Quote:Combine isn't everything, but here they are compared:
40 yd dash: Luck 4.67, Bortles 4.93
Vertical: Luck 36", Bortles 32.5"
Broad Jump: Luck 124", Bortles 115"
3 Cone Drill: Luck 6.8s, Bortles 7.08s
20 yd shuttle: Luck 4.28s, Bortles 4.21s
The only thing Bortles wins in is the 20 yd shuttle.
You're definitely right that the combine numbers aren't everything, and this is a perfect case in point. I'll take someone who can play linebacker and run over people while at the same time having the touch skills to play a finesse style QB any day. Taller players have a tendency to be a hair slower in sprints anyway. The fact that we're having this conversation says a lot about the kid.
Quote:He's [Gabbert] not a slow kid and was never bad as a prospect. JDR and Co. just did about everything wrong as far as his development and he was never able to settle in an offensive scheme, which is obviously a formula for disaster.
He practically tripped over his own feet every time he tried to scramble.
Quote:He practically tripped over his own feet every time he tried to scramble.
Oh, he had absolutely no clue about pocket presence and was never comfortable moving through his progressions, which led to those Gregory Hines esque routines that he would flawlessly pull off.
Quote:After that video, I'm more concerned about the deep ball accuracy than arm strength. When's the last time we had a quarterback that excelled at the deep ball?
When was the last time we had receivers that could go deep? When was the last time we had a line that could allow the Qb to throw deep? When was the last time we had answers to the previous questions and had a Qb willing to stand in the pocket and make the throw? Circumstances play a huge part.....hopefully things are heading in the right direction now
I think this kid is going to be great.
I think a thread should be started which goes into deep analysis and comparison on the lacing of Bortles's shoes versus other NFL QBs. There must be some shred of similarity there that will guarantee success for our guy.
I love the way he can throw across his body and make a play down the field. He's going to be alright for us.
Quote:You're definitely right that the combine numbers aren't everything, and this is a perfect case in point. I'll take someone who can play linebacker and run over people while at the same time having the touch skills to play a finesse style QB any day. Taller players have a tendency to be a hair slower in sprints anyway. The fact that we're having this conversation says a lot about the kid.
Usain Bolt would like to have a word with you.
Seriously though, Luck is quicker with more explosion in his legs. That's usually what people mean by athletic. Bortles is bigger and stronger.
I think we'll both agree, however, that Bortles success or lack thereof will not be decided by his athleticism.