Back in our RRF days, I think we debated this lol. I like to think I was ahead of the curve when it came to this player, kind of like you with Bortles. I have said in another post I get how people overate the backups sometimes. Heck look how everyone is on the Hundley band wagon now. He had 2 amazing preseason games against 2 teams that dont play defense but I would agree he looks like a player teams may have missed on.
That being said, Garoppolo also had an amazing preseason and there was some pressure to perform because at that time Brady was suspended for 4 games. Kid was 61-80, 554 yards, 2 TDs and 2 picks. 76.2% completion percentage. His velocity is fine right now, would even say its a strength now. As for handling pressure, I wouldnt call it a weakness but there is room for him to grow there. He can manipulate the pocket when it is collapsing, again he can still improve but not sure I would call it a weakness.
Typically when he is forced to to hold the ball beyond his first read its because someone missed an assignment. That offense is based on LOS reads. When he and the receiver make the same read its will always look smooth, when an assignment is missed he needs to look off and its only a 3 step drop so there are bodies at the feet of the QB, so that can make any QB look awkward. He is still able to step back and wait for 2nd and 3rd reads. Its the same for Brady on those 3 step drops. When they call for traditional 5-7 step drops he excels beyond his first read.
All this being said, I would love the Rams to get him. To me he is far and away the best QB on this roster. It would probably require a 2nd rounder this year. I know locally they are saying the Pats "want" a 1st rounder next year. They are also trying to gain picks for next year so you might be able to package a 3rd this year as well as a 2nd next, something like that.
