But “Jaws” saw some good things coming out of Gabbert.  Certainly his footwork needs a little help.  His pocket presence could use a kickstart as well.  Jaws however notes the arm strength of Gabbert and recognizes him as a player that could translate into a very good passer.

Like most Jaguars fans, I agree with Jaws that Gabbert has the physical tools to become a better passer in the NFL.  Can Gabbert get to a point where he is no longer listed in the high twenties?

It is common for Jaguars fans and news outlets to speculate that if Gabbert brings his game up to even average NFL quarterback levels (around 16th in the league for touchdown percentage, passing yards, completion percentage, etc…) then the Jaguars could be very successful because their running attack would benefit and their defense would have more of a fighting chance.  I agree with the assessment.

So, can the positives outlined by Jaws translate into a movement up the charts for Gabbert?  Can he move from #29 to #16+? I think he can.  I lot of people will be hesitant to proclaim that they think Gabbert has the ability to make that leap.  Call me biased or call me an optimist but it seems probable that Gabbert will make that jump – if only because the people above him aren’t that good.

Seriously, raise your hand if you think Sexy Rexy is a better quarterback than Blaine Gabbert. Source: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

We know Gabbert didn’t have a full offseason last year.  We know Gabbert wasn’t expected to start in his first season.  We know that Gabbert is young and needs time to develop.  But that jump up 13 spots isn’t too difficult.  There are quarterbacks ahead of Gabbert in passing yards and completion percentage like Colt McCoy, Curtis Painter, Tarvaris Jackson, Christian Ponder, Rex Grossman, and John Skelton.  Do we really think that all of those players could beat out Gabbert?  I find it hard to believe they’ll do it twice.

The Jaguars have made an investment in Gabbert because of his potential, not his current ability.  They know he can jump from #29 to something somewhat higher.  The list isn’t as impressive as people think it is.  When looking at the clips played by Jaws, all we really need is Gabbert to stand up and we have a much better chance.

- Luke N. Sims

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Gaffney came out of Florida to begin a long NFL career with the Texans, Patriots, Broncos, and Redskins.  While never amassing a 1,000 yard season, his 2011 total of 947 yards is the highest of his career.  He has averaged over 13 yards per reception for the past three years (the highest averages of his career excluding 2004).  In 2011 Gaffney racked up just short of 60 yards per game and provided a consistent offensive force despite the carousel of terrible quarterbacks in Washington.

Blaine Gabbert is better than Rex Grossman and John Beck (combined!) at pretty much everything.  His statistics are harder to swallow, but he doesn’t throw nearly as many interceptions and he has a far more commanding presence when on the field (just not in the pocket).  If Gaffney can make Grossman look good for a few games, I’m certain he’ll make Gabbert look good for a full season.

Gaffney may be a better receiver than Lee Evans...will the Jags take the chance? Source: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

Gaffney and Evans should be the comparison the Jags should make.  Evans (the younger player) struggles more with injuries and has had a very noticeable decline in production lately.  Evans hasn’t appeared in all 16 games the past two seasons while Gaffney has appeared in all 16 games since 2007, including starting every game last year.  The last time Evans played and started all 16 games he amassed 300 less yards than Gaffney and 20 receptions less.

It would appear that Gaffney is a late bloomer while Evans is in early decline.  Gaffney has increased his season yard totals by roughly 100 yards every year starting in 2008.  He did his due diligence as a depth receiver for New England from 2006 through 2008 and has come back as a truly talented player that can instantly trasform a quarterback from mediocre to at least average.

At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, he presents a bigger target than the majority or receivers on the Jacksonville squad (including three inches on Evans).

The only concern I really have about Gaffney is his lack of touchdown production.  Over 10 seasons he has amassed a meager 24 touchdowns.  In comparison, Evans has racked up 43 in the span of eight years.

I’m not saying Evans couldn’t have a resurgence with Jacksonville, especially under his old head coach Mike Mularkey, but I think that Gaffney offers considerably bigger upside despite being an older player.  If you want to move the chains passing the ball, then Gaffney is the Jaguars’ man.  If you want to score passing touchdowns in the red zone (or have them punched out of the receiver’s hands) then Evans may be the Jaguars’ guy.

But when you have Maurice Jones-Drew and Greg Jones, why would you be passing in the red zone?

- Luke N. Sims