Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said he feels good about the plan to sit Blake Bortles during his rookie season, emphasizing the team's goal of allowing the young quarterback to develop and learn behind starter Chad Henne.
Bradley explained the Jaguars' strategy for their quarterbacks in 2014 during an interview Tuesday with the NFL Network.
Henne, who started 13 games for Jacksonville last season, signed a two-year, $8 million deal to return to the Jaguars in March. Two months later, the Jaguars took Bortles with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft in what was widely regarded as one of the surprise selections of the first round.
"We really felt comfortable with [Henne] coming back with another year in the system," Bradley said Tuesday. "I think it gave us flexibility. When Blake was there available for us, we really wanted to capture that opportunity."
Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell, in an interview two weeks ago with ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike," said his plan was to wait until 2015 to start Bortles. Bradley reiterated that sentiment on Tuesday.
"We do feel good about where Blake's at, but we feel like this time that he has under Chad, a year to develop, will be really good for him in the end result," Bradley said. "So our plan is to stay really strong with this."
Bortles worked out with the Jaguars this past weekend at the team's rookie minicamp, which drew a record attendance. Bortles and Bradley both raved about the unexpected turnout, saying that the fan enthusiasm was "awesome" and "exciting."
ESPN.com Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco contributed to this report.