The Next Franchise Quarterback of the Washington Redskins Is...

When the NFL Draft arrives in late April, the Washington Redskins will be looking to add the most important part of every NFL team, a Franchise Quarterback.

The Redskins have not had a franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann led Washington to their first Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins in 1983.

Success in the NFL is hard to come by without a franchise quarterback.

The quarterback class of 2011 has four potential first round picks that could fill this major need for the Washington Redskins and Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

Missouri Quarterback Blaine Gabbert

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

Blaine Gabbert from Missouri brings size, accuracy and great ability when it comes to knowledge of offensive and defensive schemes, but is not the most gifted athlete of the group.

The quick decision making of Gabbert is very impressive, and he has the confidence that the great ones usually possess.

If you want a pro style passer who can make all the throws with great accuracy, is fleet enough to avoid pressure, and makes smart decisions Gabbert is your guy.

Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers scrambles against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Get

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is the most physically gifted and athletic signal caller to come along in quite some time.

He is big and has a cannon for an arm, and takes off downfield when plays break down instead of waiting for receivers to get open. He has a dynamic personality and a large fan following that lends to being the face of an NFL franchise.

The red flags on Newton are off-field issues and lack of experience in a pro style offense.

If you want to sell tickets and roll the dice on potential Newton is your guy.

Washington Quarterback Jake Locker

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies looks to pass the ball during game against the California Bears on December 5, 2009 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Bears 42-10. (Photo by Otto

Washington senior Jake Locker is the fastest of the group, throws well on the run, and excels at the mid to long range game. He did well in the interview process at the NFL combine and has run a pro style offense for the Huskies.

The question concerning Locker is his passing accuracy. Locker avoided costly turnovers and big yardage losses as he matured by throwing balls out of bounds, lowering his completion percentage.

If you like a smart, athletic passer that can throw out of the pocket, Locker is your guy.

Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallett

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

Arkansas signal caller Ryan Mallett is a throwback to the days of Dan Marino.

Here is a young man, huge in stature, with the best arm of the four prospects. He made throwing the football look effortless at the combine.

Reports have said he did well dissecting plays while in the interview rooms, which is essential to overcome his lack of mobility.

If you want the model of a pocket passer Mallett is your guy.

Who Is the Perfect Fit for the Shanahan Offense?

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ASHBURN, VA - AUGUST 06: Head Coach Mike Shanahan (R) of the Washington Redskins talks with his son Kyle Shanahan (L) offensive coordinator for the team during Redskins training camp on August 6, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Im

Which of these quarterbacks is the best fit for the Washington Redskins?

In Mike and Kyle Shanahan's offense, you need a quarterback who has the ability to throw on the run. They like to stretch the pocket and give the quarterback options downfield.

Your leader also needs to be able to throw the deep ball on occasion, hit backs and tight ends on dump routes and take off downfield if everything breaks down.

The Redskins are hoping to find the perfect fit when they use their first round pick this April on one of these talented young men. With this wish list of abilities I think the best fit for the offense and the next Washington Redskins Franchise Quarterback will be …

The Next Franchise Quarterback of the Washington Redskins Is...

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LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies celebrates after the game with the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Washington won 32-31. (Photo by Stephen D

Jake Locker

He is very athletic, but uses his athleticism as a last resort. He reads defenses very well, can make all the throws that an NFL passer needs to make, and has experience in a pro style offense. He has matured in four seasons with the Huskies and values possession of the ball and field position, critical in the NFL.

I think Mike Shanahan has been impressed with Locker since last season and would have used the fourth overall pick in the draft last year on Locker had he come out of school early.

I feel the Skins will look at Locker as a steal at number 10 or if they are able to trade down a few spots and gather extra picks in the draft.

The arrival of Jake Locker will be the Dawn of a New Era and a return to greatness for the Washington Redskins football franchise and its loyal fans.