Jake Locker's Inaccuracy (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Jake Locker-QB-Player Jan. 30 - 10:07 am et

Jake Locker "rarely threw two accurate passes in a row" during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl.

Fox Sports' Adam Caplan says "if you were in attendance and watching him during the practice sessions this week, you probably gasped at his inaccuracy." Caplan still believes Locker's "outstanding intangibles" will help him go in the first half of this spring's draft, but leaves the door open for him to fall even further if he does not perform well at next month's combine. He appears to be firmly behind Colin Kaepernick and Christian Ponder no matter what he does going forward.

Source: Fox Sports

 

[cobalt_27]

Jake Locker-QB-Player Jan. 30 - 10:07 am et Jake Locker "rarely threw two accurate passes in a row" during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl.Fox Sports' Adam Caplan says "if you were in attendance and watching him during the practice sessions this week, you probably gasped at his inaccuracy." Caplan still believes Locker's "outstanding intangibles" will help him go in the first half of this spring's draft, but leaves the door open for him to fall even further if he does not perform well at next month's combine. He appears to be firmly behind Colin Kaepernick and Christian Ponder no matter what he does going forward. Source: Fox Sports

I don't get it with Locker. Folks have been talking for the last few years about his intangibles, yet those have translated into absolutely squadoosh. Move along, nothing to see here in this guy.

 

[5Rings]

watched uw 4 times this year. never thought locker was the best qb on the field. great athlete, not a qb

 

[Balco]

Jake Locker-QB-Player Jan. 30 - 10:07 am et Jake Locker "rarely threw two accurate passes in a row" during practice for Saturday's Senior Bowl.Fox Sports' Adam Caplan says "if you were in attendance and watching him during the practice sessions this week, you probably gasped at his inaccuracy." Caplan still believes Locker's "outstanding intangibles" will help him go in the first half of this spring's draft, but leaves the door open for him to fall even further if he does not perform well at next month's combine. He appears to be firmly behind Colin Kaepernick and Christian Ponder no matter what he does going forward. Source: Fox Sports

I don't get it with Locker. Folks have been talking for the last few years about his intangibles, yet those have translated into absolutely squadoosh. Move along, nothing to see here in this guy.

He needs a ton of work, and the fact that he didn't improve with Steve Sarkisian, known as a qb guru, is troubling. He is a name guy on this board, but I would have to think among nfl teams, he is getting a 5-7 round grade.

 

[Bri]

I watched the game and thought the same thing about most QBs- wow he's pretty good and geesh he's awful, over and over.

I understand the notion that there is an adjustment to not having played with these WRs and that the timing will be off. I don't like it though. Every year I see one of these all-star games, I find myself remembering 10-20 different WRs that got thrown into a game due to injury and likely only played with the scout team in practice sooo all their NFL QBs didn't have time with them yet they have eons better timing with these new WRs and....it all bugs me.

If a QB completes zero passes on a drive and all the throws stink then it feels like a copout.

I'd roll with one here and there were timing but once these draft writers seem to start giving these kids the freedom to mess up on every throw, well I can't roll with that. No way.

(totally need help here

I'm all mixed up as to who was north who was south. The one line was brutally bad. I'd give some credit for a few awesome plays to the DL, but I really felt like it was just terrible OL play. There was one DT that pushed the guy back and then jerked him forward to get right past him. In like two seconds that was the most impressive lineman play of the day IMO. I'd draft that DT and not blink. That OL I wouldn't. He was shamefully oWned.

My boy Derrick Locke looked like the guy that poses for trophies.

Powell was uber-impressive with his effort especially still fighting after his facemask was pulled back with a finger in the eye, that dude still plunged forward for a first. His arms don't look NFL ready.

Come to think of it some of those WRs are twigs. That bugs me because ummm where ya been the last twenty years? NFL WRs have muscles nowadays. Did they not hit the weights in college? Not spend time with the trainer discussing nutrition? Why are they twigs?

What I don't get is the forgiveness for bad plays and I believe this carries over into the draft when teams fail with their picks. Then we start talking about coach's egos and how they can fix a player and improve them. Don't pick these guys til late. Just don't. They've been coached for at least 10 years, some of that is that they are a poor listener.

