Seattle Seahawks: Who Should They Draft To Replace Matt Hasselbeck?

Matt Hasselbeck is getting old; there's no denying that. And we all saw last weekend that Charlie Whitehurst is not the long-term—or even short-term—answer at the position.

Unless the Seahawks decide they want to try to sign Donovan McNabb in the offseason (which I wouldn't recommend), that leaves the draft.

If the season ended today, the Seahawks would have the 14th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. I expect them to finish the year with a similar draft position.

Assuming Stanford QB Andrew Luck enters the draft, he should go with the first overall pick to the Buffalo Bills. But after that, it could be a while before the next QB is taken. Therefore, the Seahawks possibly could have their choice of any other QB.

So, let's take a look at five QBs who should be on Seattle's radar come April.

5. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers attempts to elude the Nebraska Cornhusker defense during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Missou

I'm currently a student at the University of Missouri, so there's a little bias here. But, Gabbert has all the physical tools scouts look for in a quarterback.

However, he needs to play more consistently in order to be an NFL quarterback.

Also, he tends to bail out of the pocket at the first sign of trouble, something he'll have to fix if he wants to start at the next level.

Overall, though, he's a great quarterback, and the only reason I have him ranked at the bottom of this list is that there's a very strong possibility he'll return to school for his senior season.

4. Jake Locker, Washington

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4

Jake Locker's season for the Washington Huskies has been disappointing to say the least. He was supposed to play his way into the top spot of April's draft, but instead, he's played his way towards the middle of the first round.

But, after what Locker showed last year, I'm willing to chalk this season up as a fluke. Whatever team takes a chance on Locker will be rewarded with a solid NFL quarterback.

There are a couple reasons I don't have him ranked higher on this list. The big one is that if Andrew Luck returns to school, the Bills might take a chance on Locker at No. 1. The other reason is that it's possible he could be drafted somewhere in picks 10-13, even if Luck enters the draft.

3. Andy Dalton, TCU

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs looks to hand the ball off during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TCU won 48-6. (Photo by Ethan

Andy Dalton is a leader. His TCU Horned Frogs are undefeated, and Dalton is the unquestioned leader of the offense.

He's on pace to throw for the most yards and have the highest completion percentage of his college career.

He's not flashy, but he definitely gets the job done. He's got all the intangibles you can't coach, and he'd be a good fit in Seattle.

2. Christian Ponder, Florida State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to throw a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Street

Christian Ponder has the arm to be an NFL quarterback. He does need some work in the decision-making department, though.

Ponder is tough to defend because, while he won't run often, he'll run it effectively. In fact, he already has four rushing touchdowns this season for Florida State.

He's already a mature quarterback and is ready to make the leap to the NFL. Maybe that leap should be all the way across the country to Seattle.

1. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Ryan Mallett has the biggest arm in college football. He can make any throw there is to make on a football field.

Unfortunately, sometimes he can't stay healthy. He's missed some time this season for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and his injury history makes you wonder if he'll be able to stay healthy in the NFL.

But for the Seahawks, that's a chance they'd be stupid not to take this April. Because, when healthy, Mallett is the best quarterback in the 2011 draft class.

He'd be the franchise quarterback the Seahawks desperately need when Matt Hasselbeck hangs up his spikes.