Sunday, February 23, 2014

NFL Draft 2014: Blake Bortles Scouting Report



 

 Overview: AAC Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-AAC and semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award (given to nation's top quarterback). Joined Daunte Culpepper as only UCF quarterbacks to throw for 3,000 yards in multiple seasons. 2012: Second-team All-Conference USA pick and the first quarterback in Central Florida history to be named first- or second-team all-conference. 2011: Named to All-Conference USA Freshman Team after playing in 10 games. 2010: Redshirted.

 Strengths

       Size: Bortles is listed at 6’4” 230lbs and looks the part of the prototype quarterback.  He has a big, strong build that has him the same size as many linebacker.

Mobility: Bortles is surprisingly elusive in the pocket for his size and was able to pick up large chunks keeping off the zone read.

 Arm Strength: Bortles arm is above average, he can make all of the throws. He tends to throw with his arm as opposed to his legs. Despite showing inconsistent mechanics he’s able to throw the ball downfield with velocity because of his size and stature.   

Pocket Presence: Bortles rarely looks rattled in the pocket, he maneuvers in it, evading or shedding defenders in a way that is reminiscent of Big Ben.

Throws well on the run: Bortles has a knack for throwing on the move, his passes are more accurate and his mechanics are better when he’s moving. 


Mechanics: Inconsistent, there are times where he will stand tall pocket and deliver the ball on time. There are others where his footwork is bad, opening his hips too early. He also has a tendency to drop the ball too low before his delivery(Think Tebow but not that bad) His mechanics really break down in the face of pressure, almost always throws off his back foot when he feels on coming pressure. The factors above have a negative effect on his accuracy. 

Weaknesses

Inexperienced: Has only started two years and shows it in the nuances of the game
   
Anticipation: Blake is a see it and throw guy, it’s hard to be an efficient QB in the NFL if you not able to throw with anticipation.
    
 Ball security: Bortles is very good at making plays with his feet, however because he’s trying to make a play he has a tendency to expose the ball.
 
      Deep ball: Bortles frequently under throws open guys allowing defenders to catch up to receivers


 Best Case: Ben Roethlisberger
    
 Worst Case: Jake Locker/Josh Freeman

My take: I’m very high on Bortles ,he is raw but that can be worked on. I think his size and ability to move will allow him make a living in the NFL. Many times draft nicks like to focus on what a player can’t do but in Blake’s case what he can do and the potential of what he will do is great.  I think Brottles will have a solid career, with some of the flaws in his game he may hit a ceiling like Cutler or Stafford,but he’s still a guy you can attempt to build your franchise .           


 
 



 




















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