Just like I thought-DeMarco Murray was fortunate to play on a top team at OU and can do everything without it seeming too fast or any of that jazz. The guy is ready. I don't know that he's a franchise RB and that might be a prob for some teams. However, he seems to be the most complete back and with rook RBs the fact that his blocking won't get your NFL QB killed is probably a big thing in his favor.

Sorry back to Locker and other QBs. Some drives they looked like Aaron Brooks locking onto Joe Horn. I didn't get that.

I don't think one QB threw the ball trusting a WR would get it and you have to in the NFL.

Kapernicus or whatever his name was-near the end the announcers said Locke had to catch one. If you were to rewatch that play Locke was open, Locke moved and was open, Locke moved again and was open and then he threw it on the run when Locke had to be thinking I'm not getting this I better get back and try and block for him as he runs. He had 7-10 seconds which is a lifetime to throw the ball.

I thought all the offenses lacked any sense of rhythm just like the Bills and Bengals.

Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs.

Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

 

[Bojang0301]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

 

[Bri]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

 

[Bojang0301]

I watched the game and thought the same thing about most QBs- wow he's pretty good and geesh he's awful, over and over.I understand the notion that there is an adjustment to not having played with these WRs and that the timing will be off. I don't like it though. Every year I see one of these all-star games, I find myself remembering 10-20 different WRs that got thrown into a game due to injury and likely only played with the scout team in practice sooo all their NFL QBs didn't have time with them yet they have eons better timing with these new WRs and....it all bugs me. If a QB completes zero passes on a drive and all the throws stink then it feels like a copout.I'd roll with one here and there were timing but once these draft writers seem to start giving these kids the freedom to mess up on every throw, well I can't roll with that. No way.(totally need help hereI'm all mixed up as to who was north who was south. The one line was brutally bad. I'd give some credit for a few awesome plays to the DL, but I really felt like it was just terrible OL play. There was one DT that pushed the guy back and then jerked him forward to get right past him. In like two seconds that was the most impressive lineman play of the day IMO. I'd draft that DT and not blink. That OL I wouldn't. He was shamefully oWned.My boy Derrick Locke looked like the guy that poses for trophies.Powell was uber-impressive with his effort especially still fighting after his facemask was pulled back with a finger in the eye, that dude still plunged forward for a first. His arms don't look NFL ready.Come to think of it some of those WRs are twigs. That bugs me because ummm where ya been the last twenty years? NFL WRs have muscles nowadays. Did they not hit the weights in college? Not spend time with the trainer discussing nutrition? Why are they twigs?What I don't get is the forgiveness for bad plays and I believe this carries over into the draft when teams fail with their picks. Then we start talking about coach's egos and how they can fix a player and improve them. Don't pick these guys til late. Just don't. They've been coached for at least 10 years, some of that is that they are a poor listener.Just like I thought-DeMarco Murray was fortunate to play on a top team at OU and can do everything without it seeming too fast or any of that jazz. The guy is ready. I don't know that he's a franchise RB and that might be a prob for some teams. However, he seems to be the most complete back and with rook RBs the fact that his blocking won't get your NFL QB killed is probably a big thing in his favor.Sorry back to Locker and other QBs. Some drives they looked like Aaron Brooks locking onto Joe Horn. I didn't get that.I don't think one QB threw the ball trusting a WR would get it and you have to in the NFL.Kapernicus or whatever his name was-near the end the announcers said Locke had to catch one. If you were to rewatch that play Locke was open, Locke moved and was open, Locke moved again and was open and then he threw it on the run when Locke had to be thinking I'm not getting this I better get back and try and block for him as he runs. He had 7-10 seconds which is a lifetime to throw the ball. I thought all the offenses lacked any sense of rhythm just like the Bills and Bengals. Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs. Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

This players are really judged more so on the week of practice than the play within the game unless they are ghastly bad or extremely good. It's fun to watch because you can tell guys like Von Miller and Ryan Kerrigan display why they have first round grades. I don't put a great deal of stock into it unless it is a further example of what has been going on during the week leading up to it (i.e. Locker, Sanzenbacher, Brown, Powell)

 

[Bri]

This players are really judged more so on the week of practice than the play within the game unless they are ghastly bad or extremely good. It's fun to watch because you can tell guys like Von Miller and Ryan Kerrigan display why they have first round grades.

Yeah I know, but it's all I got.

