

But how can that happen, especially after G.M. John Dorsey publicly said that none of the rookie quarterbacks in this draft merits a first-round grade — and after the Chiefs backed that up by trading a high second-round pick and a 2014 third-round selection (that can become a second-rounder) for Alex Smith?

It’s simple. Ignore all of that and start putting out the word now that maybe the Chiefs will pick Smith.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Chiefs scouts are “fascinated” by Geno Smith, and they’re comparing him to a young Donovan McNabb.

If that’s true, then the Chiefs blew it by trading for Alex Smith. The more likely reality is that the Chiefs are now puffing, in the hopes of getting someone to make a Redskins-style move by a few spots to get the guy the Chiefs already decided they don’t want long — but currently are pretending that they do.

And after USC quarterback Matt Barkley completes 90-plus percent of his throws later today against a phantom defense, maybe we’ll eventually start hearing how the Chiefs are “fascinated” with him, too.