NFL Rumors: Blake Bortles will start for Jacksonville Jaguars at some point this season
The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first surprise of the NFL Draft, selecting former Central Florida Knight’s quarterback Blake Bortles with the third-overall pick.
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There was speculation that the Jaguars were interested in former Texas A&M Aggies’ signal-caller Johnny Manziel, but they opted for the more traditional drop back passer instead. The team also agreed to a two-year deal with incumbent starter Chad Henne in the offseason meaning they can ease Bortles into the job.
According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, even though Henne will start the season as the starting quarterback, Bortles will likely get the job at some point this season.
"I say yes, but I’m not as sure about when. This may sound like a cop-out, but it really depends on how he progresses. If he picks up the offense, fixes the lower-body issues that are preventing him from throwing the ball as hard and accurately as he can, and makes the transition from the spread offense, then he’ll get on the field. I can see that happening by December, and if that’s the case, then he’ll get a start or two. At the very worst, he’ll get a drive or a quarter within some games to get his feet wet."
Bortles completed 259 of 382 passes for 3,581 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 272 yards and another six touchdowns for the Knights last season.