Will one pass keep Blaine Gabbert from entering NFL Draft?

by Dan Kadar on Dec 29, 2010 2:48 AM EST in 2011 NFL Draft

It's hard to say that one pass out of his 876 career throws is more important than any other, but that may be the case for Blaine Gabbert.

The junior quarterback was practically a one-man team in Missouri's 27-24 Insight Bowl loss to Iowa. He controlled the game completing 41 of 57 passes. It was a throw late in the fourth quarter that may force Gabbert to return for his senior year.

With under six minutes left in the game, Gabbert dropped back on a drive that could have put the game away for Missouri. When Gabbert's first read was covered, he pulled the ball down and ran. Then, seeing a player open, he threw a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

The game was a clear indicator why Gabbert should return for his senior season.

Even though Gabbert attempted so many passes Tuesday night, he pulled the ball down and ran too soon on a couple of occasions. On a few others he held the ball too long and was sacked. The biggest flaw in Gabbert's game is that he can be slow to go through his reads. When the first option isn't there, it takes a little too long for Gabbert to find his next option. In the NFL, he won't have as much time to process a developing play.

It would be wise for Gabbert to return and build on the promise of his sophomore and junior seasons. He has a good rapport with wide receiver T.J. Moe, who is only a sophomore this year. Another year with Moe and tight end Michael Egnew could do wonders for Gabberts pro prospects.

There were plenty of times Gabbert looks like the first-round pick many expect him to be – particularly on a deep touch pass through zone coverage in the third quarter. Throughout the game, Gabbert got to show his plus arm, quick release and sound mechanics.

But it's that pass in the fourth quarter everyone will remember, even NFL scouts. That's why Gabbert should return to Missouri and make everyone forget.

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Comments

Maybe he should base his decision on what Luck does

If Luck stays then that’s one less QB ahead him this season but if Luck comes out then Gabbert probably enters next season as the number one QB prospect right?

by Steamin' Beamin' on Dec 29, 2010 8:12 AM EST reply actions

Basically.

I hope he does come out and Luck stays.

by TerpsAllTheWay on Dec 29, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Either way, Gabbert needs a year on the bench in the NFL

He’s got a ton to learn whether he stays or not in terms of reading defenses and going through progressions.

He’d be best with a team that has a semi-established starter that can run the team for a year or two while he learns, a la Rivers and Rodgers. Once he speeds up his decisions, he’s got all the other required tools, and he should be a very good NFL QB.

Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.

I had a dream the night after the first round. Buffalo traded for Tim Tebow. Josh McDaniels is gone; does the new coach like Tebow as much? It could happen.

by Der Jaeger on Dec 29, 2010 9:32 AM EST reply actions

You just described the Jaguars.

by Fivus Viener on Dec 29, 2010 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Or the Vikings

I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.

"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin

by Steel in FL on Dec 29, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

who have the vikings got as a semi starter?

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things." - Joe Paterno
I WILL do great things so stand in my way if u want to come across because once the play starts its you and me.....
i always win

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Dec 30, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

you are a Bills fan aren't you??

What about him backing up Fitzpatrick for a year?

by durst on Dec 29, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

I'll take that in a nanosecond

Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.

I had a dream the night after the first round. Buffalo traded for Tim Tebow. Josh McDaniels is gone; does the new coach like Tebow as much? It could happen.

by Der Jaeger on Dec 29, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

gud spot for him

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Dec 30, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

His footwork looked very bad and almost all of his throws seemed like they traveled 5 yards.

Mike Marra is the worst Division 1 Starter in college basketball

by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 29, 2010 12:44 PM EST reply actions

you on crack...

Brett Anderson is the Truth. Brett Anderson is divine presence. Brett Anderson is eternal life. Brett Anderson is within you. Brett Anderson is here. Brett Anderson is Now.

by Frederick0220 on Dec 29, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

tru dat

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Dec 30, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

Not sure if you watched the same game I did

All of his primary receivers had receptions of 20-ish yards, and they weren’t YAC. The seam route to Egnew for 20 plus is a prime example.

Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.

I had a dream the night after the first round. Buffalo traded for Tim Tebow. Josh McDaniels is gone; does the new coach like Tebow as much? It could happen.

by Der Jaeger on Dec 29, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

Well I missed the first half so maybe that’s why.

Mike Marra is the worst Division 1 Starter in college basketball

by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 30, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

He maybe had 4 bad throws all night.

He does get happy feet, but his natural ability is hard to match.

Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?

by darwithabar on Dec 29, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

in ur game did missouri win

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Dec 30, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions

Big ole' arm though

I can’t help it. I’m just a sucker for a hard, crisp spiral.

But at most Blaine smells like a 3rd rounder.

by birds'n'raiders on Dec 29, 2010 12:49 PM EST reply actions

If I had a list of favorite quotes on the site, “I’m just a sucker for a hard, crisp spiral,” would be on it.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 29, 2010 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I hope he falls to second...

…and jags get him

by rhettchrystal on Dec 29, 2010 1:33 PM EST reply actions

His passes were impressive

I was in a bar full of Hawkeye fans, and they couldn’t stop talking about him.

He looked like an NFL QB to me… except for that one stupid pass that cost them the game.

Other than that, though… great arm, amazing accuracy, decent runner…would love to see him as the next backup in KC

It's all about the gameplan

by stagdsp on Dec 29, 2010 2:16 PM EST reply actions

There is a business story I think applies here.

One employee made a mistake that cost his business $100,000. At the next meeting the CEO was asked if he was going to fire him. The CEO responded “Why would I fire him? We just spent $100,000 training him.”

Gabbert will learn from this mistake. Will he make it again? Probably. Ask P. Manning, T. Brady etc about making the same mistake. It happens. If Gabbert is worthy of playing in the NFL he will learn from mistakes, and this will help him in similar situations in the future.

BTW the receiver will learn also. Next time in a similar situation tell him to tackle the defender before the ball gets there, take the offensive PI call and the team can run another play.

by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Dec 29, 2010 4:29 PM EST reply actions

I wish I knew the nbame of the thread

Last year I boldly stated Gabbert would be a 1st round pick. Dan, Im pretty sure you even came at me on that, saying Ponder would go over him. Last night he did cost MU the game, since Miz dominated them in every aspect of the game besides rushing yards. However, he did make every throw. The NFL scouts come out with a posistive veiw. If Luck doesnt come out, Gabbert is going pro and will be a 1st round pick. Im just glad you guys will have to eat the crow and not me. lol j/k

Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?

by darwithabar on Dec 29, 2010 11:11 PM EST reply actions

To finish up

If Luck comes out, I think Gabbert comes back and goes top 5 next year.

Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?

by darwithabar on Dec 29, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions

Eh, I probably did. Can an opinion never change?

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 29, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions

I was just giving you crap

You actually had a pretty good arguement. You pointed out Ponder’s completion percentage last year, which was pretty ridiculous. I think you even admitted to not watching Gabbert that much and just being weary about him playing in a spread. FreeBradshaw guarenteed he wouldnt go in the first, he is who im really after if he does go that high.

Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?

by darwithabar on Dec 30, 2010 2:33 AM EST up reply actions

was it just me

because i saw just a little bit tom brady in him. the hair the arm the height. i know its a little stretch and its kinda a small comparison so dont bash me but in the right system and the right coaching i saw a tom brady 2.0

by HawaiiEaglesFanatic on Dec 30, 2010 11:35 PM EST reply actions