Gabbert throws for NFL coaches, scouts

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Six coaches, several general managers and a Hall of Fame passer turned front-office executive joined scouts from each of the 32 NFL teams to watch former Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert as he worked out with a chance to be the No. 1 selection in April's draft.

The crowd at Missouri's pro day Thursday included Denver Broncos vice president John Elway and coach John Fox, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee coach Mike Munchak.

The Carolina Panthers, who have the draft's top choice, sent several representatives. Coach Ron Rivera was scheduled to attend but did not.

Gabbert is a certain first-round pick and hopes to be the first quarterback chosen in the April 28 draft ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, Washington's Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. Some draft analysts project him as the overall top pick.

Gabbert, who is leaving Missouri following his junior year, said he embraces the prospect of being a top pick. He's represented by agent Tom Condon, whose QB clients include former first-round picks Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, Matt Stafford and Sam Bradford.

Bradford was selected as the top overall draft choice in 2010 by the St. Louis Rams, and, like Gabbert, was a quarterback who had to convince scouts he could transition from throwing out of the shotgun in a college spread offense to taking snaps under center.

Gabbert chose not to throw at the Indianapolis combine in late February, making Thursday's showcase even more important for the NFL talent evaluators.

"This is fun," Gabbert told a throng of reporters after his workout. "I'm going to be happy with whoever picks me."

Gabbert completed 44 of 49 throws in a scripted sequence laid out by private quarterbacks coach Terry Shea. The script included hitch passes, fades, deep outs, five- and seven-step drops, rollouts to his left side and more. His receivers were a makeshift cast of four small-college, draft-eligible players whom Gabbert had to rely on thanks to restrictions under the NFL lockout.

The receiving corps, from Division II schools Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri State and Lindenwood of the NAIA, had three drops.

Not all the NFL contingent came to see Gabbert. Defensive end Aldon Smith, also projected as a first-round pick, impressed scouts with his athletic ability and agility. Center Tim Barnes is also expected to be chosen in the draft.

Shea said that he doesn't expect Gabbert to wait long before hearing his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL Draft.

"I see him as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft," Shea said. "I remember the journey we traveled last year with Bradford. When I first met Sam, the Rams were talking nothing but two great defensive tackles. By the time it was over, Sam Bradford was the No. 1 pick. Blaine Gabbert is in that same class."