Mizzou QB Blaine Gabbert got a few questions about the 2011 NFL draft while at Big 12 Media Days in Texas. Gabbert shied away from those questions indicating he's focusing only on the Tigers first game of the season against Illinois.
If Gabbert leaves, Gary Pinkel indicated today that replacement could be James Franklin, freshman out of Corinth, TX.
“He’s moved up to second team,” Pinkel said. “He had a very good spring for a young player. But we also like competition out there. We’ll have to see. First of all, he’s got to keep it.”
Meanwhile, Pinkel said if Gabbert has the type of season that could make him think about the 2011 NFL draft, "that would be pretty good."
There's reason to believe Gabbert will have another solid season. If that's the case, he's almost assuredly a first round pick with his size and accuracy.
Mizzou should probably prepare as if Gabbert will be playing on Sundays, and not Saturdays, in 2011.