As the stock of Johnny Manziel appears to be dipping, UCF signal caller Blake Bortles's is on the rise. Some are reportedly comparing Bortles to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck ahead of the 2014 NFL draft.
Manziel transitioned seamlessly from one of the most talked about college athletes to one of the most talked about NFL prospects. Although the Texas A&M quarterback headed into the combine backed by the growing opinion he could be the No. 1 pick in May, that opinion now appears to be changing.
While it's worth noting teams often spread misinformation to create smokescreens, recent reports indicate Manziel's draft stock is falling. At least two NFL teams with top-five picks, according to the L.A. Times, would reportedly pass on Manziel in favor of another quarterback.
One of those quarterbacks could be Bortles.
"NFL Network analyst Albert Breer said on Monday that the comparision he has heard the most for Bortles is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. A few NFL people I've talked to have brought up the Luck comparison as well, though obviously the Colts signal-caller entered the draft with a much more established track record than Bortles.
"Breer does not that Bortles is not the athlete Luck is, and he isn't as developed. But from a purely physical standpoint, Bortles does resemble Luck. They have similar builds, similar arm strength and both can be extremely accurate. Meanwhile, Bortles has the ability to move within the pocket that Luck does and he can run. He's not as fast as luck, but he can escape the pocket when needed."
The article notes one difference, perhaps the defining difference, between the quarterbacks is Luck's "much higher" football IQ.
Bortles finished the 2013 season with 3,581 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions; he added 272 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns.
The NFL draft begins on Thursday, May 8.