 

[cobalt_27]

Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs. Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

I'm not sure I would take any of these guys in any round.Gabbart, Newton, Locker, Mallett, Kaepernick, Stanzi? They're all so unbelievably flawed, I don't remember the last time being this unexcited about any QB coming out of the draft.It's a terrible year for teams wanting to reset at that position. And, even if I were in dire need, I wouldn't take any of these guys with any of my picks in the first 3 rounds.

 

[Bojang0301]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

 

[Bojang0301]

Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs. Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

I'm not sure I would take any of these guys in any round.Gabbart, Newton, Locker, Mallett, Kaepernick, Stanzi? They're all so unbelievably flawed, I don't remember the last time being this unexcited about any QB coming out of the draft.It's a terrible year for teams wanting to reset at that position. And, even if I were in dire need, I wouldn't take any of these guys with any of my picks in the first 3 rounds.

I think Kaepernick looks good. Reminds me of when Josh Freemen was moving up.

 

[gheemony]

.

 

[eakfootball]

Worst class of QBs in a long time. I like Gabbert the best, but I still would draft him in the top half of the first round.

 

[Bri]

Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs. Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

I'm not sure I would take any of these guys in any round.Gabbart, Newton, Locker, Mallett, Kaepernick, Stanzi? They're all so unbelievably flawed, I don't remember the last time being this unexcited about any QB coming out of the draft.It's a terrible year for teams wanting to reset at that position. And, even if I were in dire need, I wouldn't take any of these guys with any of my picks in the first 3 rounds.

One thing that was so ugh yep this is how the NFL treats these guys, welcome to the NFL, was when they named the MVP. No way Ponder(? I think it was him, I threw something then) was MVP. No way!Will we get to see Newton in an all-star like game or are they all done? Did anyone else catch the announcer praising the OU safety for his previous play as he got burned covering the slot WR?I love Ingram but most of the RBs aren't cutting it for me and I'm remembering the William Green TJ Duckett draft. It's a square peg round hole thing going on.If you turn around and call these QBs projects that are going to be third stringers for a few years and hopefully be a reliable backup someday then it completely changes things. Then I'd want to rewatch the entire game. I would absolutely love it if some team said they think they got the next Frank Reich or Jeff Rutledge(remember them?). Murray and Hunter look like excellent backups for an NFL team to have. Maybe 3rd down backs. Go get a David Meggett or Leon Johnson or Leon Washington instead of trying to create a Eric Dickerson or Emmitt Smith that isn't in this draft. And Powell, he doesn't look like a franchise back. Maybe Javon Ringer or Bernard Scott where folks say "if only he got a chance" and the team's fortunate to have him as a backup.Teams that don't characterize RBs right wind up looking like the Cowboys backfield. The goal should be something like the Giants of a few years ago or the Pats with Kevin Faulk-everyone has roles they do well or (which isn't in this draft) the Vikes with ADP. There was a Guard the announcer was intrigued by yesterday. Take him in the first. I don't care if the top Guard isn't supposed to go til the second round or whatever, just get a player that will probably contribute for many years.

 

[Bri]

Worst class of QBs in a long time. I like Gabbert the best, but I still would draft him in the top half of the first round.

ITYM wouldn't

 

[GroveDiesel]

As a Bills fan, I'm really glad that Ryan Fitzpatrick looks serviceable because this class of QBs is awful. I could maybe tolerate Cam Newton in the 2nd round since I think he could be a great fit for Chan Gailey's offense, but everyone else looks like a backup at best.

Other than AJ Green, I don't think it's a very good year for offensive position players at all. Bad draft in general, but especially bad if your team needs an upgrade at the offensive skill positions.

 

[azgroover]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

Plummer was the first guy I thought of for an "intangibles" guy, but unlike Locker, Plummer actually played in big games in college and did reasonably well in such situations. Anytime the best aspect is actually intangible, I'd say stay away.

 

[Premier]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

Jake Plummer started in the NFL for 6 or 7 years. Won a few playoff games. He would most definitely justify a first-round pick.

 

[Bojang0301]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

Jake Plummer started in the NFL for 6 or 7 years. Won a few playoff games. He would most definitely justify a first-round pick.

Shooting for mediocrity is not what the NFL draft is about and Plummer was never a franchise QB (not that Arizona helped). He was modestly good and never rose above that. Plus I think that is best case for Locker who has far less experience at QB than Plummer at this point and far less credentials in college.

