Big Blue Huddle

"A lot of people are mad that they weren't able to play to a certain age," said Gabriel, who received an extra two years of eligibility thanks to a redshirt season and due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The older the player you are, I think at a certain point you gotta ask yourself, if you've got the biggest interview of your life, and someone said, 'Hey, you can have six years to study or three years,' I think anyone would say six."

"The Hawaii native has relished his unique opportunity. In his six seasons, Gabriel has thrown for a total of 18,423 yards (second all time), but this year has been his most efficient, as he has completed a career-high 73.2% of his passes while leading Oregon to an undefeated regular season.

"There's several moments we could point to this season where his experience has shown up and he's created a lot of success for us on the field," Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. "I've said it several times, but I think that is one of Dillon's strongest traits is his poise. ... The moments he shows up in are pressure moments."

Despite being on the cusp of holding FBS records, Gabriel has repeatedly said the reason he didn't declare for the NFL draft last year and instead transferred to Oregon was to make one last run at his ultimate goal: winning a national title. Gabriel and the Ducks are now just three wins away from accomplishing that."


https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43226625/oregon-qb-dillon-gabriel-proud-6-years-college

Very impressive college QB.

Pro prospect? I'm much less convinced.

Let's see how well he performs today.


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Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 01, 2025, 11:47:59 AMVery impressive college QB.

Pro prospect? I'm much less convinced.

As usual, I agree with Dave. There's a reason that - despite his very impressive college resume - Gabriel isn't discussed AT ALL when it comes to the draft or his NFL prospects.

It will be interesting to see what his combine measurements look like. I'm guessing he'll look to add weight so he can top 200 lbs., and my guess is he comes in at 5'11" 3/4.

The NFL has a consistent history of drafting guys with lesser stats but ideal measurables - guys like Howard, McCord, Leonard - over guys like Gabriel.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 01, 2025, 11:47:59 AMVery impressive college QB.

Pro prospect? I'm much less convinced.

I am with you.  His size will not help him in the NFL.  Rarely does.

Didn't fare too well.

Maybe he will be the next Russell Wilson, but odds aren't in his favor.

Quote from: MrGap92 on January 02, 2025, 01:05:24 PMMaybe he will be the next Russell Wilson, but odds aren't in his favor.

I think Russell Wilson was a highly decorated baseball player who because of his baseball mechanics boasted a very strong arm for football.  Wilson (especially early in his career) was pretty darn athletic.  I don't see those qualities in Gabriel.  I think he's got a great demeanor, never gets rattled, players love him but has average to slightly above average arm strength.  He has good touch.

Quote from: Philosophers on January 02, 2025, 01:16:35 PMI think Russell Wilson was a highly decorated baseball player who because of his baseball mechanics boasted a very strong arm for football.  Wilson (especially early in his career) was pretty darn athletic.  I don't see those qualities in Gabriel.  I think he's got a great demeanor, never gets rattled, players love him but has average to slightly above average arm strength.  He has good touch.

Interesting and astute point about baseball Joe.

I would add that Kyler Murray (one of the only other sub 6 foot QBs with any NFL success) was also a great baseball player. In fact he was drafted ninth overall in the MLB draft.

Bottom line to be an impactful QB in the NFL at a sub 6 foot height, you better be pretty special. I think Gabriel is very good. Is he special though? I'm not convinced of that.

People were a lot higher on Bryce Young than they are on Gabriel and it's been a struggle for him so far.