NFL Draft 2011: Jake Locker and 10 Teams That Could Draft Him
Aside from Cam Newton, who seemingly came out of nowhere to become the most scrutinized QB in the draft, Jake Locker is perhaps the most enigmatic prospect.
For Newton, who stepped into the national spotlight out of junior college, to even be in consideration for the first overall pick is almost as shocking as Jake Locker's quick drop.
After all, this is the same Locker who many draft experts tabbed as a top-five 2011 draft pick. In April of 2010, draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. went so far as to say the following:
"If you had to ask me right now who is going to be the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, I would say it's etched in stone it's going to be Jake Locker," Kiper said. "You can mark that down. Jake Locker, if he's not the No. 1 pick, it's an upset." (Mel Kiper Jr. as quoted in the Seattle Times).
What a difference a year makes. So who is Locker? Is he a Donovan McNabb clone? A bigger Eric Crouch? Will he redefine the position? Or will he be an athletic backup a la Drew Stanton? Is it possible that he will just be another intriguing Pac-10 prospect who will flame out, a la Joey Harrington and Matt Leinart?
Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian does not believe so and even went so far as to say that Locker is better than all the quarterbacks he coached at USC, including Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
Despite these past high praises, it's quite certain that many scouts and teams still don't know what to make of Locker, and what's worse is that they aren't investing a lot of effort in finding out more about him.
In fact, only one NFL head coach managed to take the time to attend Locker's pro day, and that was Pete Carroll, who may have taken the wrong exit on his way to work and ended up there by accident. Whatever the case may be, here are 10 teams that could draft the former Huskies star, ranked in order of least likely to most likely.
No. 10: Philadelphia Eagles
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I know what you're thinking. The only way Andy Reid does this is if he has lost his mind. Well, also keep in mind Reid's history of collecting quarterbacks while having other steady options in place. Basically, he's like a chef at a quarterback buffet. Perhaps he does this to give fans and the media something else to focus on while he works to patch the various holes that can arise on his team.
Current QBs
Mike Vick, Kevin Kolb, Mike Kafka
Why They Could Draft Locker
With the status of Kevin Kolb being an uncertainty at this point, and the team showing a reluctance to make a long-term commitment to Vick, this seems like the perfect opportunity for the Eagles. They could jettison Kolb, stockpile picks and develop another young quarterback. Even more intriguing is that Locker compares favorably to a young McNabb and would likely be able to win over Philly fans with his toughness, athletic ability and affable personality.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Because he struggles with accuracy, like McNabb, and may not be the best fit for their offense. Also, the Eagles already have two starting-caliber quarterbacks still in their primes. They also have significant needs on the defensive side of the ball and along the offensive line, where Reid tends to try to focus early in the draft.
Likely Selection Area
If Locker falls to the early second round or late first and the Eagles have already moved Kolb, both big ifs, Reid and the Eagles may swoop in and make a move.
No. 9: Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals need a change in culture and a new leader at the top of the QB depth chart. It is possible that they make a move to trade Carson Palmer and then select a signal-caller early in the second round. With many needs to fill, and with both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert off the board, it's possible that they can trade down from the fourth slot and take Locker later in the first round as well.
Current QBs
Carson Palmer, Jordan Palmer
Why They Could Draft Locker
Well, their quarterback just made an ultimatum that if they didn't get him off the same team as his little brother, then he would retire.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
It could be argued that if they trade Palmer and go with a rookie, it's officially the start of another rebuild. With a team that is primed to make a rise, this could be seen unfavorably. The talent is there for this team, and the Bengals are just a couple of breaks and a solid quarterback away from a good shot at a run in a tough division.
Due to their big-time need for a playmaking receiver or a stud defensive lineman, it could be hard to get the team to buy into drafting a QB who isn't a surefire blue-chip signal-caller. I see them going with a veteran at least this year and making a serious run at Matt Barkley or Andrew Luck next year.
Likely Selection Area
Second round, 35th overall
No. 8: Indianapolis Colts
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I know it's hard to believe, or maybe not, but Peyton Manning will be 35 years old this season. Wasn't he born an NFL quarterback? Anyway, he also just had twins, and after two disappointing finishes in back-to-back seasons, perhaps he'll do the unthinkable and retire before breaking all of Brett Favre's records. The verdict is still out as to whether or not he will try to nab some of his Wrangler commercial spots, too.
Current QBs
Peyton Manning, Curtis Painter
Why They Could Draft Locker
Locker presents the Colts with the opportunity to develop a new identity in the post Manning era. In the run-and-shoot AFC South, it seems his style of quarterbacking would fit right in with the division. Like smart teams do, I am sure the Colts know that the best time to groom a new franchise quarterback is before your old one is entirely washed up.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Two words: Peyton Manning. I will give Manning the benefit of the doubt when it comes to graciousness, but no quarterback likes to feel pressured to call it quits, especially legends. A move like this could send shock waves through the organization and cause dissension in the locker room and amongst fans.
After all, since 1998 the Colts have hired whatever towel boy or history teacher they could find to fill a uniform as a backup quarterback, and anyone who could pose a serious threat to a declining Manning would put him in the uncomfortable and unprecedented position of being challenged for his starting position.
Likely Selection Area
If the Colts make this move, it is likely that it would happen 53rd overall, if and only if Locker falls that far. I do not see them trading around to make him their guy.
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No. 7: Miami Dolphins
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I will be brief with this one, as it is painful to write about replacing a former Wolverine with a Husky of all things. Better than a Buckeye at least, but still... Simply put, Chad Henne played like he was shell-shocked last year, and there are major questions as to whether or not he is a long-term solution at the position anymore.
