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Blake Bortles
- Thread starter Texian
- Start date
JCTexan
Hall of Fame
I prefer TB but I do like Blake Bortles and would be happy if the Texans take him. I am much more concerned with Manziel's game though. Right now I would have Manziel closer to Derek Carr than Bridgewater & Bortles. I would hope for a trade down if Manziel is the guy Houston decides to take.
Blake
MMQB
Blake
MMQB
If the Texans pass on Teddy B. and Clowney for Bortles I would be ok with that as I believe they would only take Bortles based on solid diagnosis and projection. Johnny Manziel seems better slotted at 2.1 than 1.1. I just dont see the same NFL prospect that others do. Sure he is exciting running around extending plays, but personally I need more NFL ready skills or traits.
1.1 Bridgewater/Clowney/Bortles
1.Trade Down Watkins/Matthews/Barr/Robinson
1.1 Bridgewater/Clowney/Bortles
1.Trade Down Watkins/Matthews/Barr/Robinson
TexansFTW
Veteran
We are in a Blake Bortles thread right now and I have said quite a bit of praise for him actually and defended him quite a bit.
Are you also another person that believes Connor Shaw is the truth?
I actually don't believe that BOB has a good grasp on Rayn's progression. Rayn was drafted in 2011. In 2012 BOB left for Penn State. In 2012 Godsey became a TE coach, now he's our QB coach. He knows Rayn better than me or outside media, but it doesn't mean he was the guy directly coaching him.
If I'm Bill B and you are now my enemy, sure, I'll tell you this kid's progression is going smooth as silk, it's really weird it can't be seen on the football field in preseason though.
If this happens will I be pissed? Damn right. True Comedy? Not really. If it works out though I will say I'm wrong and come clean, I always do. I don't stand up and preach truth that is really lies and sweep it under the rug later. I don't think I will be wrong though and it will be at the expense of my team, which will NOT be true comedy. Say no to Rayn!
Doesn't mean he's good. Sorry most of us don't go out of our way to watch WYOMING football games. He was also NOT invited to the combine. Snub? Maybe. Is anyone getting mad about it like they would if they truly believed he could be a great NFL talent? No.
Last edited:
Playoffs
Hall of Fame
My biggest issue with Bortles, other than the competition level, is that he's only been doing it for 2 years.
Do you really know a player, watching him from afar, after 2 years? I know George O'Leary was high on him coming out of highschool & has been his coach for the last two years & O'Brien has history with O'Leary, so yeah he can get the scoop from the man... & I would have to think that's exactly what happened if we draft Bortles.
But I'd still be weary.
Do you really know a player, watching him from afar, after 2 years? I know George O'Leary was high on him coming out of highschool & has been his coach for the last two years & O'Brien has history with O'Leary, so yeah he can get the scoop from the man... & I would have to think that's exactly what happened if we draft Bortles.
But I'd still be weary.
See all these guys have some great attribute and I think all can be successful in good situations.
If you think about it, luck was like a combo of all three in some way.
This is the same guy that said Logan Thomas looked good at the senior bowl workouts on the nfl network.
jradMIT
Veteran
Maybe he keeps coming back because he under performed the first three qtrs?
bah007
Hall of Fame
Lots of good points in here. The last couple of weeks this section of TT has basically been Aggies vs. TB worshippers vs. independents. It's basically a mini version of the 2006 draft. And it's only going to get worse.
Generalizations here, but:
The Manziel fans can't accept that other people don't think he will be as great as they hope he will be.
The Bridgewater fans can't accept that anyone could have another QB rated higher.
The Bortles fan doesn't know what he thinks. He waits for twitter to tell him.
The McCarron fan is special in his own way, but at least he backs up his arguments, even if the rest of us don't agree with him.
I will say that I try to stay neutral but I prefer Bridgewater at #1. I will also say that I can pretty much guarantee that I have watched more film on these guys than just about anyone here. I have no way to prove that but I have watched a lot. Football is my only hobby. That doesn't mean that you have to trust my opinions. But when I have an opinion on a player it is based on my own analysis from what I have seen with my own eyes. In the end we all have "our guy", even if we don't want to admit it. But I trust that O'Brien will do what's best, so no matter who he chooses I'll fall in line.
Texian
Hall of Fame
or because his team didn't have a Top 25 Defense. You're going to believe what you want to believe. What ever floats your boat.
So you've seen Brett Smith play? Looks a lot like Montana at Notre Dame to me. Will he turn out to be anywhere in the neighborhood of Montana as a pro? Doubtful. However Smith has tools, the only thing that worries me is his concussion history.
