NFL Combine 2011: Jake Locker Talks To The Media Ahead Of Workouts

Washington quarterback Jake Locker stepped in front of the media on Friday, discussing baseball, his participation in combine workouts and what he needs to work on. Locker is likely to be one of the most scrutinized players at the combine, with scouts and team representatives evaluating his workouts in an effort to figure out where he projects. While there’s no doubt Locker is a superb athlete, the questions surrounding his ability to be effective at the NFL level have persisted, knocking his draft stock down a notch.

Speaking to the media, Locker said he’d participate in every combine workout except one, even throwing to receivers, a drill typically skipped by the top prospects. The lone exception will be the bench press, which Locker chose to pass on while still choosing to run the 40, do the jumping exercises and participate in the rest of the skill drills.

When asked about his career as a baseball player — Locker was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2009 — he said football was his focus and that he’s a football player first and foremost. Locker said he informed the Angels from the start that his plan was to pursue football and that he plans to play football for as long as he’s able. It’s been clear for some time that Locker was likely to go full-on after an NFL contract despite signing that contract with the Angels.

Locker, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Mallett and the rest of the quarterbacks hit the field for workouts on Sunday, taking part in the standard combine drills. Though each will have the choice to participate in certain drills, Locker and Newton plan to run through everything, giving scouts a better look at their skills. Keep an eye on our NFL Combine StoryStream for the latest from Indianapolis as players begin their workouts.