Cardinal Tough: Assessing the QB Situation

[Mitch]

I thought that before we begin piecing together a draft that will bring some much needed toughness to the roster that we go ahead and evaulate the current personnel in order to assess the team's greatest needs. Then, we will take a close look at how tough our coaches are.

In this thread we will focus on rating the QB Situation:

Rating Scale:

1-Exceptional
2-Above Average
3-Average
4-Below Average
5-Minimal

QB:

John Skelton: 1
Richard Bartel: INC
Max Hall: 3

Matt Leinart: 4
Derek Anderson: 4

It is Skelton's toughness that makes me believe he is the young QB to groom for the future. I have never seen a rookie QB play so fearlessly. His toughness, combined with his size, big arm and pocket poise/maneuverability is impressive. What he needs to do is improve his decision making---which will likey take some time as he continues to learn the offense and how to read NFL defenses.

We haven't seen much of Bartel---I thought he threw too much off his back foot in his one appearance---which is often a sign that the QB is reacting in fear of the rush. It's one thing to throw off your back foot when a d-lineman is closing in...but to do it when the pressure isn't in your face is a concern---thus---if I had to grade Bartel on this I would give him a 4.

As for Max Hall---he's tough-minded and as we saw he threw his body around, but the problem is that he doesn't have the kind of body to throw around in an NFL game...at least not yet. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Hall comes to camp this year much stronger. While some fans have already given up on him---you can be sure that Max Hall will never give up on himself---and with his desire and will power, don't be too surprised if he works his way back onto the roster and in line for another chance to prove himself at some point. His decision making may wind up being his strength.

Matt Leinart's lack of toughness and leadership was what sent him packing. While Derek Anderson appeared to be tougher, he proved to be antsy-pantsy in the pocket and in this offense that cannot happen. Plus, Anderson was a poor decision maker.

QB Needs:

As we all know the Cardinals are going to make a move to acquire a veteran QB. Here are my evaluations of the top candidates' toughness/leadership:

Marc Bulger-4
Kevin Kolb-3
Donovan McNabb-3
Carson Palmer-3
Alex Smith-3
Bruce Gradkowski-2
Tarvaris Jackson-3
Billy Volek-3
Kyle Orton-2
Vince Young-4
Matt Moore-3
Matt Hasselbeck-3

McNabb and Palmer were once worthy of 2s---but in recent years they have not been as tough as they used to be. It's possible they could return to form, and Palmer might experience a Renaissance in the Cardinals' offense if the occasion arised.

Gradkowski may wind up to be this year's version of Ryan Fitzpatrick for some team. Not sure if the Cardinals are interested---but Gradkowski, like Fitzpatrick, is a gritty competitor. So is Kyle Orton, and his best days as a QB are still ahead of him.

Matt Hasselbeck may be the right choice as well...if he passes his physical.

Draft:

The two categories that are most significant to the Cardinals: (A)Toughness/Leadership & (B) Decision Making....which were the two main reasons why Kurt Warner thrived in this offense. So let's apply these traits to this year's QB prospects.

Here are Scouts' Inc.'s ratings:

QB Prospect: (Toughness/Leadersip Rating + Decision Making Rating)

Cam Newton: 2 + 4
Blaine Gabbert: 2 + 2
Jake Locker: 1 + 3
Andy Dalton: 1 + 2
Christian Ponder: 1 + 3
Ryan Mallett: 3 + 4
Colin Kaepernick: 1 + 4
Ricky Stanzi: 2 + 3
Tyrod Taylor: 2 + 3
Greg McElroy: 1 + 2
Nathan Enderle: 4 + 3
Pat Devlin: 4 + 4

I pretty much agree with these ratings, except for I would give Kaepernick at least a 3 for Decision Making. Having watched several of his games this past season, I thought his decision making was often excellent, especially under extreme pressure, as he was versus Boise St. when he delivered a spectacular performance.

Best Fits for the Cardinals:

Andy Dalton: 1 + 2
Greg McElroy: 1 + 2
Blaine Gabbert: 2 + 2

Cardinal Tough conclusions:

1-Trade for Kyle Orton or Carson Palmer and/or sign Matt Hasselbeck or Bruce Gradkowski.
2-Do not draft a QB at #5 (moot point b/c Gabbert will go in the top 4)
3-Draft Dalton or McElroy

Roster:

9-Palmer (or 8-Hasselbeck)
19-Skelton
12-McElroy

 

[Garthshort]

If Denver drafts a QB, Orton will be on the Market, and a trade for him would be fine with me, as long as it's with next year's draft choice.