Current QBs
Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen
Why They Could Draft Locker
Henne is not getting the job done. Perhaps a boost in competition is what he needs to turn it around. If it does not spark Henne, perhaps the Dolphins have found themselves a new starter in the recently-drafted Locker.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
The Dolphins want a quarterback who will bring the sizzle back to Miami or, more importantly, a proven commodity. After trying and failing in the draft recently, maybe they go back to the free-agent bin to find a less risky young QB who will be on the market eventually.
Likely Selection Area
If they do pick Locker, perhaps they shock the world again and bypass Mark Ingram to nab Jake with the 15th overall pick.
No. 6: San Francisco 49ers
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Any bets as to whether or not Jim Harbaugh would have signed with the Panthers if he knew for sure that Andrew Luck was coming out for the draft? Things do not look so perky for Harbaugh in San Francisco, as the 49ers are trying to shake off the sting of watching the last QB they debated selecting with a top-10 pick win a Super Bowl. All this is happening while their own guy is fighting for the right to tie his own shoelaces.
Current QBs
David Carr
Why They Could Draft Locker
As of today, David Carr is the only quarterback under contract for next season. Unless Jim Harbaugh can resurrect him in a way that has perhaps never been seen in NFL history, this position is of the utmost importance.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
At the seventh spot, missing on Locker would be dreadful and set the franchise back even further.
Likely Selection Area
If they grab Locker, it's because he fell to them at the 45th spot.
No. 5: Washington Redskins
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Yes, Mike Shanahan is still looking for a way out of McNabb-gate. He is also still looking for the answer at quarterback.
Current QBs
Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, John Beck
Why They Could Draft Locker
Because none of these guys are who they want as the starter next season.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Because he has the same shortcomings as McNabb and also the same strengths. For his sake and theirs, they should pass on the passer.
Likely Selection Area
If they pick Locker, it could be with their first pick at No. 10 overall. I have seen several mock drafts with Locker slotted here.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans
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New head coach Mike Munchak must be thinking: What did I get myself into? When a guy who has been at the job for over 15 years gets replaced, usually the next guy has a big mess on his hands.
Current QBs
Kerry Collins, Rusty Smith
Why They Could Draft Locker
If you remember the Titans, no pun intended, from last year, you know they need some serious help at the QB position. After yo-yoing between Vince Young and Kerry Collins for the past several seasons, it's time for some stability at the position moving forward under their new leadership.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Locker struggles with accuracy, a la Vince Young, and could get banged up running around, a la Young. Bringing him into the fold would take a commitment on the team's part to adapt their game plan towards one that suits Locker and puts more pressure on star running back Chris Johnson to perform.
Likely Selection Area
The eighth overall selection would surprise many, as it is expected that at least one of the two elite quarterback prospects could be had here instead.
No. 3: Seattle Seahawks
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I know what you're thinking: Hometown hero to hometown team. Heck, he can even keep his college apartment and save up for some nice digs off Puget Sound. Pete Carroll will talk to buddy Steve Sarkisian, and this will be a done deal.
Current QBs
Matt Hasselback, Charlie Whitehurst
Why They Could Draft Locker
When you look at their other options, you can see that an upgrade is desperately needed. Hasselback played out of his mind in the playoffs and perhaps should have hung them up after that. Picking a new QB would give Carroll the chance to start a new era in Seattle, after one that has been bittersweet.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Hometown heroes hardly ever work out. They sell some tickets, but it becomes very awkward when that hometown hero fails his city in a big way, like former Detroit Lion Charles Rogers did in Detroit. The pressure and added expectations are a lot to deal with, aside from the challenges that a rookie and playing quarterback in the NFL already goes through, and, for the most part, they are not really worth it.
Likely Selection Area
Another mock draft favorite. If he slides past the Redskins, many mocks have him going here at the 25th overall spot in the first round.
No. 2: Minnesota Vikings
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No, that is not Jake Locker sitting with Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, but it is a guy who looks eerily similar to him. Now that the Brett Favre era in Minnesota is allegedly coming to an end, Minnesota is hot to find a new quarterback that will be there long term.
Current QB's
Joe Webb, Rhett Bomar
Why They Could Draft Locker
Joe Webb was originally signed to be a wideout and Rhett Bomar is, oh wait, who is he again? In high school he looked pretty special, but that was in 2004.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
Locker and Webb both struggle with accuracy and are very similar players at similar stages of their careers. So to justify one over the other is a hard sell. If it's between Webb and Locker, it'd be better to stick with Webb and fill in other positions.
Likely Selection Area
Some mocks have a QB tabbed to the Vikings with the 12th overall pick. For some sad reason, I can see that happening.
No. 1: Dallas Cowboys
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Yes, Jerry Jones is ballsy enough to make a move like this. What has he got to lose? After all, he has Tony Romo in place, but even though he is the starter, Jones has to have become decreasingly enamored with him, his injuries and lack of playoff success.
Current QBs
Tony Romo, Jon Kitna
Why They Could Draft Locker
Tony Romo is going to be 31 years old on opening day, and Kitna is going to be 38. This position has all the experience in the world, but unless Romo regains his three-time Pro Bowler form, it could be another sad year in Big D.
Jerry Jones has already chatted up Cam Newton. Perhaps he will not get a shot at him, but the athletically similar Locker is a nice consolation prize.
Why They Shouldn't Draft Locker
They have significant needs at other positions, especially in the secondary. Tony Romo is in his prime and this could be seen as a slight to him, which would literally add insult to injury. However, the signs do point to Romo not being in the Cowboys' long-term plans if he can't turn regular-season success into postseason victories.
Likely Selection Area
The Cowboys will make a splash early and use their ninth overall pick to grab Locker, making him the third QB taken in the draft.
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