I've thought long and hard since the underclassmen declarations about how Caldwell can avoid selecting another "Gabbert". A QB who has been largely ineffective despite the physical tools he possessed.

 

First, Lets evaluate Gabbert. We all know he had the best physical tool set of the 2011 draft. His game tape in college revealed weaknesses of pocket presence, footwork, and poor decision making. The stigma of him being "afraid" of the pass rush is completely bogus and is a mis-representation of his main issue, which is Gabbert having terrible pocket presence. GM Smith, I believe selected him #8 overall because he truely believed those issues could be worked out with good coaching. Hell, At the time, I think we ALL believed it could be worked out. I also believe he never wanted Gabbert to start in his first season. You simply avoid this by not expecting your coach to overhaul a QB's mechanics entirely.

 

So how does this relate to the current draft? Is there a "Gabbert" amongst the 2014 class? No, because most of the top 3-4 QB selections all do not have elite measurables. Bridgewater has height and frame issues, Bortles has height and arm issues, Manziel has height and arm issues. None of them are damning but not exactly "elite". Bridgewater's mechanics are the most sound but it won't matter if he can't last through an entire NFL season. Same with Manziel with his run and gun style.

 

Just like what experts have been saying all along, None of these prospects warrant a top 16 pick because they are just too questionable. Moreso than most drafts, These QBs could become the next tom brady or the next Ryan Leaf. Thats the range we are talking about here. I believe Caldwell can see this and as such would rather waste a low round shot in the dark pick than a most valuable 1st round pick.

 

Expect Clowney, Anthony Barr, or trading down to get more picks. One of those three will be the result.

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