 

[plyka]

I think a bunch of you are underestimating the QBs in this draft. Of course none of them are Sam Bradford, Bradford was a 1st overall pick! There will be 4 QBs taken in the first round, that is a gaurantee, and it is justified. Why? Because all 4 of them have the talent to POSSIBLY become a franchise QB and that's what you're looking for. Spending a 7th overall pick for Newton or Gabbart is justified simply because it gives you a CHANCE at getting the next big thing.

If you guys want gaurantees, then perhaps you should wait for the 1 time in a century when you get a guy as talented as Jon Elway, who ends up actually living up to the potential. And even there, there is a risk. This is a business of probabilities, not guarantees.

I personally love Kapernick and think someone will have a chance at him in the 2nd or 3rd round. I would rate him as high as Locker, who i think will go at the end of the 1st or the beginning of the 2nd.

The reason Locker is rated so highly? He is 6'3", 225 lbs, runs a 4.4 40, is exceptionally quick and agile for his size, can break tackles, is hard to bring down, has an absolute ROCKET for an arm and has the best mechanics out of any QB in this draft. He also has been rated to have the leadership qualities and work ethic it takes to truly lead a team. His accuracy is atrocious, but the advancement he showed in his 1st year with Sark was very impressive. When he led the Huskies to beat the #1 ranked USC trojans that year, he was making absolutely incredible throws. He didn't show the same advancement to his 2nd year under Sark, which was a problem.

 

[Jason Wood]

I agree. I just don't understand how certain players catch the zeitgeist. "Intangibles", ridiculous as that motion may seem (since by definition you can't measure them) at least work logically if you're talking about a guy like Tebow, who put up numbers and won a country ton of games at the highest level. Or even a guy like Alabama's McElroy, who is a "leader" and won at a big time conference. But Locker seems to have exactly one thing going for him, freakish size and athleticism. But what else do you hang your hat on? Winning program? Accuracy? Strong mechanics? Otherworldly intellect? Massive numbers that make others in his conference pale by comparison?

It's just stunning to me. I honestly feel (brace for impact), that people who champion someone like Locker are just trying their darndest to be "smart" and show people how they see the game in a way the rest of us "peons" don't.

 

[Premier]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

Jake Plummer started in the NFL for 6 or 7 years. Won a few playoff games. He would most definitely justify a first-round pick.

Shooting for mediocrity is not what the NFL draft is about and Plummer was never a franchise QB (not that Arizona helped). He was modestly good and never rose above that. Plus I think that is best case for Locker who has far less experience at QB than Plummer at this point and far less credentials in college.

The bust rate in the first-round is exceptionally high. If an NFL gm produced a player of Plummer's caliber in the first-round every year, he'd be the best in the business. There are only a few true franchise players in each draft. Sometimes you have to simply hit a double.

 

[Manster]

Sam Bradford on the Rams is a million times better than these QBs. Colt McCoy on the Browns looked 100k times better than these QBs. Based only on yesterday, I wouldn't take any in the first round.

I'm not sure I would take any of these guys in any round.Gabbart, Newton, Locker, Mallett, Kaepernick, Stanzi? They're all so unbelievably flawed, I don't remember the last time being this unexcited about any QB coming out of the draft.It's a terrible year for teams wanting to reset at that position. And, even if I were in dire need, I wouldn't take any of these guys with any of my picks in the first 3 rounds.

I think Kaepernick looks good. Reminds me of when Josh Freemen was moving up.

Nevada Wolfpack season ticket holder here. I'm a homer so take if for what it's worth.Kaep is gonna get his chance in the NFL. a lot of people have been saying he's gonna be transformed into a receiver. i think he's got a very good chance at being a successful NFL QB. and the reason i say this is because his accuracy has improved each year. the dude is 6'6" and has a rocket arm. he can run. but the knock has always been his mechanics in throwing, and accuracy. he also plays in the pistol offense. no exactly a pro style offense. his attitude and humble personality are another reason why i think he will be successful. the guy is a great "team player". if this guy comes into a team and works hard, the skies the limit.

 

[Spike]

Here's what I don't get about Locker.

Great intangibles. Great guy. Great leader. Great mechanics.

Horrible accuracy. Very inconsistent.

