The emergence of Jake Locker as a pro prospect

by Mocking Dan on Oct 20, 2009 11:22 AM EDT in 2010 NFL Draft Comment 9 comments

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

The prevalent NFL Draft story this season has been the emergence of Washington junior quarterback Jake Locker.

He was an intriguing prospect entering the season but was injured throughout most of 2008.

So when this season began, he was behind the likes of Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen and Mississippi's Jevan Snead. With Bradford's health being a question and Snead struggling, both Clausen and Locker have become the top junior quarterback prospects in the nation.

For now, Locker gets the edge because he's bigger, more athletic and has far less to work with in Seattle.

ESPN senior NFL writer Chris Mortensen reported on his Twitter page that one of the teams that could be looking for a quarterback has Locker tops on their early draft board.

The emergence of Locker has strongly coincided with Washington's hire of head coach Steve Sarkisian. The former Southern California offensive coordinator installed a pro-style offense that Locker has done well in.

Locker has also been working closely with Steve Clarkson, one of the top quarterback backs in the nation. Clarkson has mentored Ben Roethlisberger, Clausen and Matt Leinart, among others.

Clarkson shortened Locker's throwing motion, making it more compact and quick. Locker has also learned to scan more of the field.

"Every NFL guy I know says Locker's intangibles are off the chart positive," Mortensen tweeted.

Add that to 4.4 40-yard dash speed, amazing arm strength and a growing 6-foot-3 frame, and you've got a budding prospect who could go No. 1 overall.

Southern California head coach Pete Carroll said Locker was the best quarterback his team has ever played against. That includes Aaron Rodgers and great college quarterbacks Vince Young and Dennis Dixon. Notre Dame's Charlie Weis called him "a front-line quarterback," who can make the tough throws.

Those tough throws were evident against USC. In a 16-13 upset over the Trojans, Locker completed 60 percent of his passes, throwing for 237 yards. Locker looked poised and displayed his leadership skills nicely.

Still, Locker has plenty of room to improve. He's only completing 57 percent of his passes this season and has thrown six interceptions to 11 touchdowns. He also still has a tendency to take off and run too soon.

Those problems can also be attributed to a surrounding cast with marginal talent. And given the improvement under Clarkson, Locker clearly has the mental fortitude to better himself through coaching.

Locker has six games to prove himself this season, including contests against UCLA and California. Both of those teams have solid pass defenses and NFL-caliber cornerbacks.

Washington's next game, Saturday afternoon against No. 11 Oregon, will be broadcast on ESPN360.com.

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Unless he goes to the Seahawks,

I hope he stays another year.

by LantermanC on Oct 20, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Personally, I'm not jumping on the Locker bandwagon just yet

And I stress “just yet”….I think if he returns for his senior season, he could end up being one of the best QB prospects in a LONG time in 2011.

But, the NFL draft, and the first round especially is all about bandwagon jumping and I’m sure if he comes out this year, he’ll be taken in the top 15. If I’m a GM, I’m waiting to see what he does the rest of the year, though.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Oct 20, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why do you think he will be a better prospect if he stays until 2011?

I can see from the NFL’s perspective that two straight years of outstanding production will minimize the fears of him being a “one year wonder” but outside of that Locker will not help himself by playing another year at Washington.

If he goes in 2010 and continues with his current performance, he will be one of the top three QBs taken and will probably go in the first ten picks. There are numerous NFL teams that will push the negatives aside and focus on the positives and his potential.

by NorthLeft12 on Oct 21, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

as a Rams fan

my gaze has moved from Bradford, to McCoy and now focuses clearly on Locker.

Needless to say, I’m obsessed.

Big guy, big arm, fast with a terrible offense around him? Sounds like next year on the Rams might not be much different than this year.

Future Redbirds! www.futureredbirds.net
Rams Gab! www.ramsgab.com

by jroman on Oct 20, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is a Seattleite's worst fear.

Our own Jake Locker, forgoes his senior year at UW to go to a division rival.

by LantermanC on Oct 20, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bradford

As a rams fan I hope he learned his lesson from Bradford and enters the draft while he is hot.

Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler

by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 21, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When the season started I did not expect Locker to come out, but now it almost seems silly not to. Given what happened to Bradford this year, you see the dangers of staying that extra year in college. I think this year’s QB class is very deep with Clausen, Bradford, McCoy, Mallett, Snead… and someone will take Tebow. Even so, Locker is being discussed as a top 10 pick. I think Locker is probably a Ram this time next year.

by invisibulman on Oct 21, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1. Locker and Clausen are both 6’3
2. When I see watch both of them Locker’s arm isnt much stronger than Clausens, but maybe that just my opinion
3. You say that he is better because he has far less to work with. You still have to remember that Clausen has been outperforming him.
4. If Duval Kamara wouldnt have slipped on his route, Clausen’s pass would have been right at him on the last play of the USC game. That would have given him ANOTHER clutch performance

by TheRealSlimShady on Oct 23, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs