Quote:Gabbert was NOT considered to be an elite quarterback. 

 

I assure you this.

 

NFL.com pick analysis:

 

Pick Analysis: General manager Gene Smith aggressively moves up to select the Jaguars franchise quarterback of the future. Gabbert gives the team a young quarterback to groom behind David Garrard, and the slow development plan could pay significant dividends down the road. His physical tools and potential are off the charts, and the ability to sit behind a veteran will allow the team to cultivate his talent without the pressure to put him on the field immediately.

 

Ooooooops.

 

Stupid Team Gene Regime. Didn't even bother to read his post-draft analysis and the TU ran the stampede to demand Gabbert pay for not being Tim Tebow.

 

Here are what is says about his strengths and weaknesses prior to the draft...

 

 

Strengths 

 

Gabbert has prototypical size and excellent speed for the position. Shows the ability to make the right pre-snap reads. Possesses a quick release and has the arm strength to make all the throws. Well-balanced passer that rarely misses on short-to-intermediate throws. Extremely mobile to extend plays and fast enough to move the chains. Vocal leader and hard worker.

 

Weaknesses

 

Trusts his arm too much and puts the ball in harm's way too often. Does not show good touch on passes over the middle and needs to learn to take a little velocity off certain throws. Struggles to throw an accurate deep ball. Late feeling pressure at times which neutralizes his very good mobility. Will need to learn a pro style offense.

 

 

Overview

Gabbert has it all physically, but has a long way to go before he's ready to lead an NFL offense. He played in a spread offense and will have to learn to take snaps under center and make progressions in the pocket. However, he is a smart football player that seems to understand coverages and he has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. He is also very mobile and elusive in the pocket and shows the ability to make plays with his feet. Overall, Gabbert's tools will be too alluring for a team without a quarterback, and he seems assured to be a top-10 pick, maybe even the first QB off the board.