The New Top Dog: Jimmy Clausen or Jake Locker?

Boy how things have changed. Before the 2009 college season, the discussion for top QB for the 2010 draft was dominated most by Sam Bradford, Jevan Snead, and Colt McCoy. Now that we are seven weeks in, none of these guys are in the discussion for top QB prospect for 2010.

Taking advantage of his opportunity, you have Jake Locker upsetting the vaunted USC Trojans, and the publicity skyrocketed for this well kept Pacific Northwest secret. Then you have Jimmy Clausen, the Golden Boy, making the most of his top receiving targets and being arguably the most efficient QB in the nation. With that being said, who ultimately is the top dog? Let's take a stroll down the boardwalk and find out shall we...

Jake Locker

Statistics

2007: 155-328, 47.3%, 2062 yards, 14 TDs, 15 INTs
Rushing: 172 att, 986 yds, 13 TDs (Pac-10 Freshman of the Year)

2008 (4 games): 50-93, 53.8%, 512 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Rushing: 56 att, 180 yds, 3 TDs  

2009: 113-198, 57.1%, 1423 yards, 19 TDs, 4 INTs 
Rushing: 60 att, 199 yds, 4 TDs

Positives

• Above-Average Arm Strength
• Mobile QB who can escape pressure
• Makes smart decisions
• Made strides getting better each season

Negatives

• Average Accuracy
• Gives up on plays a little too early sometimes
• First season having success throwing the ball

Overall: Jake Locker is certainly a guy who can develop into a franchise passer for an NFL team. He does need to learn being a passer rather then a runner/passer. He has made great strides this year to do-so, but this being the first season of him doing that can be a bit risky. He can escape pressure and make plays with his legs. He is a hard worker and very coachable.

Jimmy Clausen

Statistics

2007: 138-245, 56.3%, 1254 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs

2008: 268-440, 60.9%, 3172 yards 25 TDs, 17 INTs

2009: 100-148, 67.6%, 1544 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs

Positives

• Great accuracy
• Above-Average arm strength
• Pocket Passer style
• Improved his efficiency each season

Negatives

• First season of not disappearing in big games
• First season of limiting interceptions
• Lack of mobility (before the toe injury)

Overall: Jimmy Clausen has made great strides every season as well. He showed his dedication to improving in the offseason by housing his top three receiving targets for the summer so they could work together. Should be able to translate easily into an NFL offense. A very strong pocket passer, which always proves to be best in the NFL. Has played big in close games all season long.

My Choice: When reviewing both of these quarterbacks, there is one trend that sticks out the most to me. Jimmy Clausen's completion percentage. He is really becoming a legitimate pocket passer and the tools he has as a passer are further along then that of Locker.

On the other hand Locker has the mobility on his side and his passing isn't too shabby either. He should be able to keep plays alive and make plays with his feet at the next level. However when it comes down to it, I want the guy who can excel by just being a passer. Jimmy Clausen, I choose you.

There you have it, my choice for top dog in the 2010 NFL Draft. What's yours?!