 

[Mitch]

If Denver drafts a QB, Orton will be on the Market, and a trade for him would be fine with me, as long as it's with next year's draft choice.

I agree, Garth. I just don't think Denver will go with Tebow and a rookie this year. I think they will hold onto Orton.

In Cincy, while Mike Brown still wants to keep Carson Palmer, HC Marvin Lewis said this week that he has no intention of trying to talk Palmer into wanting to stay. Something would have to give there and I think that Cincy will select Blaine Gabbert at #4 and/or possibly make a move to acquire Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb.

So at this point I think a Cardinals' trade for Carson Palmer is more realistic.

 

[JeffGollin]

I don't think assigning a single numerical grade to a player does the process justice.

Specific to QB - there are a range of different styles - each of which fits our offensive philosophy differently; along with a lengthy bunch of physical and mental skill-set components that, when fit together, provide different profiles for each player.

For example -

Some QB's have strong arms; some don't.

Some QB's can read defenses better than others.

Some QB's are accurate short but can't deliver the deep throws.

Other QB's can zing it long but are inaccurate short.

Some QB's have a better pocket sense than others.

Some QB's can throw better on the run than others.

Some QB's can beat you with their feet. Then there's Marc Bulger.

Some QB's ball-handle more slickly than others.

Some QB's protect the ball better than others.

There are Vertical QB's, West Coast QB's, Roll Out QB's, Smart Less Athletic QB's, Dumb More Athletic QB's.

etc. etc.

To varying degrees, some would be expected to fit our offensive scheme better than others.

Which is my long-winded way of saying that a QB with a high score (say a 1) may be less suited to making our offense click than a QB with a lower score (say a 4) because of their unique set of attributes/weaknesses and how they fit our scheme.

 

[imaCafan]

So who fits best in your mind, JG? We know Mitch's thoughts........who say you????

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I agree, Garth. I just don't think Denver will go with Tebow and a rookie this year. I think they will hold onto Orton.

In Cincy, while Mike Brown still wants to keep Carson Palmer, HC Marvin Lewis said this week that he has no intention of trying to talk Palmer into wanting to stay. Something would have to give there and I think that Cincy will select Blaine Gabbert at #4 and/or possibly make a move to acquire Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb.

So at this point I think a Cardinals' trade for Carson Palmer is more realistic.[/QUOTE]

No more or less realistic than the Cards being in the game for Kolb for 2012 pick(s).

 

[kerouac9]

We already saw Carson Palmer be willing to retire rather than play for the Bengals. Why would Carson Palmer want to play for the Cards? Yeah, he'll have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, but he'll go to an offense without an offensive line, with worse weapons than he has in Cincy, and a coach who doesn't know what he wants to do.

 

[Mitch]

I don't think assigning a single numerical grade to a player does the process justice.

Specific to QB - there are a range of different styles - each of which fits our offensive philosophy differently; along with a lengthy bunch of physical and mental skill-set components that, when fit together, provide different profiles for each player.

For example -

Some QB's have strong arms; some don't.

Some QB's can read defenses better than others.

Some QB's are accurate short but can't deliver the deep throws.

Other QB's can zing it long but are inaccurate short.

Some QB's have a better pocket sense than others.

Some QB's can throw better on the run than others.

Some QB's can beat you with their feet. Then there's Marc Bulger.

Some QB's ball-handle more slickly than others.

Some QB's protect the ball better than others.

There are Vertical QB's, West Coast QB's, Roll Out QB's, Smart Less Athletic QB's, Dumb More Athletic QB's.

etc. etc.

To varying degrees, some would be expected to fit our offensive scheme better than others.

Which is my long-winded way of saying that a QB with a high score (say a 1) may be less suited to making our offense click than a QB with a lower score (say a 4) because of their unique set of attributes/weaknesses and how they fit our scheme.

I understand your point, Jeff. However, I hope you understood my point, which is trying to find QBs that fit Whiz's system the best, which is why I placed the highest priority on toughness/leadership and decision making.

