Jacksonville Jaguars sign Blake Bortles
By Josh Hill
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move when they took UCF quarterback Blake Bortles with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and they have now locked him up to his rookie contract. Less than a day after the guy who many thought would be the pick at No. 3 overall signed his deal with the Cleveland Browns, Bortles has inked his deal and is now officially the quarterback of the future for the Jaguars.
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According to the Jaguars official Twitter account, the team locked up Borltes on Wednesday meaning that just 10 draft picks form this year’s class remain unsigned. Jacksonville could care less about that though considering their future is getting underway today with the signing of Bortles and things will be celebratory for at least a few hours around Jaguars camp.
BREAKING: #Jaguars QB @BBortles5 signs his rookie contract.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 18, 2014
Full coverage on http://t.co/UqNdWvSJ25 shortly. pic.twitter.com/SighWLj4Cb
The hard work starts now though, as Bortles has the exact opposite of an easy road to becoming an NFL starter. He’s not expected to take many snaps this season in games — if he even does at all — as the Jaguars are planning on keeping him fresh for as long as possible before thrusting him into whatever offense they feel like running.
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Starting a young quarterback too soon seemed to be what doomed Blaine Gabbert a few years ago and it’s a mistake the Jaguars will not be making twice. Bortles may very well be ready to start but he’s going to baste a little longer before the Jaguars officially hand the reigns over to him and name him the starter.
How long that is truly has proved to be the big questions in Jacksonville.