Could Blaine Gabbert fall to Dolphins at #15?

Apr. 26 Opinion 4 comments ---Bill

It’s no secret that the Miami Dolphins have been scouting quarterbacks leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft.  They’ve met with Ryan Mallett a number of times….they’ve been rumored to be highly interested in Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick.  They’ve been connected to almost every draft eligible quarterback in this draft because the Dolphins are looking to upgrade the QB position given Chad Henne’s struggles in 2010.

Well yesterday there was a new name added to the mix: Blaine Gabbert, QB – Missouri.  The Dolphins arranged a meeting with Gabbert in mid-March, however we didn’t pay much attention to it because at the time we thought Gabbert would be long gone by the time the #15 pick rolled around.  For a few months, it seemed that he would be the #1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers.  According to John Clayton of ESPN, the Panthers have narrowed their choices at #1 to Cam Newton and a few defensive players.  So logic would tell us that Gabbert would just go to the next QB needy team out there right?  The Bills?  The Titans?  The 49ers?  Well, according to Pat Kirwan of NFL.com, he see’s Gabbert going to our favorite QB needy team – The Miami Dolphins.  Take a look at his latest mock draft here.  This is certainly the exception to the rule in regards to where Gabbert will likely go, but it appears his stock may not be as high as it once was.

If Gabbert fell to #15, it would be a dream scenario for the Dolphins…or at least that’s our opinion.  We remember a few years ago when the dream scenario unfolded and Brady Quinn was on the board when the Dolphins selected and instead the Commissioner read “Ted Ginn Jr., WR Ohio State University”.  So crazier things have happened.  However, if the #14 pick is made and Blaine Gabbert is still on the board, we don’t think it would take long for the Dolphins to call in their pick.

Gabbert is an athletic QB who will need some time to adjust to reading NFL defenses.  He is 6’4″, 235 lbs. and ran a 4.64 40-yard dash. He has an above average arm and is accurate.  He can make and extend plays using his feet.  If he is on the board, we’d be shocked if the Dolphins didn’t call his name.  More likely, he will not last until the #15 pick.  However, if he starts to fall, say to the 10-13 range, we wouldn’t be shocked if the Dolphins moved up to get him.  The popular belief is that Gabbert and Newton are a step above the other QBs in the draft.  So if it took swapping places in the 1st round this year and trading a 2nd/3rd round pick next year, would you do it?  The Dolphins just might, as there have been rumblings that the Dolphins have Newton/Gabbert at the top of their list.  It’s possible the Dolphins “QB of the future”  might not be the one that many Dolphins fans have been thinking it will be (Ryan Mallett).

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  • Gary

    I want to see Ryan Mallett playing for the Dolphins so bad I can almost taste it. I watched Ryan all thru his time as a Razorback and although he made a few mistakes, he learned from them. He is a very hard worker. His team mates love and respect him. He is very smart. He showed improvement his Jr. year. I love #15!!!

    • http://www.phinnation.com Bill

      Gary – We like Mallett’s ability. If the Dolphins have their choice though, I think they’d lean towards Gabbert. Now, if he’s not available at #15 we’d be very happy if the Dolphins traded back and selected Mallett. Kid is a great passer

  • Adam Spohn

    I haven’t really cared for the way Gabbert has carried himself when talking to the media during this process. He seems a little arrogant and maybe a bit of a sense of entitlement. Maybe i’m just looking too deeply at it. but I didnt get that at all from Sanchez, Bradford or Ryan. The people that I follow in the draft world and have for years love this guy more than Newton and love him as the best QB in the draft. So if he fell to Miami I would be on board.

    I doubt it will happen. The fact that this story is based on a Kirwan draft basically means it aint happening. Last year he had Miami taking Dez Bryant after the Marshall trade. This year he had them taking Amukamara. I dont think he ever nails reality in his mocks. I think they are more conversation pieces for everyone else.

  • frank hernandez

    I would prefer they trade down and pick-up a 2nd round pick and take Dalton he could lead us to the promise land.