Warner did not have what anyone would call a big arm.

If our style was to emphasize a steady diet of the vertical passing game...then you can cross Dalton and McElroy off the list...but, the reality is, as was the case with Kurt Warner, we don't need a big, rocket armed QB to be efficent in this offense. In fact, we already have a big, rocket-armed QB in John Skelton and his chances of becoming the starter are predicated on his ability to grasp the nuances of the system---a.k.a. to read defenses well and make good decisions with the ball.

The biggest problem that Whiz has created with his offense is that while he has said he wants to emphasize a ball control running attack and a mauling style up front---and even though he has catered his personnel and staff (Russ Grimm, in particular) to that style---he just cannot resist calling his version of the dink and dunk.

Thus, it is time to cater the personnel to the system---if Whiz doesn't he will remain with mauler type OTs who struggle in pass pro, and he will keep drafting players like Beanie Wells, who Whiz does not know what to do with within his own schemes, because most of the time, he doesn't fit the schemes.

 

[moklerman]

I need some clarification on the parameters because I clearly don't understand how Skelton is the only QB to rate a "1" and Max Hall was rated higher than Leinart.

Clearly, 2010 Leinart had lost the Cardinals but he took some vicious hits in the preseason and showed plenty of toughness. He was completing passes while taking hits to do so. I think if one watched those games objectively that point would be clear.

But I'm sorry, there is just too much credit being given to Skelton and Hall. I find it very hard to credit a QB with toughness and leadership when they are playing like crapola. Low round/undrafted rookies don't command respect from veterans and all-pro's by what they say or how they act.

McNabb and Palmer were once worthy of "2" but Skelton's already a 1? Gradkowski's a 2 but McNabb's a 3? Just how tough can Gradkowski be when he's been hurt just about every time he's stepped on an NFL field?

Like I said, I'm really not understanding this grading system and how you've graded some of these guys.

As far as who the Cardinals should draft, Gabbert would seem to fit the Warner mold if that's the type of offense the Cardinals really want to go with. Mallet would seem to be a great down the field passer which Whis claimed for his reasons to go with Anderson last year so he might be a fit too.

But does anyone really know what Whis actually wants to do?

 

[moklerman]

We already saw Carson Palmer be willing to retire rather than play for the Bengals. Why would Carson Palmer want to play for the Cards? Yeah, he'll have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, but he'll go to an offense without an offensive line, with worse weapons than he has in Cincy, and a coach who doesn't know what he wants to do.

I'd certainly like to know more about the situation there. But I think it's important to remember that Palmer's priority isn't retiring. He just wants out of Cincinnati. Just like so many other players have wanted.

It sure looks like there's something rotten in Denmark.

But I don't think Palmer just wants to go play handball. Whether or not Arizona is a good fit, your point is well taken. Why would he want to go from one franchise that some players are dying to leave to another franchise that some players have acted the same?

I think Palmer needs a fresh start though. He's played in the toughest, worst weather division in football his entire career and for Mike Brown/Marvin Lewis. A new perspective would certainly help IMO.

 

[Buckybird]

But does anyone really know what Whis actually wants to do?

Thats the $1,000,000 question!!!

I really believe Wiz is a smart man, well spoken & a smart coach deep down. But...many of the moves made by him, Graves & others are mind boggling.

1) we run all out passing attack in 2010 with below average QB's while having a mauling, run blocking Oline

2) Draft a big, fast, pound the rock RB in the 1st rd yet dont give him the ball in year 2 & continue throwing 70% of the time

3) Draft an OLB in rd 2 & cut him in year 2 when we have an old and below average set of OLB

4) Move our worst pass protector from RT to LT where he can be exposed to most teams best pass rusher.

5) pick up a proven terribly innacurate passer to QB your team after cutting a 1st Rd QB & in many minds here the best chance for winning in 2010

6) Continue to bring in "old" Stealer castoffs that are past their prime...i put the over/under at 2 when a new CBA is settled.

7) I'm still not certain we have the personel to run a legit 3-4!!! IMO we need some size.

I like Wiz as our HC but unless we start making more right moves this year, I will lose more confidence in him & fans may call for his head to roll if we suffer another 5-11 season, which right now I see on the horizon!!!

 

[Mitch]

I need some clarification on the parameters because I clearly don't understand how Skelton is the only QB to rate a "1" and Max Hall was rated higher than Leinart.

