Can someone explain why Gabbert is so hyped?

frostie500

I'm not trying to be smart but can someone explain to me why Blaine Gabbert is the "best QB in the draft." I watch a lot of college football and apart from having prototypical NFL size, 6-5 and 235lbs, why exactly is Gabbert so well liked by the talent evaluators?

I havent seen anything in his play for Mizzou that would make me think he is a number one pick so is it just that there is a lack of QBs in the draft? Obviously when Andrew Luck decided to stay at Stanford the best prospect was taken off the board but I just dont understand why Gabbert suddenly shot up the boards.

When you look at his numbers in college they are far from steller, and completely overshadowed by the numbers Chase Daniels put up in the same offence. Gabbert plays in the spread so has to have the same questions about footwork, taking snaps from the centre etc as Daniels, Tebow and now Cam Newton have but because of his size teams are transfixed by him.

When you look at his performance on the field, I know Daniels had Maclin but the Tigers still have good WRs, and its clear that Gabbert has struggled to perform in college.

His best season netted 3600 yards and had 24 TDs-pedestrian numbers for the offence he played in. For example Daniels had three seasons with 3500 yards or more and at least 28 TDs yet was not seen as anything special.

I know that scouts look beyond the stats but when I watched Mizzou play last year I definitely didnt think "im looking at a number one pick here"

tallaghtoutlaws

I asked the same questions in my own head before the combine started and after watching the combine and every report made about the chap his build height and character seem to be at the forefront as to why he is up there. I found one of the best articles to describe the why was this, it was written before the combine so the combine has cemented him up there.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/579619-2011-nfl-draft-why-blaine-gabbert-has-risen-to-the-top-of-nfl-draft-boards

While reporting from the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Florida, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay remarked that there was an outside chance the Carolina Panthers could select Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

This is astonishing, considering just one month ago, Gabbert’s meager draft buzz was being overshadowed by fellow quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Jake Locker, Ryan Mallet and Cam Newton.

Now, obviously Andrew Luck’s decision to return to Stanford for his junior season benefited Gabbert, but what can be attributed to the Missouri quarterbacks sudden climb up NFL executive’s draft boards?

Let’s analyze why many NFL teams are buying stock in Blaine Gabbert:



NFL Size:

At 6'5", 240 lb, Gabbert has the type of height and weight that scouts love to see at the next level. His 6'5" build throws out any worries or speculation that the quarterback might have trouble scanning the field or seeing over NFL defenders. You might remember Gabbert’s predecessor Chase Daniel also had a storied career under center with Missouri that ended with Daniel throwing 39 touchdown passes as a senior.

Ultimately though, Chase Daniel’s small 6'0", 225 lb-build scared off many scouts, and as a result, he was not selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Gabbert is obviously not dealing with the same issue; in fact, Blaine Gabbert’s prototypical NFL size has become one of his selling points.


Mobility:

If you look at the statistics from some of Blaine Gabbert’s games last season at Missouri, you will find he is not a “statue” in the pocket. Blaine had 89 rushing yards against Kansas State, 74 rushing yards against Nebraska and finished the season with four rushing touchdowns. Now, of course, those statistics are modest in comparison to the rushing yards draft prospects such as Cam Newton and Tyrod Taylor put up. Those numbers do show you he can keep defenses honest with his legs, and if the play breaks down, he has the ability to improvise.

This is another aspect that bodes well for Blaine in terms of his draft prospects. Blaine Gabbert won’t be Tim Tebow bull rushing head first on the goal line, and he won’t break off 60-yard rushes from the shotgun a la Mike Vick, but he has just enough mobility and quickness to take off and go when needed.



High Character

One aspect of the drafting process NFL executives heavily scrutinize is a prospect's character and off-the-field history. Obviously, Cam Newton is going to get absolutely grilled in the interviews by executives in regard to his father trying to arrange money for his signature and for allegations he cheated on tests as a student at Florida.


Ryan Mallet has also admitted he got too emotional during games two years ago. Now, Mallet has since said he has worked on the problem and is more composed. Ryan will surely be fielding questions about his composure and calmness on the field though.