If he's been working with good QB teachers and STILL doesn't have the accuracy, why do so many people assume he'll ever get it?

 

[cobalt_27]

Here's what I don't get about Locker.Great intangibles. Great guy. Great leader. Great mechanics.Horrible accuracy. Very inconsistent.If he's been working with good QB teachers and STILL doesn't have the accuracy, why do so many people assume he'll ever get it?

He's got terrible mechanics, ergo the terrible accuracy. No release point is the same. Footwork is dreadful.He might be a great guy and all, but that's not worth a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick, imo.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

What intangibles?

 

[2323]

i agree, his accuracy needs to improve. but i think we all agree that he has everything else a qb needs. why cant a qb coach in the nfl improve this? some say his footwork needs help, or his release point needs help. so what if a little tweek here and there improves his accuracy by 10-15%? you know he will put the effort in to make it happen. and who says sark is such a great qb guru? leinart, sanchez, etc.

if i was a qb coach i would drool of the possibility to work with locker.

 

[Bri]

i agree, his accuracy needs to improve. but i think we all agree that he has everything else a qb needs. why cant a qb coach in the nfl improve this? some say his footwork needs help, or his release point needs help. so what if a little tweek here and there improves his accuracy by 10-15%? you know he will put the effort in to make it happen. and who says sark is such a great qb guru? leinart, sanchez, etc. if i was a qb coach i would drool of the possibility to work with locker.

The game isn't new to these guys. Most of them have been playing for 10+ years of their short lives already. I think that only some have the (BP word) wherewithall to change while others simply have bad habits. Then there's the "if it isn't broken don't fix it" type people out there and...geesh.Carr's sidearm motion was a pathetic discussion that went on for months. How about you pick a guy that doesn't need to completely change his game?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Really not big on any of the top names, Pat Devlin might be good for a later pick.

 

[DeCleater]

if i was a qb coach i would drool of the possibility to work with locker.

You would soon be looking for another job.Quarterbacking in the NFL is all about accuracy, if you don't have that you are the next Akili Smith. I watched a few of Lockers games this year and never thought he was an NFL QB.

 

[FavreCo]

What intangibles?

He can run fast?

 

[Hooper31]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethicLeadershipGuaranteed he will be the first one to work and last one to leave each day.I'm not willing to make an argument in favor his of future success. I've watched his inaccuracy problem since he was in high school. Well, we didn't really get to see him throw much in high school. They ran a variation of a double-wing back then. However, I do know some of his high school teachers rather well. Locker has an uncommon work ethic. He is the anti-Ryan Leaf. Will it help him complete a 15 yard out? No, but it does count for something.

 

[DeCleater]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethicLeadershipGuaranteed he will be the first one to work and last one to leave each day.I'm not willing to make an argument in favor his of future success. I've watched his inaccuracy problem since he was in high school. Well, we didn't really get to see him throw much in high school. They ran a variation of a double-wing back then. However, I do know some of his high school teachers rather well. Locker has an uncommon work ethic. He is the anti-Ryan Leaf. Will it help him complete a 15 yard out? No, but it does count for something.

That explains why he tucks it and runs so often. He had a great game against Nebraska in the bowl game but it was all running.

 

[Hooper31]

What intangibles?

He can run fast?

The ability for anyone to time his 40 makes that pretty tangible.

 

[tombonneau]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

My best guess is the poster was trying to remember Andre Woodsen. He was hyped to be a top 5 if not number one pick if he came out as a junior, and he absolutely dropped off the board and had no impact on the NFL level. (Giants did pick up Lorenzen, but J-Load never was hyped to be a top prospect.)As to Locker, I'm baffled at the continued hype. My guess is NFL teams don't bite and he drops to round 2.

 

[Shutout]

My favorite is Kaepernick but it wil be a real coin flip on whether he succeeds in the NFL.

there is a lot to like about him but he has that oddball quirky delivery that I think will kill him if he gets on a bad team and gets pressed into action quickly. He is a guy that need time to develop (and fix) that big drawback and he needs to be on a team where he is NOT asked to do it all.

Under a good system/situation, I can see him coming up like Matt Shaub. In a bad system/situation, he's Tim couch.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I have, and will continue, to pimp Ponder as the best QB in this draft. I don't see him as all that good, but I think he'll be the only respectable starter 4-5 years from now. The rest are trash.

