Next up in our evaluation of the signal-callers the Tennessee Titans may consider selecting in this month’s NFL Draft is former Washington Huskie Jake Locker.
Locker has emerged as the enigma of this year’s QB draft class. Lauded for his combination of size, arm strength and athleticism that’s reminiscent of John Elway and criticized due to his Jake Plummer-esque accuracy issues, Locker’s draft stock has been all over the place over the course of the last few months.
Is Locker a bust-in-waiting, or a diamond in the rough? The Tennessee Titans could be willing to find out the answer to that question, whether it’s in the first round or the second.
Why the Titans should draft him
Elementary, my dear Watson…he’s one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks you’ll ever see. He has the size, the arm strength and for the proverbial icing on the cake, happens to own an impressive 4.5 time in the forty-yard dash.
Once upon a time, Locker was considered the 2011 NFL Draft’s #1 overall pick. Unfortunately for Locker, his performance in 2010 was a bit of a let-down, which ushered in the free-fall of his draft stock as we approach April’s Draft.
Considering his blue-chip talent, new offensive coordinator Chris Palmer may be willing to take a chance on developing Locker while coaching him up to reach his lofty potential.
Why the Titans should pass
Despite his elite skill-set, Locker’s considered a bit of a project due to the weaknesses of his game.
His aforementioned accuracy issues have been attributed to his terrible footwork. He’s also often displayed the maddening tendency of staring down his intended receivers, which can lead to interceptions by the bunches on the pro level.
Verdict
I’d be ecstatic if the Titans had the chance to draft Locker in the second round, but thanks to his recent pro day, there’s still a solid chance that Locker will be selected in the first round.
Speaking of the first round, if the Titans were to take a gamble and select Locker at pick #8, there would be an explosion on this site, similar to what happened in 2008 when a running back named Chris Johnson was drafted.
In that scenario, hopefully, “reaching” for Locker would yield the same results.
Your turn, audience…Should the Titans do the seemingly unthinkable and consider Locker at #8? If he’s still around, should the Titans pull the trigger and select him at pick #39?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
