In the last few weeks leading up to the draft I’ll be posting a series of “final thoughts” on some of the top prospects in this year’s class. Up next: Blaine Gabbert (full archive here)

Blaine Gabbert is not Sam Bradford. He is far from a finished product and he probably won’t be able to step in and immediately make his team better.

Gabbert is a unique prospect because rarely do quarterbacks with so much talent enter the draft having accomplished so little at the college ranks.

Those who are skeptical of Gabbert point to his erratic play, mainly decision making, and his ineffectiveness in certain clutch situations (most notably his low 3rd down percentage). These would all be viable concerns if he were a senior, but since we haven’t seen the finished product I think Gabbert deserves the benefit of the doubt.

When evaluating quarterbacks I look at three factors:

1. Accuracy – Without you can’t play in the NFL. It’s as simple as that.
2. Work Ethic – The most talented quarterbacks are rarely the best quarterbacks. The elite players (Brady, Breese, for example) got to where they are because they out-work everyone else in the league.
3. Arm Strength – Less important than accuracy, but still a necessary skill that you either have or you don’t. Read more