Quote:We heard that Gabbert had "all the tools" to become a great pocket passer, too. How'd that one work out?

 

As a matter of fact, I remember constantly hearing arguments around the time the Jags drafted Gabbert, that - "the reason Gabbert wasn't all that productive in Missouri was because he's more suited to be a traditional QB in a traditional offense" and was the #1 QB prospect coming out of high school".....or something similar.....

 

remember those? I do. That claim ran rampant on this board for awhile after the draft. 

The difference is that Mariota actually uses his tools in game, and if you watch him, and know what you are looking for, you would know that. He actually uses his big arm to challenge the defense deep, unlike what I saw from Gabbert at Missouri. Coupled with the fact that Mariota also looks so much more comfortable in the pocket than Gabbert, you can't simply dismiss Mariota and pigeon-hole him as just a 'read-option QB' just because of Oregon's offense. I believe he is much more than that. There's no reason he can't be better than RGIII, as he looks more natural as a passer, and you can't convince me that Bridgewater is in the same class as Luck. So let's just drop those comparisons of comparisons.

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