Scouting Report: Locker certainly looks the part of an NFL franchise quarterback. He's got nice size, while not being so tall his footwork suffers. He's got great mechanics on his throws and does a very good job throwing on the run. But on the other side, Locker has some shortcomings to his game, that seem to show up more in some games, and less in others. He doesn't make great reads often locking onto wide outs, and his arm strength isn't where it needs to be. He doesn't put a lot of zip on his passes and is late making his throws, not showing good anticipation. Locker has a ton of upside that you can see in flashes during the season, and you have to think given time, he can become a great quarterback. This is really only Locker's first year in a pro style offense after playing the spread for his entire career, so you can see he's a work in progress.
Draft Status: If you want to know what I think his draft status is a top ten pick in the 2011 draft. This year, I think his athleticism and potential will make him a first round pick, but I don't think he should declare at all. At the start of the year, many pundits jumped on his bandwagon(I never did) and declared him the number one overall pick, but his game has regressed to the point, I can't see a scenario that he declares this year. Another year in that system will show whether or not he has the NFL potential he seems to display at times. Having said all that, if he bounces to the NFL next year, some team will fall in love with him in shorts and take him early, and then wonder how long it'll be until he is ready to play.
Final Analysis: I think Locker has a lot of the pieces that make a great NFL quarterback. His size, ability to escape the pocket, extend the play are huge pluses for him. He shows excellent poise and leadership and the ability to win with very little talent around him. But in terms of the basic fundamentals of the game, he's still behind some of the other quarterbacks in this draft. Faster reads, smarter reads, and working through his progressions needs work. And he has to get stronger. His short/medium throws need more heat on them and he must anticipate better.
Reminds me of: Kellen Clemmens, QB New York Jets-I do think Locker is going to be a much better player in the NFL than Clemmens, especially if he gets another year of college, but if you look at their skill sets in college both are very similar players. Clemmens never got a chance to work in a pro style offense in college and that really stunted his development. Locker has a chance to come back for a second year with coaches who've groomed NFL players and it would really help unleash the potential he has.