Blaine Gabbert meanwhile has never been arrested and has no serious “character flags” against him to speak of. It can’t be understated how much NFL scouts, executives and coaches love kids with high character—especially at the quarterback position.



The negative - Missouri’s offensive scheme =

If there is one thing that has NFL teams nervous about Blaine Gabbert, it’s the offensive scheme he played in while at Missouri. Gabbert spent the majority of his college career in the shotgun with multiple wide receivers lined up on both sides of him. He almost played in a system that was comparable to what Mike Leach ran at Texas Tech where they would spread you out with that same sort of shotgun look.

That system is not used in the NFL at any level; in fact, the Panthers rely heavily on running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Under head coach John Fox, they ran a lot of their offense out of the I formation though it’s unclear if there will be a philosophy change under new coach Ron Rivera. So NFL teams in general and the Panthers in particular are nervous about Gabbert making the transition from sort of a “gimmick” college offense to a pro style NFL offense.


Going back to what Todd McShay said earlier about Gabbert possibly being selected with the first overall pick by Carolina, as farfetched as it may sound, it’s still possible this scenario could occur. Remember, Carolina was almost certainly going to take Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick had he remained in the draft so you know they are not certain about their quarterback prospects.

Yes, Carolina did draft Jimmy Clausen in the second round last season, but Clausen’s four-year deal is only worth $6.3 million max. This is not a case of Al Davis and the Raiders paying JaMarcus Russell a ridiculously high rookie salary and then being determined to get a return on their investment. If you also throw in the fact that Clausen battled injuries and only threw three touchdowns and nine interceptions last season, then you can see why they are not exactly sold on him just yet.

Now with all this talk about quarterbacks, I should also mention Carolina allowed opponents to rush for 123.8 yards per game last season. They really had trouble stopping the run, and they want to upgrade their talent on the defensive line. That is why they are so interested in defensive tackle Nick Fairley out of Auburn and defensive end Da'Quan Bowers out of Clemson. Right now, I would guess Fairley in particular and possibly even Bowers are higher on the Panthers draft board than Gabbert.

The one thing that could change the wheel back in Blaine Gabbert’s favor is the fact that he is most likely going to get a workout with the Carolina Panthers. Gabbert would have to absolutely wow new Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Carolina executives to have any chance of leapfrogging Fairley and Bowers for the top spot though.

TaosHum

Great upside, very good feet, nice release, accurate (although he did play in a gimmicky offense which we all know pads stats), great mobility, good arm strength, prototypical size and seems like a smart guy from what I've seen of him.

Is he good enough for 1st overall? No IMO, not close to it. He can make some terrible decisions at times (bowl game against Iowa for example), will need to work on his pre-snap reads, going through progressions, will need to work on drop backs (although I dont see this as been much of a problem with his feet), his deep ball is awful at times and I dont think he can start right away. Needs at least a season holding a clipboard before he starts (and if he gets drafted top 10, that might not happen).

I like him though, if he goes to the right team he could be a very good QB in the NFL.

Peyton Manning

Im not sold on him at all, for the simple fact that he doesn't inspire me. Lots of talk that for all his supposed talents, he lacks any real leadership which is why I think he'd ideally sit for a year or two somewhere. He hardly set Missouri alight in a system designed to compliment quarterbacks, and Pat Kirwan posted that his completion percentage when attempting passes of more than 15 yards is only 30%. Obviously all that will be worked on, but he definitely doesn't have the same stock as Newton imo (for what it's worth, I don't think Newton should go first overall, but I think he will anyway).

tallaghtoutlaws

Tom_Brady wrote: »

Im not sold on him at all, for the simple fact that he doesn't inspire me. Lots of talk that for all his supposed talents, he lacks any real leadership which is why I think he'd ideally sit for a year or two somewhere. He hardly set Missouri alight in a system designed to compliment quarterbacks, and Pat Kirwan posted that his completion percentage when attempting passes of more than 15 yards is only 30%. Obviously all that will be worked on, but he definitely doesn't have the same stock as Newton imo (for what it's worth, I don't think Newton should go first overall, but I think he will anyway).

