Quote:Not sure how Gabbert was a "late riser". He was rated higher than Newton for most of that offseason. If anything he was a late faller.

 

Exactly.

 

Nick Foles was a late riser, too.  Ben Roethlisberger.  EJ Manuel.

 

Typically, the "ideal" sized QBs with big arms rise when it comes to draft day (if they weren't on the radar already.)  It's why Logan Thomas is getting so much talk lately.  It doesn't mean they pan out, it's just that's what GMs and coaches covet.  An ideally built QB with a skillset/toolset they think they can craft a top QB out of.  Not much else is looked at, since winning in college doesn't guarantee you can win in the NFL.  You can't win on yesterday's success or failure.  But if you have skills and physical traits that aren't coachable, then coaches believe they can mold the rest into their QB.

 

Personality is a big part of what can't be coached, that is necessary for a franchise QB.  Gabbert came off as the young kid he was, and never commanded a room.  There's at least one QB at the top of this class who is even more that timid.  Doesn't sound like they feel that way about Bortles.  I was actually surprised at Boyd's poise and confidence, even after the humpty dumpty like fall from grace he's had.

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