Chip Kelly calls Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick 'similar' players
The new 49ers coach isn't tipping his hand on which quarterback he prefers
By
Will Brinson
•
2 min read
The San Francisco 49ers remain embroiled in the oddest of quarterback controversies. Chip Kelly hasn't picked between Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick, doesn't plan to pick between them soon and no one is really sure who he should pick. Somehow the situation Kelly left, with the Eagles now deciding between Sam Bradford/Chase Daniel/Carson Wentz, has way more heat than the one he entered.
Perhaps part of the problem is that Gabbert and Kaepernick are "similar" players? That's what Kelly, appearing with Damon Bruce on 95.7 the Game (as transcribed by David Fucillio of Niners Nation) said he believes.
Kelly, asked by Bruce about the two quarterbacks, said he was "very happy" and "excited" to have both Gabbert and Kaepernick on the roster.
"Yeah, very happy. I was excited, and you know part of looking at the roster, when you have an opportunity to analyze what's out there," Kelly said. "I was excited with what they have here at the quarterback position. Obviously Kap's coming off an injury, was on injured reserve, and is back getting healthy. But I thought Blaine when he played, played well. So I think there's talent there. It'll be a good competition when we get Kap fully healthy."
But then asked what "traits" he looks for in a quarterback, Kelly pointed out he wants "someone who helps you win" before diving into a pseudo-breakdown of his own two quarterbacks.
"But, you know, obviously when you're looking at both those guys, I think they're similar. They have a similar skill set," Kelly said. "They're both 6'4+. They both can really run, which will help keep plays alive. Obviously we're not a quarterback-run offense, but if the quarterback can run, you can use a little of that to your advantage. And they both have extremely strong arms.
"So, from a skill set standpoint, the two of them are kind of cut out of the same mold."
Again, hmm. Both guys are athletic -- and people forget just how athletic Gabbert was coming out of Missouri -- and have kind of similar crash-and-burn career paths.
Gabbert might be the higher-floor option at this point, honestly, and looked half decent running the offense for the 49ers at times in 2015. Getting the ball out quick and making smart decisions is tantamount in Kelly's offense and Gabbert might be a nice fit there.
Kaepernick's ceiling is clearly higher, but he struggles with anticipation and accuracy and has never displayed any real sort of touch as a passer.
But maybe Kelly is onto something despite the differences. Both guys have significant holes in their games but can make up for some of their issues by utilizing their athleticism.
And the really good news for Kelly in this -- aside from not getting pressured to make a call during the offseason because of Kaepernick's health? He can likely move fairly seamlessly between the two when operating an offense.