Didn't mean to derail this thread.
bah007
Hall of Fame
Yes I have. I had him rated as a 3rd round prospect before the season was even over. I had no idea he was going to declare but I was high on him. We can carry this conversation over to the Brett Smith thread if you're interested.
People keep saying this about Manziel, but Bortles is going to get a GM or a coach fired....... (Minnesota, Jax, and Tenn could probably give some great advice on how wise it is to reach for these kinds of QBs). It happens every year with guys who come out of nowhere to shoot up the boards only to be just what everyone initially thought they were.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Making the Case for Blake Bortles as 2014 NFL Draft's Top Overall Pick
By
Chris Trapasso , Featured Columnist
Feb 7, 2014
Here's what O'Brien said about Bortles after that game, per Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel:
"Anytime you have a quarterback like [Bortles], who is accurate, has a strong arm, is big and can stand in the pocket and can run, it is a difficult challenge. He played a great game tonight and all the credit to him. I think he is a heck of a player. I didn't get a chance to meet him or say hello to him, but I think he is a heck of a player."
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...e-bortles-as-2014-nfl-drafts-top-overall-pick
By
Chris Trapasso , Featured Columnist
Feb 7, 2014
Here's what O'Brien said about Bortles after that game, per Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel:
"Anytime you have a quarterback like [Bortles], who is accurate, has a strong arm, is big and can stand in the pocket and can run, it is a difficult challenge. He played a great game tonight and all the credit to him. I think he is a heck of a player. I didn't get a chance to meet him or say hello to him, but I think he is a heck of a player."
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...e-bortles-as-2014-nfl-drafts-top-overall-pick
I've said from the start that there is good qualities in all three of theses guys. If we pick one of them I'll be fine with the choice. If Obrian takes one it's going to be because he believes that particular player fits his system the best. If he takes Clowney I'll be fine with that too. Hell I'm cool with Watkins or Robinson. I can justify any of those picks.
IMO all these guys should be difference makers. I think it's silly to lock onto one of them and dog the rest. I'm happy as hell we are going to get one of them.
I really like Smith and Murray and Gerapolo (sp) in the second and third as well.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
jradMIT
Veteran
I agree guys are falling in love with his size and what could be as in projection, when production should always be paramount in evaluation. Its just too big of a risk.
Texian
Hall of Fame
His size, his arm and his ability to run are just added bonuses. The real upside of Blake Bortles is his ability to remain cool, calm and collected, along with his ability to deliver in pressure situations. In 2013, Bortles orchestrated (6) 2nd half come from behind victories. Of those 6 victories, 4 were won in the last possession or game winning drives. That is Montana and Bradyesque.
This is what you need to know about Blake Bortles, game winning drive in Louisville vs Teddy Bridgewater and the #1 Defense in College Football: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsHSYdNv2C4
2013 Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayD9_uCz4K0
The only game that he led a comeback in that was impressive to me was Louisville. Some may say Penn St. too, but the Nittany Lions lacked a lot of talent this year. His numbers in the Temple game overshadowed the fact he wasn't very good for most of the game against a terrible Temple Owls team. I watched the majority of that game for betting purposes and couldn't believe how bad they played. It took a miracle one handed catch for them to win.
jradMIT
Veteran
Nobody is denying how good he can be but will he get there? What is consistent in the assessments on him is how raw he is, his anticipation and ability to throw receivers open. Things he will have to progress significantly with to be successful at the next level. I just don't think you can take a guy that is considered raw with the 1-1, you are betting that he will progress and its just too big of a risk.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Let me put my own words in my own mouth. I am betting on the fact that in almost every dire circumstance that required the innate ability to produce in desperate situations, Bortles delivered. I don't think the Texans will pass on Bortles at 1-1. However if they do, it could very well go down as the biggest mistake the Texans have ever made in the history of the club.
jradMIT
Veteran
Hedging your bets some?
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
I'll agree with Texian a bit here and it's the only reason I'm entertaining the thought of Bortles at 1:1. The guy is just so calm and collected when the game is on the line... and he delivers. The moment is not too big for him and that's what I want in a QB. Take that crucial "intangible" and add in O'Brien's connection to O'Leary and his offensive/QB mindset - I would be a supporter.
I feel like he's more raw than Bridgewater and won't be as positive an impact as early. I feel like Bridgewater's floor is a middle of the road game manager (a good thing), I think his ceiling is a top calibre QB in the league after Brady/Manning (a great thing). I think Bortles floor is much lower and could never pan out to be a QB we really rely on but I think his ceiling is just as high and he could be a franchise type. He's a much riskier selection to me. But I like him and feel better about his long term potential than the other QBs outside Teddy.
