Jake Locker and 9 NFL First-Round Picks Who May Not Start Their Rookie Seasons

The NFL draft concluded two weeks ago, but unfortunately teams haven't had an opportunity yet to evaluate their draft picks. After all, players can't practice or even meet with their coaches until the NFL lockout has concluded. 

Regardless, fans are still excited about the 2011 season. Most fans have high expectations that their draft picks, particularly their first draft pick, will start and immediately make a contribution during the 2011 season. 

But that isn't always the case. In fact, a number of NFL rookies may not start next season...at all.

They are ranked, over the next 10 slides, from the highest draft pick to the lowest draft pick. 

32. Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers

The last pick of the first round by the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, Sherrod seems likely to replace the soon to be 35-year old Chad Clifton in a year or two.

Clifton, however, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2010) and should remain the starter for this season. After all, he is one of the top tackles in the league. 

Right tackle Bryan Bulaga was a first round draft choice in 2010 and started 12 games last season. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. 

The Packers could try switching Sherrod to guard, but he likely won't be starting at either tackle position next season. 

31. Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Pittsburgh Steelers

Heyward was one of the top college defensive ends in the country last season, but he may just be a key backup for the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.

Ziggy Hood, the team's first-round draft pick in 2009, starts on the left side. And 32-year old Brett Keisel earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season. 

Heyward may replace Keisel in a few years, but he will have to earn his playing time on one of the league's stingiest defenses.

30. Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive End, New York Jets

The highest drafted player from Temple in over 20 years, Wilkerson will play second fiddle to Shaun Ellis and Mike DeVito in 2011.

Ellis is a former Pro Bowler who is still effective. Just ask Tom Brady, who was sacked by Ellis twice in the divisional round of the postseason.

DeVito has been named the most underappreciated player on the Jets' defense and will likely remain a starter in 2011.

28. Mark Ingram, Running Back, New Orleans Saints

The Saints are pretty stacked at running back. The only problem is that they have a few good backs but no great players.

Chris Ivory went undrafted and was signed by the Saints before 2010. He led the team with 716 rushing yards last season before winding up on IR. 

Pierre Thomas, 26, and Julius Jones, 29, can still contribute. Former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, 26, may not return.

Ingram will need to earn his playing time in 2011. My prediction is that Ivory enters next season as the starter.

24. Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, New Orleans Saints

Defensive end Will Smith was been a solid starter with the New Orleans Saints for the past six seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection after the 2009 season. 

Teammate Alex Brown had a mediocre season last year, but he has one year left on a two-year contract.

Jordan will probably begin the season as a backup.

14. Robert Quinn, Defensive End, St. Louis Rams

Hall had a surprising season last year, collecting 10.5 sacks, the most of his 11-season career.

Teammate Chris Long, the No. 2 overall pick in 2008, had his best year in 2010, picking up 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Jonathan Quinn will be able to help the Rams with their pass rush, but he may be doing it from a backup role. 

12. Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Following the retirement of Brett Favre, it's no secret that the Vikings desperately need a quarterback in the 2011 season. 

Rookie Joe Webb performed well at the end of the 2010 season. But most people expect the Vikings to bring in a veteran like Donovan McNabb, who can tutor Ponder for a year or two.

10. Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars

Gabbert was predicted by some to go with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. He fell to No. 10, though.

Garrard, 33, has been the Jaguars' starting quarterback since 2007 and will probably remain the starter for the 2011 season.

However, even though he is a year removed from a Pro Bowl selection, Garrard's time in Jacksonville is coming to a close. 

8. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans

Locker was the surprise pick of the 2011 NFL draft. He was maybe one of the biggest surprise picks in NFL draft history. 

Titans owner Bud Adams announced after the season that Vince Young will not be on the team's roster for the 2011 season.

That leaves veteran Kerry Collins, 30-year old Chris Simms, and 2010 draft pick Rusty Smith as the team's quarterbacks.

I predict that Rusty Smith begins 2011 as the starting quarterback. 

1. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers

No. 1 overall draft pick in 2011? That doesn't guarantee that Newton will be the starter, at least not on Day One.

The Panthers have to decide if they're ready to give up completely on Jimmy Clausen. They also have Matt Moore, 26, who has started before.