 

[todisco1]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethicLeadershipGuaranteed he will be the first one to work and last one to leave each day.I'm not willing to make an argument in favor his of future success. I've watched his inaccuracy problem since he was in high school. Well, we didn't really get to see him throw much in high school. They ran a variation of a double-wing back then. However, I do know some of his high school teachers rather well. Locker has an uncommon work ethic. He is the anti-Ryan Leaf. Will it help him complete a 15 yard out? No, but it does count for something.

That explains why he tucks it and runs so often. He had a great game against Nebraska in the bowl game but it was all running.

If he's the hardest worker, you'd think he'd be better. The fact that he simply doesn't look good despite trying his absolute best to me means there's little or no room for improvement. Be interesting to see where and when he goes.

 

[Bojang0301]

I am starting not to understand the love. These things happen. Jevan Snead was a supposed 1st round worthy pick before his senior year and he went undrafted with good reason. Jake Locker has played poorly and his stock should drop in accordance but seems to have not. It's mind boggling. If he were drafted by my team in the first I would not be happy.

Giants had (have?) a former Kentucky QB that was adored a year or two before the draft. He went super late and in preseason was a gem for one series and utterly clueless for the rest. Teams need to figure out why they were right on he and Snead.

Jared Lorenzen and I agree. Locker just doesn't look like he is going to translate and best case scenario he is Jake Plummer which I don't think justifies a 1st round grade.

My best guess is the poster was trying to remember Andre Woodsen. He was hyped to be a top 5 if not number one pick if he came out as a junior, and he absolutely dropped off the board and had no impact on the NFL level. (Giants did pick up Lorenzen, but J-Load never was hyped to be a top prospect.)As to Locker, I'm baffled at the continued hype. My guess is NFL teams don't bite and he drops to round 2.

Good call.

 

[2323]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethicLeadershipGuaranteed he will be the first one to work and last one to leave each day.I'm not willing to make an argument in favor his of future success. I've watched his inaccuracy problem since he was in high school. Well, we didn't really get to see him throw much in high school. They ran a variation of a double-wing back then. However, I do know some of his high school teachers rather well. Locker has an uncommon work ethic. He is the anti-Ryan Leaf. Will it help him complete a 15 yard out? No, but it does count for something.

That explains why he tucks it and runs so often. He had a great game against Nebraska in the bowl game but it was all running.

If he's the hardest worker, you'd think he'd be better. The fact that he simply doesn't look good despite trying his absolute best to me means there's little or no room for improvement. Be interesting to see where and when he goes.

he has really only been able to work with someone who knows something about qb's for two years...in high school they threw once or twice a game and his first two years he was under willingham. he definatly improved years 3&4 from his first two years. if he is able to work with a qb coach where this is all the coach has to focus on (not a head coach, lockers development wasnt the only thing sark had on his plate) i can see he making major improvements in a 2-3 year period.

 

[2323]

What intangibles?

so if he was accurate, then the only reason you would draft him was for his accuracy?

 

[plyka]

i agree, his accuracy needs to improve. but i think we all agree that he has everything else a qb needs. why cant a qb coach in the nfl improve this? some say his footwork needs help, or his release point needs help. so what if a little tweek here and there improves his accuracy by 10-15%? you know he will put the effort in to make it happen. and who says sark is such a great qb guru? leinart, sanchez, etc.

if i was a qb coach i would drool of the possibility to work with locker.

The game isn't new to these guys. Most of them have been playing for 10+ years of their short lives already. I think that only some have the (BP word) wherewithall to change while others simply have bad habits. Then there's the "if it isn't broken don't fix it" type people out there and...geesh.Carr's sidearm motion was a pathetic discussion that went on for months.

How about you pick a guy that doesn't need to completely change his game?

First off, guys like Locker do not need to change everything in their game, niether does Newton, etc.Secondly, Yes, like i said, if you are lucky to have the first overall pick in a once in a generational prospect like Jon Elway then you can just draft the guy that doesn't need to change anything in his game. Unfortunately for the rest of the NFL, all the QBs that come out have risks and most will end up as busts. How many 1st overall picks have ended as busts? Why didn't those teams just "pick the guy that doesn't need to completely change his game?" They had the first overall pick. The reason is that this is not a game of gaurantees but rather a game of probabilities. You must take the QB with the highest likelyhood of success versus what you must give to get him (draft picks, cash, etc.).