I feel like he's more raw than Bridgewater and won't be as positive an impact as early. I feel like Bridgewater's floor is a middle of the road game manager (a good thing), I think his ceiling is a top calibre QB in the league after Brady/Manning (a great thing). I think Bortles floor is much lower and could never pan out to be a QB we really rely on but I think his ceiling is just as high and he could be a franchise type. He's a much riskier selection to me. But I like him and feel better about his long term potential than the other QBs outside Teddy.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Not that difficult to understand. Texans are at the same crossroads they were in 2002. In 02 not much was expected. 14' is a different story. Do they make the same wrong decision of 02' and return to a decade of misery or do they get it right and contend for the next decade?
I couldn't have been more emphatic in my statements. Either I am Right or Wrong. No hedging here. Let me put it this way for you. The biggest mistake in Texans history would be not drafting Bortles.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Blake
MMQB
Wrong. Nothing is the same.
jradMIT
Veteran
I was being sarcastic, no waiver in you.
bah007
Hall of Fame
I love how calm and collected Bortles is in the 4th quarter with the game on the line. That's his best attribute. His size is a plus. His mobility is a plus.
What I don't like about him is that he is often bringing his team from behind because he put them in a hole.
Against South Carolina he lead a furious comeback that just came up short. Without his three turnovers they probably win, especially since South Carolina played the last three quarters with their backup QB.
His game against Memphis was atrocious. And he certainly didn't win the game. In the final 2:05, his defense forced three turnovers and scored two TDs win the game by 7.
For all the hate Bridgewater gets about his performance against Houston, Bortles was even worse. He had two turnovers and his defense and running game won the game for him. In the second half he had a whopping 59 total yards.
Against USF he had three more turnovers and his defense kept him in the game long enough for him to come back and hit the winning score. Fittingly, his defense forced another turnover immediately after to seal the game.
At his best, Bortles is a franchise QB who will absolutely win you games single handedly. At his worst, he will absolutely lose them for you.
What I don't like about him is that he is often bringing his team from behind because he put them in a hole.
Against South Carolina he lead a furious comeback that just came up short. Without his three turnovers they probably win, especially since South Carolina played the last three quarters with their backup QB.
His game against Memphis was atrocious. And he certainly didn't win the game. In the final 2:05, his defense forced three turnovers and scored two TDs win the game by 7.
For all the hate Bridgewater gets about his performance against Houston, Bortles was even worse. He had two turnovers and his defense and running game won the game for him. In the second half he had a whopping 59 total yards.
Against USF he had three more turnovers and his defense kept him in the game long enough for him to come back and hit the winning score. Fittingly, his defense forced another turnover immediately after to seal the game.
At his best, Bortles is a franchise QB who will absolutely win you games single handedly. At his worst, he will absolutely lose them for you.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Having the #1 pick in the NFL Draft is the SAME as having the #1 in the NFL Draft.
I thought that you might be but apparently I wasn't totally sure.
Except 2002 was our inaugural season as an expansion team, definitely quite a bit different than the situation we are in now.
Texian
Hall of Fame
The difference is in 2002 it was GIVEN, in 2014 it was EARNED.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Former UCF QB Blake Bortles preparing to throw at NFL Scouting Combine
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...scouting-combine-prep-20140210,0,6335562.post
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...scouting-combine-prep-20140210,0,6335562.post
Texian all I'm going to say is I hope you're still around 3 years from now when Bortles turns out to be another Locker, Ponder, and Gabbert-like footnote of the draft. Like I said in a previous post, he's going to get a coach or GM fired for overrating him. Probably both.
Its always funny when we get to this time of the year and teams start falling in love with certain guys. If the Texans draft Bortles we'll be going through a whole new coaching search again in 2017 at the latest.
Its always funny when we get to this time of the year and teams start falling in love with certain guys. If the Texans draft Bortles we'll be going through a whole new coaching search again in 2017 at the latest.
Blake
MMQB
What does that even mean? Its pointless dribble. So what that they have the #1 pick again. That doesnt mean anything when everything has changed. Current roster, available free agents, rookie contracts, coaching staff. There is no David Carr and no Julius Peppers. Stop pretending like this is groundhog day and we are reliving the past. It doesnt work like that.
jradMIT
Veteran
He definitely has the lowest floor of the three guys when health isn't concerned. This year a 1.1 pick might not make a franchise, but it could break one. I'm still of the mind you either take Bridgewater if you believe he can do it (highest floor) or you trade down and see what shakes out.
