Blake Bortles
Quarterback
Central Florida
At Central Florida, Bortles threw 47 touchdowns, more than 6,300 yards, and completed 65.3% of his passes in the two seasons in which he was the full time starter. Likewise, he ran for a total of 13 touchdowns during that span. With Bortles at the helm, Central Florida won two straight bowl games, first against Ball State, followed by their most recent bowl victory over Baylor.
From a physical standpoint, only one or two other quarterbacks in this class are more enticing. Bortles measures in at 6’5” and 232 pounds, which is ideal size for a quarterback prospect. Likewise, he has ideal athleticism. He has the ability to evade defenders, bail the pocket, and pick up a yards with his feet, if need be. Bortles is a bit of a gamble, but his payoff would change the Texans franchise for a decade.
How Bortles Fits With The Texans
Bortles has been picking up substantial steam to be a strong candidate for the No.1 pick, which the Texans hold. One of the most prominent factors for such rise to fame is his “connection” with former Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien. After Penn State’s loss to Central Florida, O’Brien called Bortles “a heck of a player.” As if that connection were not enough for people, the notion that O’Brien prefers bigger quarterbacks also leads a trail to Bortles. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State’s starting quarterback last year, measures in at roughly 6’4” and 220 pounds, which is quite similar to Bortles.
O’Brien’s offense is a sort of hybrid pro style offense, somewhat similar to the Patriots offense. While Bortles was used to being in the shotgun more at Central Florida, there were plenty of under-center plays and he should have no issues with transition in that aspect. Schematically, he should fit in well.
The talent surrounding Bortles in Houston would be ideal for any rookie quarterback. Andre Johnson still has some juice left in him and DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins is just getting his explosive career starter. Garrett Graham and Ryan Griffin make for a solid, young tight end corps. Aside from right tackle, the Texans offensive line is rather solid. Lastly, Arian Foster and Dennis Johnson will provide Bortles with support from the backfield. Until May, the only gaping hole is at quarterback.
Potential Impact As A Rookie
Seldom does a rookie take a team to the playoffs, but it can be done. The 2012 season had three teams make the playoffs with rookie quarterbacks. The team surrounding Bortles is certainly talented enough to make the playoffs if Bortles has a solid rookie year. Although, realistically, Houston would be looking at roughly seven or eight wins if Bortles were to be the starter as a rookie. Considering that he is a raw prospect, he would have “growing pains” that ultimately cost them multiple games.
What Bortles Does Well
Few, if any, quarterbacks in this class are on Bortles’ level in terms of pocket presence. He naturally maneuvers in and around the pocket, while simultaneously keeping his eyes up to find a receiver. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he has shown flashes of absurd accuracy on all levels of the field. Bortles can function on the move, as well as from a variety of other throwing platforms. When he is on the move, if he opts out of forcing a pass, he has the ability to scramble and pick up the needed yards for the next set of downs.
What Bortles Struggles With
As stated, Bortles is accurate “when his mechanics are sound.” The issue is that they seldom are. His footwork is sloppy and uncoordinated. During dropbacks, it never appears the same way twice. When throwing, he rarely steps into throws correctly, if at all. In regards to his mental ability, Bortles is currently subpar. He struggles identifying safeties, as well as underneath players and poaching zone defenders. At the next level, such flaws will lead to an uncountable amount of negative plays, but with proper development, he may turn it around.