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NFL Rumors: Blaine Gabbert considered ‘heavy favorite’ for 49ers starting QB job

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent reports suggest that Blaine Gabbert is fully expected to be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Colin Kaepernick is working hard to win his starting quarterback job back, but is it already too late? On Tuesday, NFL Media columnist Adam Silver reported that Blaine Gabbert is actually the “heavy favorite” to be the San Francisco 49ers’ starting QB.

“He’s (Gabbert) loved in this locker room,” Silver said on NFL Network’s NFL Total Access on Tuesday. “He did a lot of good things last year and I’d be shocked if he’s not the starter in the opener.”

Gabbert did play well for the 49ers last season, and I am not surprised to hear that he is in contention for the starting job, but I am surprised to hear Silver saying this so definitively.

Kaepernick was awful last season, but his raw speed and athleticism in new head coach Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offensive attack is seemingly a match made in heaven. Kapernick certainly has many things to work on as a passer, but he has massive upside under Kelly.

That being said, the same could be said for Gabbert. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and while he quickly busted with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gabbert showed some nice ability both with his legs and arm last season.

He showed a strong arm, quick release and the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Nobody is betting on Gabbert becoming an All-Pro quarterback, but it is fair to wonder whether he is just a late bloomer who has some upside going forward.

We all saw how terrible Gabbert was early in his career with the Jaguars, but after watching him last season, there is reason to believe in his ability. At only 26-years-old, Gabbert is not a lost cause.

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It may say a lot about the fall from grace of Kaepernick, but I can see how the 49ers would rather see what they can get from Gabbert over Kaepernick.

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