Clearly, 2010 Leinart had lost the Cardinals but he took some vicious hits in the preseason and showed plenty of toughness. He was completing passes while taking hits to do so. I think if one watched those games objectively that point would be clear.

But I'm sorry, there is just too much credit being given to Skelton and Hall. I find it very hard to credit a QB with toughness and leadership when they are playing like crapola. Low round/undrafted rookies don't command respect from veterans and all-pro's by what they say or how they act.

McNabb and Palmer were once worthy of "2" but Skelton's already a 1? Gradkowski's a 2 but McNabb's a 3? Just how tough can Gradkowski be when he's been hurt just about every time he's stepped on an NFL field?

Like I said, I'm really not understanding this grading system and how you've graded some of these guys.

As far as who the Cardinals should draft, Gabbert would seem to fit the Warner mold if that's the type of offense the Cardinals really want to go with. Mallet would seem to be a great down the field passer which Whis claimed for his reasons to go with Anderson last year so he might be a fit too.

But does anyone really know what Whis actually wants to do?

OK-Moke--some clarifications:

1. Skelton played relaxed---and was unfazed under pressure---it didn't bother him---and how about the time he scrambled and lowered his shoulder on a defender and knocked him backward...and that was a play whereb he could have run out of bounds instead. How many times have you seen a Cardinal QB do that? Let alone a rookie? Plus, how tough he was in the comeback versus the Cowboys---I saw these things as exceptional.

2. The fearless way Hall threw his body in there against the Saints---and the way he got pasted and kept getting up---like the time he ran hard for the goal-line and nearly got his head taken off---and he got up and wanted more. I thought he played very tough in that game and at other times in others---so I gave him an average score of 3.

3. Leinart's toughness was questioned even by his own teammates. If he had been as tough as you make him out to be he would have never been released. Plus, his play in 2009 was listless...and he often looked overwhelmed or scared or whatever it was.

4. I watched many of McNabb's and Palmer's games last year and there were times when I thought they caved in when in previous years they wouldn't.

Just calling 'em as I see 'em.

 

[Mitch]

Thats the $1,000,000 question!!!

I really believe Wiz is a smart man, well spoken & a smart coach deep down. But...many of the moves made by him, Graves & others are mind boggling.

1) we run all out passing attack in 2010 with below average QB's while having a mauling, run blocking Oline

2) Draft a big, fast, pound the rock RB in the 1st rd yet dont give him the ball in year 2 & continue throwing 70% of the time

3) Draft an OLB in rd 2 & cut him in year 2 when we have an old and below average set of OLB

4) Move our worst pass protector from RT to LT where he can be exposed to most teams best pass rusher.

5) pick up a proven terribly innacurate passer to QB your team after cutting a 1st Rd QB & in many minds here the best chance for winning in 2010

6) Continue to bring in "old" Stealer castoffs that are past their prime...i put the over/under at 2 when a new CBA is settled.

7) I'm still not certain we have the personel to run a legit 3-4!!! IMO we need some size.

I like Wiz as our HC but unless we start making more right moves this year, I will lose more confidence in him & fans may call for his head to roll if we suffer another 5-11 season, which right now I see on the horizon!!!

Great post, Bucky. It's a disconcerting, but valid list.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Mitch,

What do you think about TJ Yates from UNC?


He is 6-3 220lbs, has excellent foot work and according to CBS:

Positives: Cerebral quarterback who does the little things well. Extends his arm and carries out the play-action fake well. Possesses enough mobility and pocket sense to feel the pressure coming, step up to avoid it and buy extra time for his receivers to separate. Understands the offense. Shows the confidence and recognition to move defenders with his eyes and make his progressive reads. Good accuracy in the short to intermediate zones. Consistently throws his receivers open on underneath routes. Not a legitimate scrambling threat, but will take what the defense gives him. Has made steady gains throughout his career. Emerged as the unquestioned leader of this team amid plenty of off-field turmoil. Negatives: Might be maxed out. Doesn't possess the size, athleticism or arm strength most teams are looking for in a developmental prospect. Only average arm strength and accuracy outside of the hashes.

