After falling out of the first round for some time following the Senior Bowl, Jake Locker is climbing the boards ahead of the NFL Combine, moving back into the first 32 picks in multiple mock drafts. In SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft, Locker is back in a familiar spot, projected to head to Seattle with the 25th pick in the draft.
The reasoning is simple, and not unlike many of the reasons we’ve seen given for the Seahawks potentially taking a shot at Locker. Seattle needs a quarterback with Matt Hasselbeck nearing the end of the line and Locker brings a high-upside to the table.
It’s no secret that the Seahawks need a long-term answer at quarterback, and there are too many connected dots here to ignore: the geography, the coaching tree and Matt Hasselbeck’s presence make this a very logical choice for Seattle.
Of course, the coaching tree angle also makes sense. Pete Carroll has seen Locker up-close and personal while coaching at USC. Carroll also has the added advantage of having former staff-mate, and friend, Steve Sarkisian down the road, as well. Sarkisian knows quarterbacks and has been responsible for Locker’s development over the last few years. Would Carroll listen and take a stab at Locker in the first round?
We’ll find out as the 2011 NFL Draft, set for the last weekend in April, draws closer. For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.
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