With April just a day away, NFL draft hype is in full swing. The Lions are looking at quarterback Matthew Stafford as a possible No. 1 overall pick. With Stafford’s big payday looming, I can’t help but think about another overall No. 1 pick — 49ers quarterback Alex Smith.

After four seasons, Smith is almost officially a bust, and part of the lack of success might not be entirely his fault. He’s been through four offensive coordinators and three coaches in four years and was quarterbacking a team with marginal talent, at best. It makes you wonder how many busts become busts for circumstances beyond their control. Sure, some draft busts bust themselves, but is it Smith’s fault his team has been through so much upheaval? Was it David Carr’s fault he was sacked so often behind the Texans’ terrible offensive line? Will it be JaMarcus Russell’s fault if his career sputters with the chaotic Raiders?

Smith, to his credit, restructured his contract with the hopes he can prove himself with the 49ers, who might finally settle down with Mike Singletary as coach. And Singletary will give Smith that chance. But it all makes you wonder if Stafford’s future in the NFL might not be as much in his hands as it should be.