 

[EBF]

It has always been the same story with Locker.

Early in his Washington career: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."

Last year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."

This year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."

If he hasn't learned to play QB by now, I don't see any reason to believe that he ever will. I was one of the people who thought he could be a high pick entering the season, but he hasn't improved at all and simply doesn't have the pure passing ability to be a consistently effective NFL starter. He's Josh McCown, Tarvaris Jackson, or Stephen McGee.

 

[Hooper31]

It has always been the same story with Locker. Early in his Washington career: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."Last year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."This year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."If he hasn't learned to play QB by now, I don't see any reason to believe that he ever will. I was one of the people who thought he could be a high pick entering the season, but he hasn't improved at all and simply doesn't have the pure passing ability to be a consistently effective NFL starter. He's Josh McCown, Tarvaris Jackson, or Stephen McGee.

This is disappointing. I thought you were better than this. This isn't analysis. Its the sort of thing lazy fans say when they aren't sure what to say. Throw out some generalizations and hope you end up being correct. I don't mean to be directing my commentary at you, EBF, but I've read your comments in the past and just expected more from you.Locker played three full seasons. As a redshirt freshman he wowed us with his legs (nearly 1000 yards rushing). He didn't complete a high percentage of his passes (less than 50%) playing for Ty Willingham. Willingham's favorite play while at UW was called "Go Jake Go". I kid you not. They ran it a lot. Snap it to Locker in shot gun and let him take off. Locker passed for 14 TDs and 15 INTs that season.His sophomore year was lost to a wrist/hand injury. In four games he didn't get much of a chance to throw the ball (still under Willingham). The fiasco celebration penalty against BYU (threw the ball straight up in the air) was the most memorable moment of that season.His junior year was a major improvement in the passing game. No one is saying "if only he could pass". Of course he could pass. He threw for for 800 more yards than his freshman year, 21 TDs and 11 INTs. In 66 more attempts he threw 4 less INTs. If he didn't show during his junior year that he "knew how to play quarterback", then I don't know what you're looking for. His junior year made everyone take notice. Well, everyone on the west coast. The lion's share of analysts don't generally pay attention to the west coast. There's a real issue at work here. I feel confident when I say that most of the people posting in this thread have watched Locker play only a few games. Most likely the ones that have seen him once, probably saw the worst game of his collegiate career against Nebraska this year. That game was totally on the Husky coaching staff. They know it. They hung him out to dry. The Nebraska defense just killed that game. However, to the credit of the Husky coaching staff they improved leaps and bounds during the second match up in the Holiday bowl. Much better defense. Much better offensive game plan.Locker's senior season is pretty much a repeat of his junior year statistically, but he spent a large part of the season playing hurt. I witnessed a major improvement in some of his decision making. He found it in himself to throw the ball away instead of taking god-awful sacks (27 sacks his junior year, only 19 as a senior).Do I think he's a sure thing? Far from it. Is he destined to complete failure? Who knows? I don't. You don't (why is this so hard for people to admit?). Does he have a better than 50% chance to be a long term starter in the league. I don't think so, but there's a chance he will. Drafting NFL QBs is an inexact science. Its far too complicated a thing to being giving one sentence evaluations of young players.

 

[Hooper31]

This is a very fair assessment from Rob Rang at NFL Draft Scout.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1117861

Accuracy: Showed significant improvement in 2009, though still a work in progress in this area. Has to do a better job of setting his feet before making the throw. Too often forces receivers on short and intermediate routes to slow or reach wide to collect his throws. Flashes surprising touch down the seam and in hitting the back on swing passes, though he needs to gain consistency here. Proved most accurate in critical situations, drilling a variety of pro-style throws (comebacks, crossing routes and deep-outs) when Washington faced some of its best competition or in situations with the game on the line.

Arm Strength: Possesses ideal arm strength. Drives the ball on short and intermediate routes. In fact, may need to learn to more consistently throw with touch for shorter routes, as he too often zips passes through his targets' hands. Can stretch the defense deep and throw 60-plus yards with a tight trajectory. Experienced playing in poor weather and has the arm strength to slice through strong winds. Reportedly has been clocked at 95 mph by baseball scouts.

