Nice write-up Sam! In a pretty poor QB class, Gabriel is the one guy I'm much higher on than consensus. I have him at QB2 behind Ward (still a late 2nd grade), as I actually didn't think his arm was very limiting. The overall range does seem to be capped at about 55 yards, which isn't great, but he also has some very impressive 30-40 yard throws on a rope, illustrating impressive velocity when he sets his feet. I also think his mobility (size aside), is better than pretty much anyone not named Milroe or Dart. Those two reasons, combined with some of the other strengths you mentioned, are why I'd take him over Sanders. Both have physical concerns, but I'll take the (arguably) stronger arm, better mobility, and much higher level of competition from Gabriel.
I think Gabriel definitely puts nice zip on throws working the middle of the field, but I do see the ball lose some velocity on those far hash throws or hole shots down the sideline against zone. His size is a greater concern for me than his arm. I'm just not a big fan of betting on size outliers at a position where only a few players buck the trend. Love the competitive toughness and touch though. He's got a good head on his shoulder. He reads the field quicker than guys like Milroe and Dart and handles pressure better than McCord and Shough. I'm not high on any of those guys, so I expect this group of QBs will be closer on my final big board than I had them early in the process.
Yeah I do recall more issues to the sideline versus MotF. There was one throw down the seam against Tulsa I believe in 23 that really sold me on his arm being strong enough to not prohibit his success. 7:20 in the first quarter I believe.
I agree that the size is the biggest issue, as I've grown to be less fond of betting on exceptions as well. It certainly caps his ceiling right out of the gate a bit, but I do like Baker (with less arm talent) as a top-end comp. Overall though, the fact that your options at QB2 are guys like Sanders, Ewers, Milroe, Dart, and Gabriel does not bode well.
Nice write-up Sam! In a pretty poor QB class, Gabriel is the one guy I'm much higher on than consensus. I have him at QB2 behind Ward (still a late 2nd grade), as I actually didn't think his arm was very limiting. The overall range does seem to be capped at about 55 yards, which isn't great, but he also has some very impressive 30-40 yard throws on a rope, illustrating impressive velocity when he sets his feet. I also think his mobility (size aside), is better than pretty much anyone not named Milroe or Dart. Those two reasons, combined with some of the other strengths you mentioned, are why I'd take him over Sanders. Both have physical concerns, but I'll take the (arguably) stronger arm, better mobility, and much higher level of competition from Gabriel.
I think Gabriel definitely puts nice zip on throws working the middle of the field, but I do see the ball lose some velocity on those far hash throws or hole shots down the sideline against zone. His size is a greater concern for me than his arm. I'm just not a big fan of betting on size outliers at a position where only a few players buck the trend. Love the competitive toughness and touch though. He's got a good head on his shoulder. He reads the field quicker than guys like Milroe and Dart and handles pressure better than McCord and Shough. I'm not high on any of those guys, so I expect this group of QBs will be closer on my final big board than I had them early in the process.
Yeah I do recall more issues to the sideline versus MotF. There was one throw down the seam against Tulsa I believe in 23 that really sold me on his arm being strong enough to not prohibit his success. 7:20 in the first quarter I believe.
I agree that the size is the biggest issue, as I've grown to be less fond of betting on exceptions as well. It certainly caps his ceiling right out of the gate a bit, but I do like Baker (with less arm talent) as a top-end comp. Overall though, the fact that your options at QB2 are guys like Sanders, Ewers, Milroe, Dart, and Gabriel does not bode well.