When your fan base desperately wants a quarterback of the future, and your GM makes a bold move to trade up in the NFL draft to acquire one, it’s bound to make some people happy.
NFL Draft Grades: Blaine Gabbert Trade A Hit For Jaguars Fans
That's the way Jacksonville Jaguars fans are feeling on Friday morning, one night after GM Gene Smith moved from the 16th to the Washington Redskins' 10th pick in the 2011 NFL draft to acquire QB Blaine Gabbert.
In a poll posted at SB Nation’s Big Cat Country, 80 percent of Jaguars fans approved of the move, eight percent thought they gave up too much and 10 percent wanted to go defense. Though most fans liked the move, it does come with some questions, writes Big Cat Country.
The big question for Jaguars fans now is what happens at the quarterback position? Taking a quarterback in the top 10 is going to cost quite a bit, especially without a rookie wage scale. On top of that David Garrard is set to make about $8 million in the 2011 salary. The big question will be if the Jaguars plan to let Blaine Gabbert sit for a while during his rookie season or if they want to play him right out of the gate. Typically, top 10 draft picks at the quarterback position play in their rookie season, but the Jaguars are in a situation where it's only necessary if they want it.
I like the move because it sets the tone in Jacksonville. They needed a quarterback of the future and they went up to get one. I like that aggressiveness, especially for a quarterback.
Check out Big Cat Country for more reactions to the Blaine Gabbert trade.
The first round of the 2011 NFL draft is in the books. Check out SB Nation’s recap of first round draft picks, NFL draft grades and our round 2 mock draft as we prepare for another day of NFL draft festivities. Also be sure to check out SB Nation’s NFL draft hub and Mocking The Draft to stay caught up on all things NFL draft.
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