By Rob StatonBe prepared for the inescapable this year. As much as Tim Tebow's NFL future was an on-going saga throughout last year, Jake Locker is likely to receive the same amount of attention (at least in Seattle). In fairness to the Huskies quarterback, he's been strictly matter of fact with regard to his mind-set - he wants to win with Washington and let the NFL situation play out as it will. Stewart Mandel reviews the situation in this article, which samples Locker's potential as a future #1 pick and looks at his decision not to declare for this year's draft.
9 comments:
Rob, I was looking over the NFL teams and the QB slots are getting pretty full. The only team that I think is very likely to select a round one QB is Buffalo. The other possible teams are: Kansas City, Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville and Miami. Every other team already has a playoff level QB, or an heir apparent. If Seattle has a down year and therefore will be looking at Locker, the only team they may have to seriously compete with is the Bills. The Seahawks must get Whitehurst on the field this season so they can decide if he has the right stuff to take them to a championship. Let's hope he does, but if not, the Seahawks have a pretty good shot at putting together a deal for Locker.
Of course, Locker will have to prove he's worth the pick. As we saw this time last year with Jevan Snead - potential doesn't always follow through. Locker won't bomb like Snead, but he can also drop away from the 'top pick' discussion. We'll see how it plays out.
What are your thoughts on Christian Ponder?
I've read that he's got a high football IQ, but his arm strength is average at best.
When I saw Ponder last year, he looked decent but unspectacular. I think he's a guy that - with a really solid 2010 season - can push himself into round one contention. However - because he doesn't have the big physical tools, he has to show accuracy, touch, big numbers. Right now I'd put him in the 2-3 round range. A good year, and sky's the limit.
I like Locker, especially due to his local ties and background, but you have to look at some of the other QBs coming out next year. Take Mallet for a good example. That boy is a literal beast and has been since High school with an arm that is just shy of amazing!
I'm not knocking Locker's talents, just trying to say that if Seattle needs a new QB next year, there are a handful of really good prospects that we know will be available, I don't think it is anything we really need to get too excited about for another 9-10 months!
I have no UW ties, but have been following college football for many years, and Jake Locker is a once-in-a-generation, John-Elway-like talent. In terms of arm strenth, athleticism, speed, leadership and all the intangibles, he is off the charts. The only question about him is how accurate is his arm. That is what separates elite college arms from elite NFL QB's. If he displays a mastery of Sarkisian's offense, and shows pinpoint control during the evaluations, Locker is a lock.
Durability could be a concern with Locker, as well - from him getting knocked out a few years back against Oregon State, and then missing most of the 0-12 season with a broken finger. Probably won't be a big deal if he makes it all the way through this year unscathed.
Seattle will for sure win at least two more games than needed to draft early enough to pick Locker. Give up before you get let down, again. And also, 49rs will set the single game rushing record on Sept 12th. It's just the Seattle way. It's not my fault, don't yell at me.
If I had to mock the Seahawks right now, I'd probably have them picking 8th or 9th and taking Ryan Mallett. I don't think Locker will fall that far and Mallett seems to fit the Bates prototype fairly well. I can understand the logic of Seattle targeting a #1 WR, but QBs make WRs, not the other way around. WRs are also easier to find in FA or trade. Drafting a true #1 prospect high in the first makes sense, I just think QB makes more sense especially in such a good QB class. I expect QB to be the #1 positional consideration, unless Whitehurst/Hasselbeck shocks us all.
I don't think this elephant experiment will work, and will probably only be attempted for one year. That means drafting a prototypical 4-3 pass rush DE will be a huge need. If Quinn's stock is as high as everyone thinks it could be, and Seattle has any shot for him, I could see them making that pick too.
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