http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000325572/article/george-oleary-not-overselling-blake-bortles Nobody can accuse Central Florida coach George O'Leary of overselling quarterback prospect Blake Bortles, who led O'Leary's team to its first BCS bowl appearance last season. O'Leary's definition of a franchise quarterback might be a little more lofty than others, but nevertheless, he doesn't see one in the 2014 draft, and that includes his own player."I think a franchise quarterback comes out once every 10 years, and he came out last year in (Andrew) Luck," O'Leary said on Houston area radio show MaD Radio. "The ones I see succeed are understudies."Actually, it was two years ago that Luck came out, but the point is taken: O'Leary sees not only Bortles but Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, and any other quarterback in the draft as a group that will need some time getting accustomed to the next level. He's not alone.New Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien has coached under O'Leary, so you can bet he can get a private assessment of Bortles from O'Leary that's every bit as honest, or more. Bortles is among the possibilities for Houston with the top overall pick, which could set a new course for the Texans franchise on May 8. Bortles completed 68 percent of his passes as a junior for 3,581 yards, 25 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. O'Leary is a believer in his potential, if not sold on his ability to have an explosive rookie season."Blake has all the things you're looking for in a quarterback as far as size and mental capacity to handle a lot of things," O'Leary said. "But that first year is tough because those guys are moving a lot faster than the college guys. ... Blake is going to be fine-tuned to what he needs to get done in the pro ranks. He's a quick study and a quick learner."NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks doesn't put Bortles' potential on the same tier with that of Manziel or Bridgewater.For O'Leary, he'll just need time.
Insert Notre Dame/resume fudging joke here...
Shades of Pete Carroll/Mark Sanchez?
Shades of Pete Carroll/Mark Sanchez?
Don't tell JDub that
Reading what he actually said, I agree.
Seems like he means to endorse him higher than the other qb's, but admits all of them will need to be fine tuned. Including bortles.
Wait- so people that actually understand football accept that most QBs need a little time to develop? That's blasphemy around these parts.
Wait- so people that actually understand football accept that most QBs need a little time to develop? That's blasphemy around these parts.
Agreed. The instant success of Cam, Luck, RG3 and Russell Wilson has screwed up everyone's expectations. I still think the Bucs should take Borltes, Manziel or Bridgewater if they get to 7.
Wait- so people that actually understand football accept that most QBs need a little time to develop? That's blasphemy around these parts.
That is like music to my ears. I truly believe that QBS are rushed into starting too quickly.
Jdud so mad right now ...
This is not news. Everyone knew that none of the QB'S this year are in the Andrew Luck category. So you will not be getting a Peyton Manning type player if you draft a QB early this year but you could get a Eli Manning type [Bortles] or a Russell Wilson type [Bridgewater] or an RG3 type [Manziel].All of those options are better than the Twig Cannon.
Bridgewater is nothing like Russell . Bridgewater doesn't scramble around very often an prefers to stay in the pocket and go through progressions.
