2014 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars select Blake Bortles
By Ben Carter
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles celebrates after defeating 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
It didn’t take long for the first quarterback to be selected, but it isn’t Johnny Manziel. With the third pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select quarterback Blake Bortles out of UCF. Bortles has the potential to be the franchise quarterback the Jags have been desperately looking for. After past failures in Blane Gabbert and Chad Henne, Bortles has the biggest upside. He has the size, pocket presence and arm strength to be successful in this league.
The Jags were setting out several smoke screens this offseason saying that they were going to look on the defensive side of the ball, but it was very wise of them to select a quarterback here. The quarterback position is arguably the most important position on the football field and the Jags needed one.
Bortles will have the chance to come in an have an immediate impact on the Jags. He will likely go into a position battle, but we could expect him to be the day 1 starter. Can Blake Bortles be the guy to finally get the Jags out of the basement? For his sake, lets hope so. Congrats to you Mr. Botrtles.