 

[DoTheDew]

Cardinal Tough conclusions:

1-Trade for Kyle Orton or Carson Palmer and/or sign Matt Hasselbeck or Bruce Gradkowski.
2-Do not draft a QB at #5 (moot point b/c Gabbert will go in the top 4)
3-Draft Dalton or McElroy

Mitch, if for some strange reason Gabbert is there at #5, are you saying you'd advocate taking him? (Pending who else is on the board?)

 

[Mitch]

Mitch, if for some strange reason Gabbert is there at #5, are you saying you'd advocate taking him? (Pending who else is on the board?)

Yes, Dew. I think he's a fit.

However...we cannot keep passing up on bona fide edge rushers year after year...and at #38 the bona fide ones will be gone.

That's the conundrum.

And knowing we are going to sign a veteran QB to start this year and probably next...it makes me all the more eager to take a pass rusher at #5.

We HAVE to fix this defense or we aint going anywhere,

Just saying and been saying for three years.

 

[moklerman]

Just calling 'em as I see 'em.

Well, I certainly appreciate looking at the QB position in different ways and for someone to have an opinion but from what I'm reading, Shaun Hill would rate a "0" on your scale.

Also, I'm not in agreement with you about Skelton. He may have had some moments that match what you describe but it seems you're projecting a bit in terms of his overall ability. For example, the Dallas game you offered as evidence. 11/25 183 1/0 isn't much of a game for Skelton. And 74 of that was the long play to Roberts who Dallas didn't even bother to cover.

So, a couple of nice throws to set up the winning field goal but we're still talking about a meaningless game between two teams completely out of the playoffs. And McGee actually outplayed Skelton if you really look at it. He had to come in cold, down big on the road and he brought his team back to take the lead.

Maybe Skelton continues to develop but I think you're romanticizing his intangibles this early in the process. Let us learn from Clint Longley, Joe Gilliam and T.J. Rubley.

 

[kerouac9]

Well, I certainly appreciate looking at the QB position in different ways and for someone to have an opinion but from what I'm reading, Shaun Hill would rate a "0" on your scale.

Also, I'm not in agreement with you about Skelton. He may have had some moments that match what you describe but it seems you're projecting a bit in terms of his overall ability. For example, the Dallas game you offered as evidence. 11/25 183 1/0 isn't much of a game for Skelton. And 74 of that was the long play to Roberts who Dallas didn't even bother to cover.

So, a couple of nice throws to set up the winning field goal but we're still talking about a meaningless game between two teams completely out of the playoffs. And McGee actually outplayed Skelton if you really look at it. He had to come in cold, down big on the road and he brought his team back to take the lead.

Maybe Skelton continues to develop but I think you're romanticizing his intangibles this early in the process. Let us learn from Clint Longley, Joe Gilliam and T.J. Rubley.

Mitch starts with his conclusions and works backwards to justify them. Obviously the Cards should draft Ryan Kerrigan #5 overall, so let's come up with what we can to justify that choice. Doesn't matter that Max Hall looked like a high school JV player when the games started counting and the team gave up on him after two games and Whis had to put Anderson back in; he's a great leader and tough guy.

Doesn't matter if no one on the roster can complete 55% of their passes, as long as they're "tough."

 

[Mitch]

Well, I certainly appreciate looking at the QB position in different ways and for someone to have an opinion but from what I'm reading, Shaun Hill would rate a "0" on your scale.

Also, I'm not in agreement with you about Skelton. He may have had some moments that match what you describe but it seems you're projecting a bit in terms of his overall ability. For example, the Dallas game you offered as evidence. 11/25 183 1/0 isn't much of a game for Skelton. And 74 of that was the long play to Roberts who Dallas didn't even bother to cover.

So, a couple of nice throws to set up the winning field goal but we're still talking about a meaningless game between two teams completely out of the playoffs. And McGee actually outplayed Skelton if you really look at it. He had to come in cold, down big on the road and he brought his team back to take the lead.

Maybe Skelton continues to develop but I think you're romanticizing his intangibles this early in the process. Let us learn from Clint Longley, Joe Gilliam and T.J. Rubley.

OK, Moke. No need arguing further. Thanks fror your perspective.

 

[moklerman]

OK, Moke. No need arguing further. Thanks fror your perspective.

Actually, I'd prefer you took it as discussing rather than arguing.

