Blake Bortles Declares for Draft; Manziel Expected To Also

[IAmLegend]

Joe Schad ‏@schadjoe5m
Blake Bortles UCF QB will enter NFL Draft. (First reported Orlando Sentinel).

-As for Johnny, his teammate Ricky Seals-Jones said today, "He's gone" when asked about what he thinks Johnny is going to do. No surprise there, most expect Manziel to declare.

https://t.co/redirect?url=http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2014/01/ricky-seals-jones-on-manziel-to-nfl-johnnys-gone-hes-gone&sig=0e3a8793f20a01792304f0914210236bb8af3359


-That means Bridgewater, Bortles, and Manziel will be the top 3 QB prospects in this year's draft, with Derek Carr a close 4th. Should push a good player down the board to Dallas at #17.

 

[RS12]

Matt York/Associated Press
UCF quarterback Blake Bortles will be in the mix to be the first player taken in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The remarkable ascent of UCF quarterback Blake Bortles is set to culminate Monday with the redshirt junior declaring he will enter the 2014 NFL Draft, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Possessing elite arm strength and good athleticism, Bortles reportedly received a first-round gradefrom the draft advisory board and at least one NFL team with a top-10 pick regards him as the top quarterback in the draft after throwing for 3,581 yards and 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions this season.

However, NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks expressed serious reservations regarding Bortles' overnight coronation and questioned his long-term future.

"I see a good player with a lot of upside, but I don't see a transcendent star that will significantly change the fortunes of a dismal franchise. Now, that doesn't mean he can't be an effective starter for a team, but I believe it will take him some time to develop into a solid player as a pro," Brooks said.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah concurred, likening Bortles to Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker, who has been erratic in his three-year career.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...b-blake-bortles-to-declare-for-2014-nfl-draft

 

[RS12]

Wow the Jake Locker comparison is harsh. That couldnt hit water from a boat.

 

[SportsGuru80]

His is inaccurate down the field...

 

[reddyuta]

i am getting a Gabbert vibe with Bortles,it will be interesting if he can maintain this hype through the combine.

 

[RS12]

Blake Bortles - QB - Golden Knights
Former director of college scouting Greg Gabriel believes it would be a major mistake for a team to select UCF redshirt junior QB Blake Bortles in the first-round.

"I'll predict right now if Bortles comes out and goes in (the first-round) the HC and GM will be fired within three years," Gabriel tweeted. "People are falling in love with Bortles arm and athleticism. When you just look at that you will screwed. Think Boller, Gabbert." The major difference we see with Bortles and the two listed quarterbacks is strong pocket movement. Bortles does fall away from some passes and his footwork needs improvement, but we don't think he is a "manufactured" talent like the other two.


Source: Greg Gabriel on Twitter
Jan 6 - 10:24 AM

 

[Muhast]

Blake Bortles - QB - Golden Knights
Former director of college scouting Greg Gabriel believes it would be a major mistake for a team to select UCF redshirt junior QB Blake Bortles in the first-round.

"I'll predict right now if Bortles comes out and goes in (the first-round) the HC and GM will be fired within three years," Gabriel tweeted. "People are falling in love with Bortles arm and athleticism. When you just look at that you will screwed. Think Boller, Gabbert." The major difference we see with Bortles and the two listed quarterbacks is strong pocket movement. Bortles does fall away from some passes and his footwork needs improvement, but we don't think he is a "manufactured" talent like the other two.


Source: Greg Gabriel on Twitter
Jan 6 - 10:24 AM

The fact that his GF is extremely attractive has helped get him some attention as well!

 

[bodi]

Ex-N.F.L. scout Greg Gabriel breaks down Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Prospect-Focus-Blake-Bortles.html

I am not going to deny that this player has talent, but I do feel that he would have been better served staying in college and developing his game. He is far from being ready to come into the NFL and play. There is too much inconsistency in his overall game. I question if he can become an eventual starter and win in the NFL. That doesn’t mean he won’t start for whoever drafts him, but as we all have seen the last five to six years, there have been MANY quarterbacks drafted with high hopes who haven’t lived up to expectations. Right now, I would take Bridgewater, Manziel, McCarron, Derek Carr, David Fales and Brett Smith before I would take Bortles. I feel all of them are better passers and better prepared to play in the NFL

 

[joseephuss]

Blaine Gabbert got drafted in the 1st round. He is similar in size to Bortles and produced less as a passer. I think a team will take Bortles in the first even though Gabbert was a major bust.

 

[RS12]

The knocks on Bortles
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07:31 AM ET 01.08 | For starters, former Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles has the obvious going for him -- he's 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds -- but some will see flaws in his game. You see a lot of throws where he is not in proper balance. I feel his decision making is inconsistent. He is at his best against weaker opponents and when he isn't pressured, but in games like South Carolina, when the competition is very good, he can struggle and make poor decisions. His throwing motion and release quickness are adequate. When you watch enough tape, you can see that he will change his throwing motion at times. He doesn't have a really quick release. There are guys who make a decision, and the ball is out of their hand instantly. That isn't the case with Bortles, and it allows DBs to get a jump on the ball.

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