Hold on a second all the scouts and NFL reckon he has the personality and leadership skills necessary and you are saying he doesn't? I have to go with what the experts tell us on this one because none of us have the luxury of being in a huddle with him or being on the field with him or even in the locker room with him. Not a thing was said against his leadership skills so unless you have some inside info on it I fail to see where it is an issue.

Peyton Manning

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

Hold on a second all the scouts and NFL reckon he has the personality and leadership skills necessary and you are saying he doesn't? I have to go with what the experts tell us on this one because none of us have the luxury of being in a huddle with him or being on the field with him or even in the locker room with him. Not a thing was said against his leadership skills so unless you have some inside info on it I fail to see where it is an issue.

Im just going by what Wes Bunting from NFP said. Yet again, you've called me out on the fact that I don't personally know Blaine Gabbert, much like I don't personally know Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton. Just going by what I've read. Shocking, I know. If that's wrong and he's actually an on-field general, then I personally couldn't care. I've said before in previous QB draft discussions that I've only seen Gabbert very few times, so I couldn't make any informed comment on him, therefore going on stats and what I've read is all I can do.

tallaghtoutlaws

Tom_Brady wrote: »

Im just going by what Wes Bunting from NFP said. Yet again, you've called me out on the fact that I don't personally know Blaine Gabbert, much like I don't personally know Ryan Mallett or Cam Newton. Just going by what I've read. Shocking, I know. If that's wrong and he's actually an on-field general, then I personally couldn't care.

The reason I questioned it because the majority have said his Character including his maturity and Leadership skills were up there as one of the best. I personally don't rate Gabbert but from what everyone is saying he has those things going for him and his football side lacks a lot of things.

So of course I am going to question your source when you come out with something like he lacks any leadership skills without giving some source to where you saw it. Hence without source is why I asked you did you have inside info etc etc etc.

Oh and for the record I never accused you of anything. In fact show me where I did. Take the personal nonsense out of your response. I wasn't attacking you but your post.

Lirange

I'm surprised he's rumoured to be going that high. But I do like Gabbert among this year's QB class. He's was bit like the anti-Locker to me. He was impressive in each game I saw him play. Unlike Locker who was dreadful in just about every game I witnessed him play for the last two years. BG can make powerful accurate throws. One thing I noticed is that he excelled at getting third down conversions with pressure in his face. Great composure in the pocket and very aware of what's happening around him.

Peyton Manning

Abusive post deleted.

User banned, length pending.

davyjose

tallaghtoutlaws wrote: »

I asked the same questions in my own head before the combine started and after watching the combine and every report made about the chap his build height and character seem to be at the forefront as to why he is up there.

I still don't get how a billion dollar industry is so easily sold on such meaningless tangibles like height. Give me accuracy and arm strength any time.

NFL coaches, GMs and owners try to find the edge in so many ways, yet still seem to be sold on such unreliable criteria. Would Favre have been a better QB had he been 2 inches taller? Brees is 6'1. Rodgers 6'2. These guys are three of the most elite in the history of the game. Colt McCoy would have slam-dunk been a first rounder if he were 6'4. His ability, talent and leadership were obvious to a blind man, for years now. But he's not tall. Meanwhile Gabbert, a tall guy with a fraction McCoy's skill, is a guaranteed 1st rounder. it makes no sense. I don't get the wildly misguided love for height, tbh.

If you want a safe bet, pick the tall guy for guaranteed mediocrity. If you want rings, pick the amazing QB.

tallaghtoutlaws

davyjose wrote: »

I still don't get how a billion dollar industry is so easily sold on such meaningless tangibles like height. Give me accuracy and arm strength any time.

NFL coaches, GMs and owners try to find the edge in so many ways, yet still seem to be sold on such unreliable criteria. Would Favre have been a better QB had he been 2 inches taller? Brees is 6'1. Rodgers 6'2. These guys are three of the most elite in the history of the game. Colt McCoy would have slam-dunk been a first rounder if he were 6'4. His ability, talent and leadership were obvious to a blind man, for years now. But he's not tall. Meanwhile Gabbert, a tall guy with a fraction McCoy's skill, is a guaranteed 1st rounder. it makes no sense. I don't get the wildly misguided love for height, tbh.

