2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Landing Spots for Jake Locker
Washington quarterback Jake Locker is expected to go in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Just exactly when and where remains a mystery, but opinions vary about the Huskies star, who completed 55 percent of his passes for 2,265 yards and 17 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He also rushed for six touchdowns and 385 yards.
A recent blog post by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer included comments from NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock, who said Locker still has first-round ability.
"Last year at this time everyone wanted to say he'd be the No. 1 pick in the draft, and now he's an afterthought in most people's minds. I don't understand that logic," Mayock said. "He's got all the tools to be a top-level quarterback, all the physical tools. The size and the arm strength. I just question his pocket awareness. And that's where his accuracy issues come into play."
"When he moves outside the pocket, either right or left, and not just scrambling, because they did a good job with plays that moved him outside the pocket and had him throw on the run, he has good vision and is as accurate as any quarterback you'll see. But he gets into some trouble in the pocket, seeing the field, and that's where his accuracy breaks down. I'm really excited to see him at the Senior Bowl (in two weeks) and see him working with other receivers. To me he's got first-round ability. But I just need to get more comfortable with him, and his pocket awareness."
Is he better than Ryan Mallett of Arkansas? Will Cam Newton leapfrog him?
Here are the 10 likeliest teams who will take a shot at Locker:
10. Washington
1 of 10
The Redskins have the 10th overall pick, and chances are Donovan McNabb won't be around. Rex Grossman filled in at the end, but he's not a long-term answer, leaving Washington with the need to find a franchise quarterback. There are reports, though, that coach Mike Shanahan may have his eyes set on Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
9. Buffalo
2 of 10
Is Ryan Fitzpatrick the answer for the Bills? He's shown glimpses of his talent, but next year could be a make-or-break season for him. Buffalo has the third overall pick, but I think they could address even bigger needs on their defensive line or at cornerback.
8. Seattle
3 of 10
Pete Carroll has said this week it will be a priority for the Seahawks to resign quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. But he's 35, and the team will need a replacement once he retires. Carroll would also be familiar with Locker from his time coaching at USC.
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7. Cincinnati
4 of 10
How much longer will the Carson Palmer era continue?
Marvin Lewis said Palmer remains his starter, but the Bengals will have the fourth overall pick. I suppose Cincinnati could go for Locker, but I'd bet that the Bengals go after a wide receiver or defensive end.
This team has way bigger problems than quarterback.
6. Tennessee
5 of 10
The Vince Young era is done, and coach Jeff Fisher remains. The Titans have the eighth pick, and quarterback is an area of need. Like the Seahawks, however, they have more pressing needs and could get a quality starter in free agency (see Kevin Kolb, for example).
This team isn't lightyears away from the playoffs and could get back next year with the right quarterback.
5. Jacksonville
6 of 10
This isn't an indictment of David Garrard or his talent. He can put up the numbers, but the question is: Can he get you only so far?
The Jaguars have the 16th pick, but chances are low Locker will still be around.
4. Arizona
7 of 10
I still find it hilarious that some Cardinals fans suggested to me that third-stringer John Skelton (pictured) is the answer at quarterback. Derek Anderson and Max Hall have also had shots and haven't taken over, but if Donovan McNabb leaves Washington, my guess is he will head here.
3. San Francisco
8 of 10
The 49ers have the seventh overall pick, and they definitely need someone to replace Alex Smith and Troy Smith. It will be interesting to see if new coach Jim Harbaugh goes with Locker, who he saw plenty while coaching at Stanford or picks Mallett, who is more suited for a pro-style offense.
2. Miami
9 of 10
The Dolphins have the 15th pick and could elect to replace Chad Henne, but they also need a playmaker at running back. Sorry, but Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams aren't the answer. I'd go for Mark Ingram or Noel Devine at this spot and hold my head high.
1. Minnesota
10 of 10
It could be another potential landing spot for McNabb, but the Vikings are the one team listed consistently with taking Locker at the 12th pick, which would be an upgrade over Tavaris Jackson (pictured) and Joe Webb.
He would be surrounded by playmakers like Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson and could be mentored by Leslie Frazier, who will be in his first full year as Minnesota's head coach.
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