By no means am I against exploring a player beyond what the stat sheet has to offer and I think intangibles are very important to the QB position. I just disagree with your assessment in this particular case and think your perception of Skelton's demeanor needs to have the circumstances and overall results factored into the whole equation.

I even agree that he did display some confidence and coolness in certain situations but when put into context of your scale, I think his grade is far too high or at least too early to determine. Don't you think it's a tad early to award him the highest grade among all the veterans and former pro-bowlers on your list?

It's an entirely subjective grading system of course but two grades higher than McNabb? Granted, the McNabb experiment in Washington was a bust but I think that whole situation needs to be taken with a grain of salt. No one on that team performed well and the Shanahan regime is off to a very rocky start. It was just one year ago that McNabb had 22TD/10INT and had the Eagles in the playoffs though and he is always pretty well respected by his teammates and the league.

And I'm no fan of his by any means. But he deserves a certain amount of respect don't you think? Considering him, at his best, as 1 grade below what Skelton is now just seems like a poor evaluation.

 

[lobo]

Yes, Dew. I think he's a fit.



We HAVE to fix this defense or we aint going anywhere,

Just saying and been saying for three years.

And that's the name of that tune!!! Albeit QB is the team's greatest need, if the defense don't get fixed we can p--s on the fire 'cause the hunt is over...and by the way:

I have seen enough Bear's games back in the day when "everyone" said how "tough" they were and you knew you were in a game when you played them...yeah, and you also knew you were going to win too. By the way one of the "tough guy" quarterbacks, Bobby Douglas just this week got picked up for trying to break in to his ex-babes house.

 

[Buckybird]

Yes, Dew. I think he's a fit.

However...we cannot keep passing up on bona fide edge rushers year after year...and at #38 the bona fide ones will be gone.

That's the conundrum.

And knowing we are going to sign a veteran QB to start this year and probably next...it makes me all the more eager to take a pass rusher at #5.

We HAVE to fix this defense or we aint going anywhere,

Just saying and been saying for three years.

If Gabbert's a fit & the Cards think he's franchise QB shouldn't they draft him? IMO a franchise QB trumps all other needs!!! Mitch you know I've been preaching edge rushers to this team for 3 years, but...if Gabberts there & a fit, we have to pull the trigger dont we?

BTW I'm not sold on Gabbert as a pro.

 

[Cardiac]

If Gabbert's a fit & the Cards think he's franchise QB shouldn't they draft him? IMO a franchise QB trumps all other needs!!! Mitch you know I've been preaching edge rushers to this team for 3 years, but...if Gabberts there & a fit, we have to pull the trigger dont we?

BTW I'm not sold on Gabbert as a pro.

I'm with you Bucky.

Part of me is screaming fix the freakin Defense, get another pass rusher. Yes I'm considering CC, DD and O'Brien as legit pass rushers at this point. I just keep having visions of our Gawd awful QB play and know that we will have to go lobo on our camp fire if we don't get a legit QB.

 

[PJ1]

If Gabbert there at 5 I take him. Still sign a vet and go into camp with Gabbert, Skelton and a vet.

Use the rest of the draft for D if need be.

I may only feel this way because of the painful flashbacks I still get about last year QB play.

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

Toughness at the QB position is important, but not as important as accuracy, ability to read defenses, and the physical skills to get the job done. Josh McCown was tough, but he was a lifetime back up quarterback.

I'll take a prima donna quarterback who can light it up over a tough guy any day of the week and so would Whisenhunt. It's the one position on the field where you forgive sliding instead of running over somebody. As impressive as it was to see John Skelton lower his shoulder, it was also extremely stupid. Skelton is big for a QB, but he is still no match for a 265 lb. rush linebacker running at full speed.

What intrigues me about Gabbert is the article from Sporting News. The great ones (Manning, Brady, Brees, etc..) have an obsession about being better than everyone else. It may be arrogance, but so what. Gabbert is the "gym rat" that Whisenhunt has been asking for. When you read about him taking thousands of reps from under center during his time playing at Mizzou just to get ready for the NFL, that sounds like something Peyton Manning would do.

I'm not saying Gabbert is Manning. I'm just saying that he seems to have that same drive to be the best. Physically Gabbert passes the eyeball test. He is big, fast, and has an NFL caliber arm. The obsessive work ethic is what really intrigues me. He's one of those who eats and breathes football.