If you want a safe bet, pick the tall guy for guaranteed mediocrity. If you want rings, pick the amazing QB.

Many would agree with you height isn't important. Personally I never bought into the height thing either but I can see why many would favour taller QBs. It is all to do with the size of modern Offensive linemen. The average height in the NFL for linemen is in and around 6'4 to 6'5. And as well as being tall many of them are man mountains. So obviously many coaches and scouts feel it is important to have a QB who can comfortably see over his linemen.

But as you pointed out Davyjose two of the best QBs in the League are 6'1 and 6'2. Many of the "smaller" QBs have gotten around their so called height disadvantage.

eagle eye

When a team is drafting a QB they are hoping they end up with one of these.

Aaron Rodgers 6'2"
Ben Roethlisberger 6'5"
Drew Brees 6'0"
Peyton Manning 6'5"
Phillip Rivers 6'5"
Tom Brady 6'4"

Or the best in the recent drafts

Joe Flacco 6'6"
Matt Ryan 6'4"
Sam Bradford 6'4"

or if want to think retired guys that were successful or considered greats in the past 30 years

Brett Favre 6'2"
Dan Fouts 6'3"
Dan Marino 6'4"
Joe Montana 6'2"
John Elway 6'3"
Jim Kelly 6'3"
Kurt Warner 6'2"
Phil Simms 6'3"
Steve Young 6'2"
Troy Aikman 6'4"
Warren Moon 6'3"

There is only one exception to the height rule in there and thats Drew Brees. A guy we all love to watch but he is the only one under 6'2". With linemen getting bigger over that time its no surprise that they want taller QBs now than they did even 30 years ago.

OAOB

I'd say a lot of teams would be happy with Michael Vick 6'0"

eagle eye

OAOB wrote: »

I'd say a lot of teams would be happy with Michael Vick 6'0"

I don't know about that, you are basing your assumption on one season of his career. He was nothing special when he played for the Falcons.

tallaghtoutlaws

OAOB wrote: »

I'd say a lot of teams would be happy with Michael Vick 6'0"

Michael Vick is the exceptional to the rule in the sense there most likely wont ever be another athlete at QB with the same impact as Vick and even then as a QB he has had one solid season in many at close to an elite season.

OAOB

eagle eye wrote: »

I don't know about that, you are basing your assumption on one season of his career. He was nothing special when he played for the Falcons.

Last season was definitely his best but he still did plenty when with the Falcons, i think you have to give him credit for that part of his career too.
Anyway we'd better get back on topic here i reckon. I don't know too much about Blaine Gabbert but it does seem to me he wasn't in the discussion for the no.1 pick until after the college season was over. His high draft position seems to be based on potential (and having the right QB measurables) a lot more than the other candidates.

Torlac

there are 2 good videos on nfl.com where steve mariucci holds a coaching session with Gabbert and Ponder side by side.
"Game Changers" its called. It may shed dome light on this debate as to why Gabbert is so hyped.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ms-silver_fan_protests_of_no_consequence_to_owners_players_032911

( scroll across the videos on the bottom to about the 7th one)

f1dan

I watched both the videos with Gabbert and Ponder and a few thoughts came to mind. I didn't get to watch any college football so I can't comment on any game tape but Ponder looks like the best pure passer from what I have seen. Everything just seems so fluid and natural. He was very accurate at the combine too but he doesn't seem to have much of a buzz about him being ranked at 5,6,7 range by most experts. He came out of a pro style offense too so he probably has less work to be done than the others regarding footwork etc. Is it purely his height that's counting against him or what else am I missing?

Lirange

Here's a scouting report on Ponder. You can find plenty on the web for any top draft prospect but I think this place provides nice tidy summaries.

http://www.sidelinescouting.com/rankings/qb/christian-ponder.shtml