Quote:I don't think anyone would disagree that Bortles has some 'upside'... the problem is his downside; he has himself said that he isn't a 'natural passer'. He is always going to have to struggle to be a decent ball thrower. Perhaps this is a skill that can be learned; but why in the heck is someone at the professional level having to 'learn' what is probably the most fundamental skill for a quarterback?

 

answer: given his 'pros and cons' he was over-drafted.

 

Now saying he was over-drafted isn't the same thing as saying he is a total bust. I think that with lots of work on his part and good coaching he can do a good job. The issue is that he was drafted as our 'franchise quarterback'... not as a developmental acquisition. The 'franchise quarterback' tag implies a certain confidence that he has the 'right stuff' to do the job. Blake has proven and even said that he isn't a natural passer. Sure he has on occasion made some great passes; but as the old saying goes, even a broke clock is right at least twice a day.

 

Nevertheless, it appears at present that we're going to continue to go with Bortles. I hope he is successful, but it is painfully obvious now that it's going to be an uphill battle for him all the way to be a consistently good quarterback. We need a consistently good QB if we're ever going to be play-off worthy. If we can learn anything from the patriots program, this has to be it.

 

A reminder that the Patriots QB was a developmental selection.

 

Blake was selected very high and understandably over-drafted, which is true of most QBs drafted to be a franchise QB.  But he was drafted to be the franchise QB knowing he would take development.  It's not a mutually exclusive situation.

 

I think we're all well aware that he's needed to grow.  He's a left hander throwing right, started his high school career at defensive back, and is the typical "athlete" who is still learning QB.

 

I do believe he needs veteran competition.  I do believe it would be wise to continue to look at developmental QBs in the draft.  I do believe it's a critical year for Blake before we decide to continue or move on.

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