2014 NFL Draft Profile: Blake Bortles, QB UCF
By Adam Carlson
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles runs into the end zone for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
UCF quarterback Blake Bortles has exploded onto the draft scene. At one time, conversation of the top quarterback in the class was dominated by the likes of Bridgewater and Manziel, but that has changed as of late. Bortles made a name for himself by having a big bowl game and knocking off tougher competition at the college level. He has caught the eye of several NFL general managers and there are rumors that the Houston Texans are considering selecting him with the #1 overall pick.
Bortles is 6’3″ and 230 pounds. That is prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. Plus, the extra weight that he has over other players like Bridgewater and Manziel makes him a bit more durable when asked to run the ball. However, scouts have his potential ranged anywhere from being as high as Andrew Luck’s to as low as Jake Locker’s. It’s this kind of gamble that could pay off for a team willing to take that chance.
Here are his statistics over three years at Central Florida:
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) against the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
37 games played
585 completions
891 pass attempts
65.7% completion percentage
7598 passing yards
56 passing touchdowns
19 interceptions
195 rushes
561 rush yards
15 rushing touchdowns
Strengths
- Success in a pro-style offense
- Prototypical size for NFL
- Athletic enough to make plays with his feet
- High level of intelligence
- accurate under pressure
Weaknesses
- Pocket awareness
- Ball Security
- Looking off defenders
- Lacks elite arm strength
Fit For The Vikings
With the news of Matt Cassel voiding his deal with Minnesota, the Vikings are going to need to look to free agency or the draft to fill the quarterback position on the team.
My Take
After watching some game film on Bortles, I don’t believe he will be a great NFL quarterback. He seems too shaky in the pocket and indecisive with the football in his hands. I would advise the Vikings to pass on him if he is available with the #8 pick. Then again, I have been very wrong with some of my evaluations in the past and would love to be proven wrong.