Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert held a private workout with the Arizona Cardinals at his school Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The Cardinals own the fifth overall pick in next month's NFL draft and are considered to be in the market for a quarterback after fielding three different starters -- Derek Anderson, Max Hall and John Skelton -- during a 5-11 season.
The Cardinals' official website reported that team owner Bill Bidwill, president Michael Bidwill, general manager Rod Graves, coach Ken Whisenhunt and director of player personnel Steve Keim flew to Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday after attending the NFL Annual Meeting in New Orleans. They had dinner Tuesday night with Gabbert, then worked him out Wednesday morning.
The Carolina Panthers, who pick first, had a private workout with Gabbert last weekend, NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi reported. The Buffalo Bills, who pick third, had dinner with him the night before Missouri's pro day.
Gabbert had a strong performance in front of 125 scouts at the March 17 pro day. He threw 50 passes, demonstrating good accuracy and athleticism.
Gabbert, the top quarterback on NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock's draft board, ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, a 4.26-second short shuttle and a 6.84-second 3-cone drill at last month's NFL Scouting Combine. He recorded a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump.
In three seasons at Missouri -- two as a starter -- Gabbert threw for 6,882 yards and 40 touchdowns. Last season, he passed for 3,186 yards and 16 TDs and added 232 yards and five scores on the ground.