Texian
Hall of Fame
(3) #1 picks in 12 years, that is a pretty good measure of consistency.
Dutchrudder
Hall of Fame
It means we hit rock bottom again, but this time we really really really mean it that we will stick to our rehab plan and get ourselves out of this mess!
Dutchrudder
Hall of Fame
That and Bortles' girlfriend is waaaaaaaay hotter.
This:
vs
Clearly the smart money is on Bortles.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
This draft is going to kill me.
I really like what I see with Bortles and Bridgewater. I don't like Manziel because I get Doug Flutie flashbacks.
What ticks me off is that if we pick the wrong one (or even draft the right one and then don't develop him correctly), then the Jags are probably going to get the right one.
And that would suck.
I really like what I see with Bortles and Bridgewater. I don't like Manziel because I get Doug Flutie flashbacks.
What ticks me off is that if we pick the wrong one (or even draft the right one and then don't develop him correctly), then the Jags are probably going to get the right one.
And that would suck.
TexansFTW
Veteran
Which one is Blake? They both look so old.
I think Bortles can be great in the NFL, and I hope he is.
I respect that you took a stance and stood firm on it. Many will waiver, you haven't. It's not easy in life being a front runner in a world of followers and I respect you for it.
With that said, you are likely wrong. Good day.
Pretty sure he was saying this metaphorically and it makes perfect sense to me. Obviously a team in 2014 is not the exact same as a team in 2002.
jradMIT
Veteran
Watched some film of Bortles (vs Penn State, vs Baylor, vs South Carolina).
Here's my take:
Pros:
Very tough to bring down in the pocket
Steps up well, uses size to avoid sacks
More big than fast, but has enough speed to break containment
Throws very crisp balls in the 10-20 range, has good ball placement especially in the middle of the field.
NFL arm, has the arm to make the 15 out on a rope.
Stands in against the rush when allowing routes to develop
Cons:
Could throw better on the run, loses accuracy when on the move
Very good when going to first read, but tends to lock on
When going thru progressions loses accuracy/throws dangerous passes/doesn't make good check down throws
Ball security is big concern, loose with the ball in the pocket.
Bubble screens/short passes doesn't lead receiver well, throws to receiver not leading
Overall:
Bortles is a large bodied with a good arm. He will be able to extend plays with his size. He will have to learn how to hold the ball better in the pocket to avoid the fumbles. He is still raw, doesn't really scan the field, but he can make all throws and has good intermediate accuracy especially over the middle of the field. If he can learn how to go through his progressions, he can be a very good quarter back.
Here's my take:
Pros:
Very tough to bring down in the pocket
Steps up well, uses size to avoid sacks
More big than fast, but has enough speed to break containment
Throws very crisp balls in the 10-20 range, has good ball placement especially in the middle of the field.
NFL arm, has the arm to make the 15 out on a rope.
Stands in against the rush when allowing routes to develop
Cons:
Could throw better on the run, loses accuracy when on the move
Very good when going to first read, but tends to lock on
When going thru progressions loses accuracy/throws dangerous passes/doesn't make good check down throws
Ball security is big concern, loose with the ball in the pocket.
Bubble screens/short passes doesn't lead receiver well, throws to receiver not leading
Overall:
Bortles is a large bodied with a good arm. He will be able to extend plays with his size. He will have to learn how to hold the ball better in the pocket to avoid the fumbles. He is still raw, doesn't really scan the field, but he can make all throws and has good intermediate accuracy especially over the middle of the field. If he can learn how to go through his progressions, he can be a very good quarter back.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Weidl: Bortles' field presence is outstanding
Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl called UCF QB Blake Bortles' field presence and pocket awareness outstanding.
Bortles is "even keeled and never appears rattled on tape," Weidl writes. "High competitive temperament." We continue to think that Bortles will earn poor man's Andrew Luck comparisons, but there are some major differences between the two. Bortles command of the offense and willingness to hit receivers in tight situations is very appealing, though.
http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/...tanding?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl called UCF QB Blake Bortles' field presence and pocket awareness outstanding.
Bortles is "even keeled and never appears rattled on tape," Weidl writes. "High competitive temperament." We continue to think that Bortles will earn poor man's Andrew Luck comparisons, but there are some major differences between the two. Bortles command of the offense and willingness to hit receivers in tight situations is very appealing, though.
http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/...tanding?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter