Coming into the night, it was understood that the Jaguars would be taking Khalil Mack, the devastatingly strong and instinctive OLB from the University of Buffalo, or Sammy Watkins, the WR from Clemson, with exceptional agility and size.
At least, that's what every NFL Draft analyst was saying.
But what people say, and what actually happens rarely coincide. And the Jaguars shocked the majority of the NFL, by drafting a QB, Blake Bortles.
It was well known, however, that the Jaguars were in desperate need for a QB, someone that could lead the team and take them to the next level. Chad Henne, the QB for the majority of the 2013 season, did his best, but it led to a meager 4-12 record. No QB had really stood out as "the guy", someone who could be a franchise QB.
Teddy Bridgewater was the initial front runner. Out of Louisville, Bridgewater possesses composure, good arm strength, and a knack for placing beautiful passes. And besides that, who can forget his incredible injured performance against the University of Florida Gators in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. But, a lacking 2013 season and a few missteps in the off-season led to many questions and concerns.
Teddy Bridgewater
Then there's Johnny Manziel. "Johnny Football" was the most electrifying player in college football for 2 years. With a deadly combination of mobility and intuition, Manziel won the 2012 Heisman, broke numerous SEC records, and was a weekly highlight reel. However, doubt on whether a mobile QB can last in the NFL plagued his hype on the way to the Draft.
Johnny Manziel
And finally, there is Blake Bortles. Bortles played at the University of Central Florida, and really made a name for himself in the 2013 season. Physically, Bortles is the most impressive of the QB class. 6-5, 232 lbs, Bortles is huge, and often draws comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger because of both size and evasiveness in the pocket. Bortles has his issues as well, however. He is raw. He has an unrefined passing motion, and questionable decision making.
Blake Bortles
The selection of Bortles is one of the most unexpected selections in the past few years, and there are many people who support, and disagree with the pick.
As previously mentioned, Bortles has unreal size, and many of the proponents of the pick claim that and his "it" factor and clutchness to be his saving grace(see the link below, for Bortles' game-winning drive and touchdown against Louisville in the 2013 football season.)
Bortles has a resounding amount of critics, as well. Many critics claim that Bortles release and wobbly passes are a permanent habit, and that even with development, Bortles will have a disappointing career. And as for issues with the pick, many critics say that selection was a huge reach, that the Jaguars could have traded down, gotten a pick or two more, and then selected Bortles.
This is true. After the Jaguars selected Bortles at No. 3, the next selection of QB was Johnny Manziel by the Browns at 22. The Vikings, nor the Browns seemed interested in getting a QB early, and that would have probably still been the case if the Jaguars had traded down.
Jacksonville Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell came out and these critics after the selection. He said that Bortles had been the target QB for the Jaguars for months, and that they had to make sure they selected him.
Dave Caldwell
Caldwell's decision to make sure that the Jaguars selected Bortles, and the dedication they've showed to him is impressive. If Caldwell had just randomly taken one of the QBs in the draft, that could have led to terrible results. Showing dedication to a player and having faith in said player's ability usually pays off in the long run.
The key word for Blake Bortles has been "development". Bortles' raw ability and physical size has been praised, but even the supporters admit that he is in need of some "polishing", so to speak. Caldwell has come out and said that they plan on Chad Henne being the starter going into 2014, but that Bortles could get his chance in the 2014 season.
The move to try and develop Bortles is conservative, but a smart move. Bortles can learn behind a veteran like Henne, and working with Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch this next season will Bortles a chance to learn and grow. However, if push comes to shove, will Bortles be ready to play this season?
Bortles at the NFL Draft
There are just over 4 months until the NFL regular season begins, and the Jaguars open up the season on the road at the Philadelphia Eagles. Plan on Chad Henne leading the offense that day, but be open to the idea of Bortles starting day one. Bortles' developmental process, whatever it may be, will take time, and no one is sure how much time. Now, Jaguars fans have to play the "waiting game", and with all the hype and momentum the Jaguars gained in the draft, that won't be an easy game to play.
*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the Jacksonville Jaguars, nor do I claim to be an expert on the team or football in general. I am merely observing and stating opinions.
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