Setup/Release: Well versed taking the snap from under center and out of the shotgun. Good foot speed, balance and agility for the quarterback position, but is still developing the nuances of setting his feet before releasing the pass. Has an efficient, over-the-top delivery and delivers the ball with velocity.

Reading Defenses: May have regressed as a senior in this area after improving significantly from his sophomore season (under Tyrone Willingham) to his junior season (first under Sarkisian). Has a tendency to stare down his primary option. Can be too aggressive and will throw the deep ball into double-coverage.

On the Move: A true dual-threat quarterback. Estimated by scouts to have 4.5 speed, but plays faster due to his vision, and his long strides in the open field are deceptive. Has some wiggle to make defenders miss and seems to enjoy the physical aspect of the game. Had to be reined back by Sarkisian (and previously, Willingham) for his willingness to drop his shoulder and take on the defender for additional yardage. Dangerous thrower on the move, demonstrating good velocity and improving accuracy when rolling to his right or left. Has a tendency to forget his mechanics when throwing on the move, however, leading to some of his passes drifting high or wide of his intended target.

Intangibles: In addition to his durability and consistency concerns, scouts also have to worry if Locker will remain in football. He's a dual sport athlete who has twice been drafted by MLB's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Signed a six-year deal with the Angels in 2009, though part of the agreement is that Locker will pursue a career in football over baseball. Technically considered a walk-on at UW as the Angels are paying for his scholarship costs. Highly respected by the coaching staff, teammates and fans. Gutty, determined. Named a team captain in 2009 and 2010. Honored with the Guy Flaherty Most Inspirational Award, the UW's oldest and most prestigious team honor, following the 2009 season.

--Rob Rang

 

[Mr. Retukes]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethic

Leadership

Usually when you use the words "heart" and "leadership" to describe a player, there are specific games or specific plays that go with it. "He really showed a lot of heart when he played on a grade 2 MCL tear!" or "He really showed his leadership skills on that 4th quarter drive!"Otherwise, you're just throwing out generic superlatives for the sake of throwing out generic superlatives.

I haven't seen anything from Locker that indicates that he's got more heart or better leadership skills than the average Pac-10 quarterback.

 

[Eric Stratton]

It has always been the same story with Locker. Early in his Washington career: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."Last year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."This year: "Great athlete who could be a great QB...if only he could pass the ball."If he hasn't learned to play QB by now, I don't see any reason to believe that he ever will. I was one of the people who thought he could be a high pick entering the season, but he hasn't improved at all and simply doesn't have the pure passing ability to be a consistently effective NFL starter. He's Josh McCown, Tarvaris Jackson, or Stephen McGee.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

he has really only been able to work with someone who knows something about qb's for two years...in high school they threw once or twice a game and his first two years he was under willingham. he definatly improved years 3&4 from his first two years. if he is able to work with a qb coach where this is all the coach has to focus on (not a head coach, lockers development wasnt the only thing sark had on his plate) i can see he making major improvements in a 2-3 year period.

If excuses were wishes.....

 

[Hooper31]

What intangibles?

HeartWork ethic

Leadership

Usually when you use the words "heart" and "leadership" to describe a player, there are specific games or specific plays that go with it. "He really showed a lot of heart when he played on a grade 2 MCL tear!" or "He really showed his leadership skills on that 4th quarter drive!"Otherwise, you're just throwing out generic superlatives for the sake of throwing out generic superlatives.

I haven't seen anything from Locker that indicates that he's got more heart or better leadership skills than the average Pac-10 quarterback.

Fair enough. You haven't seen it. If you were to put some time into studying his past you'll find an impressive array of endorsements when it comes to his character. If you don't want to put in the time, what's the point of stating you haven't seen it?Me? I don't know him at all. I've stood side by side with him twice. I know several people that know him well (high school teachers and some family friends). I live about 10 minutes away from where he lived. I'm horribly biased in that I would like to see him do well, but I've stated several times that I have serious doubts about him being successful. That said, I think he has a fair chance to be a productive NFL QB. Anyone that tells you they have this college QB transition to the NFL thing down is full of it. It's a tough and tricky evaluation at best. Time will tell.

The more I think about this, I guess it doesn't matter if you or anyone else want to write him off. What does it matter?