Washington Redskins: Ryan Mallett, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert or Jake Locker?

Saying that the Washington Redskins roster needs help would be an understatement. With numerous holes throughout the team, head coach Mike Shanahan will have to take a long, hard look at a load of prospects before the NFL Draft in April—and it won't be easy. 

After going 6-10 in his first season with the team, Shanahan isn't necessarily under pressure, but I'm sure he understands the importance of this draft and the impact it will have on this Redskins team moving forward, not to mention his long-term goals as a coach. 

With that in mind, the quarterback position is a top priority for the Redskins front office and a popular topic amongst Redskins fans. Here's a speculative piece on the possible quarterback candidates for the Washington Redskins.

Before getting into this slideshow, we should take note as to what Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said today, with his team holding the Draft's No. 1 overall pick.

"That's the No.1 need," Hurney said regarding the quarterback position. "I think we have good players. It all starts with solidifying that spot. That's something that everybody in the league would agree with."

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

If you look at his stat sheets or see him in person, Arkansas' Ryan Mallett is a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately for Mallett and the Carolina Panthers, a franchise quarterback isn't discovered by stat sheets and a 6'6" frame. 

Probably Mallett's most impressive trait, other than his overall size, is his arm strength. If you saw the passes that are released from Mallett's hand, you'd swear they came from a cannon. In most part due to his height and ability to add trajectory, Mallett has arguably the strongest arm in this class. 

In my opinion, Mallett's weaknesses far outweigh his strengths. Mallett has poor footwork that would definitely need to improve, and his attitude is reportedly very suspect. In fact, one scout compared Mallett's character issues to those of former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell. Ouch. 

Fortunately for the Washington Redskins, they won't be faced with any tough decisions regarding Mallett because he hardly fits Shanahan's system. Mallett is not mobile, he struggles with accuracy at times, and he doesn't seem like he'd mesh very well.

Probability of Being Drafted By Washington: 2.34%

Jake Locker

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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

A little different from the last slide detailing Mallett, if you look at Locker's stat sheet and DO NOT include his senior year, he looks like a pretty solid prospect with a sure-fire shot of becoming a franchise quarterback in the NFL. 

Unfortunately for Locker, his decision to return to college for his senior campaign hurt him much more than he anticipated, and he's currently working to improve by taking part in the 2011 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. 

Locker was a young quarterback when he was thrown into the fire as a freshman at Washington. After handling the flames and holding his own, Locker earned himself a popular top five mock selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. Fortunately for Jake, his crappy senior season hasn't completely discouraged NFL scouts.

Locker has everything it takes to succeed at the next levelVan arm, mobility, knowledge, and experience. What scouts like the most, however, is Locker's intangibles. 

As far as knocks on his game, Locker sometimes struggles with accuracy (a la McNabb), and his decision-making under pressure can often times appear rushed and sporadic.

Since the beginning, Locker has been rumored to be a favorite of Mike Shanahan. All of Locker's strengths are things that fit perfectly in Shanahan's system, and his experience is a definite plus. According to most scouts, Locker is clearly the most NFL-ready quarterback in this class. 

Probability of Being Drafted By Washington: 41.7%

Blaine Gabbert

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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

From what seems to be a love affair out of nowhere, NFL scouts are on Gabbert like 13-year-old girls are on Justin Bieber. 

For a guy that comes from a schemey offense in Missouri and often struggles with his accuracy, I really can't find the justification behind the recent increase of Gabbert's draft stock. 

On the plus side, Gabbert has good size for an NFL quarterback, and his experience is well received. The downfall of Gabbert is his work ethic and junior year production. 

Redskins fans can relax with this one, as Gabbert is not a fit in Shanahan's offense. Although Shanny will like Gabbert's big arm and footwork, he won't be too fond of Gabbert's lack of mobility or his performance in the weight room.

Probability of Being Drafted By Washington: 10.05%

Cam Newton

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers looks on 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 Ronald Martinez/G

Please, don't laugh yet! Hear me out with this one. I know a majority of people are against Cam Newton suiting-up in the burgundy and gold, but it's really not that far-fetched. 

According to word whirling around the internet, the Donovan McNabb era isn't necessarily over in Washington. If Shanahan decides to retain McNabb and make him a starter next season, would he not be the best possible mentor for a young quarterback like Cam Newton? 

It's not as if I've talked to Donovan and found out if he'd enjoy being a mentor, but it sure does sound good. And for those that are quick to judge Newton because he worked from the spread in college or lacks in the footwork category, please watch the tape again. 

Newton's accuracy is extremely underrated, and his right arm could be replaced with a double-barrel cannon and you'd get similar velocity on his passes. His footwork does need improvement—as he often relies solely on his strong arm or ability to escape the pocket—but it's not a reason to ignore the guy in the first round. 

Character issues are a big negative for Newton's draft stock, and teams will pay very close attention in interviews in an attempt to figure out who the real Cam Newton is. His collegiate career was full of mistakes, but I think his image can be easily turned around and Newton could a very marketable athlete. 

Instead of comparing Newton to JaMarcus Russell, think more along the lines of Ben Roethlisberger. Newton can put the ball where only the receiver can catch it, he has blazing speed for a man his size, and he can extend a play like no one else. 

I expect Newton to blow people away at the Combine, but I still feel like he's sitting on the board when the Redskins select at No. 10. Although a project for sure, Shanahan will love Newton's big arm, athleticism, mobility, and his ability to be a playmaker.

Probability of Being Drafted By Washington: 45.91% ( my favorite )