Blaine Gabbert: 2011 NFL Draft Prospects

Blaine Gabbert

PLAYER PROFILE

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert (H: 6’5″ – W: 235 – College: Missouri)

Gabbert was rated the No. 1 pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com in 2008. After Bill Callahan was fired from Nebraska, Gabbert switched his commitment from Nebraska to Missouri. In his two years as a full-time starter, he totaled 6,777 passing yards, 30 TDs and 18 INTs.

Missouri is known for having a wide-open spread offense and some analysts feel Gabbert was a disappointment in 2010. But his style of play is more conservative and he often stuck to short and intermediate routes. Despite underwhelming statistics, Gabbert led the Missouri Tigers to a 10-3 record in 2010.

Gabbert’s meteoric rise to becoming one of the top QB prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft surprised many but speaks more to the lack of true “line-up-under-the-center” quarterbacks in this class. Gabbert is talented and has been unfairly labeled as overrated simply due to him being a bit under the radar on a national-level.

SCOUTING REPORT

Strengths: Great throwing motion. A natural quarterback. Possesses a quick release and a tight spiral. Makes all the throws with ease. Puts right velocity on all his passes. Good height. A game-manager and leader in the huddle. Moves well outside the pocket, not particularly fast, but is adequately mobile. Showed flashes of great play. High upside if given a year or two to develop.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve fundamentals when under pressure. Seems to play to his emotions. Gets down on himself at times and accuracy/technique struggle along with it. Will need to improve taking snaps under center and working on his timing and footwork. Must learn to better protect the football, avoid risky plays. Sometimes forces throws and makes throws while off-balance.

More 2011 NFL Draft Coverage

Bowl Game React | Mock Drafts | NFL Combine | By Position Rankings | Prospects In-Depth