When perusing the needs of NFL teams, it’s clear many are in the market for a quarterback, whether it be an immediate contributor a one that could develop and blossom into a capable starter down the line. While some have entrenched starters — Tom Brady in New England, Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Drew Brees in New Orleans and so-on — many are looking for that right combination as they try to strike gold in the 2011 NFL Draft. One such quarterback is Washington’s Jake Locker, who oozes potential but comes with many question marks. And if the latest 2011 NFL mock draft from Walter Football is correct, Locker could be called upon to contribute immediate, and may see his name come off the board early in the first round.
The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a quarterback after losing Brett Favre to retirement. With a cupboard filled with signal-callers who have plenty of athletic ability and plenty of questions, Locker would fit right in with the Vikings, but may also be thrust into the limelight too soon.
It almost pains me to make this pick for the Vikings. A week ago, I would have scoffed at the prospect of Jake Locker going as high as No. 12 in the 2011 NFL Draft. But multiple reliable reports are indicating that Locker will be a top-16 selection and that Minnesota covets him, envisioning the Washington quarterback as the next Brett Favre.
The words aren’t kind for Locker in the Walter Football mock draft as the author compares him to Jake Plummer while picking his mechanics apart. Locker is a two-year project, the author says, and taking him at No. 12 shows the Vikings are desperate. While it may ring true, Locker would have a chance to shine immediately, fueled with motivation to prove the doubters wrong.
Stay with this StoryStream as we track various 2011 NFL mock drafts to see where Locker may end up when the draft begins on April 28.