Random 2011 Draft Chatter....

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More Panthers' draft buzz

With the first overall pick, the Carolina Panthers have their choice of any draft prospect on the night of April 28. Though many expect them to take a defensive lineman in that spot, two league sources have informed Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer that the team is not hellbent on proceeding that way.

Taking into account all that we've seen and heard on other prospects, the most likely non-DL plan of action at No. 1 overall is either one of the Top 2 quarterbacks -- Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert -- or Patrick Peterson. [Editor's note: We considered whether Peterson would go No. 1 overall in a post last week].

With several weeks to go before the Panthers' final decision, much can change. However, Gary Horton of ESPN's Scouts, Inc. believes that defensive end is still the most important need this offseason, so perhaps that will be the driving factor:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Gary Horton
A good pass-rush will help the secondary

"Charles Johnson had 62.5 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 2010, but his counterpart, veteran Tyler Brayton, had zero sacks in 14 games. In short, the Panthers never came close to replacing the pass-rush output of Julius Peppers. They need more edge pressure to protect a vulnerable back end of the defense."

 

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A sleeper RB candidate?

The Football Outsiders have an interesting metric by which to measure incoming NFL running backs. It's called the "Speed Score" and it takes into account both a player's 40 time at the NFL combine and his official weight. (The exact formula is weight times 200 divided by 40 time to the fourth power). Prior to Sunday, the record-holder was New York Giants battering ram Brandon Jacobs, who registered a 123.5.

As referenced by the previous sentence, there is a new record-holder after Sunday: Auburn product Mario Fannin, who registered a 125.5 after bursting to a 4.38 at 231 pounds.

A high "Speed Score" doesn't guarantee that a player will be a huge success at the NFL level, but it does guarantee that he possesses size, speed or the unique combination of both. Though this likely won't push Fannin into the first night of the draft, it could raise his profile for teams looking to add to their stable in the mid- to late-rounds. And for the fantasy football folks trying to get a head-start on rookie sleepers, he's certainly a name to remember.

- Tim Kavanagh

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UPDATE: In spite of setting a new "Speed Score" record, Mario Fannin may still be available in the later rounds, according to Steve Muench of ESPN's Scouts, Inc. (see below).

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Insider NFL Draft Blog
Still has some holes in his game

"Fannin carried the ball just 61 times in 2010, and he is a better athlete than football player. He doesn't show great patience or vision on film, he runs high and, most importantly, puts the ball on the ground at times. Still, it's tough to find 231-pound backs who can run the 40 in 4.38 seconds like Fannin did in Indianapolis. He has also shown he can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield, and his speed could turn him from a rookie free agent to a late-round pick."

 

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Hint on Broncos' pick?

As we creep closer to the NFL draft on April 28, the clues continue to arrive regarding each team's thoughts on what players they could be targeting. For the teams at the top of the draft order who have their pick of just about anyone, their actions in the next few weeks will be under the microscope more than those at the bottom. Sitting at No. 2 overall are the Denver Broncos, who have been linked to just about every non-quarterback at the top of the current draft class.

One way that NFL teams can find out more about prospects is by attending pro days, though sometimes this attendance is a smoke screen, or it can be used to drive up the value of their draft position. In any case, the Broncos have their immediate travel plans set, as Broncos executive vice president John Elway tweeted Monday that the team will be headed to Auburn for Tuesday's workout.

Unlike other teams that will be there perhaps primarily for QB Cam Newton, the Broncos will be getting a look at defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who is certainly on their radar as they make the change back to a 4-3 defensive front after running the 3-4 previously. Though they may have a solid pair of DEs in Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers -- with the emphasis on "may" for the latter of the two -- the interior of the D-line needs some work.

Other pro days that might be circled on the Broncos' calendar include Alabama on March 9 (Marcell Dareus), Clemson on March 10 (Da'Quan Bowers), LSU on March 14 (Patrick Peterson) and UNC on March 31 (Robert Quinn).

 

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Newton in Cincy?

With the way the Carson Palmer saga is playing out thus far in the offseason -- he appears committed to retiring if his trade demand goes unmet -- the Bengals are smartly doing some extensive investigative work on the top quarterbacks available in this draft class. That includes Auburn product Cam Newton, who, at least from many media reports we've encountered, has been a controversial figure to this point.

Peter Schrager of Fox Sports produced a mock draft recently, and at No. 4 overall, the Bengals snatch Newton. It's not an altogether crazy outcome, though speculation is ramping up that Newton won't get past the Buffalo Bills at No. 3 overall.

Despite the fact that Newton appears to be a highly sought after commodity, Walker opined on Monday morning that "based on last week's blogs, many in 'Bengaldom' may not like this mock draft."

That's not to say that there is a groundswell of support for Jordan Palmer or Dan LeFevour; rather, a trade or free agency might be the desired action should the impasse with Carson reach one of its terminal points.

- Tim Kavanagh

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UPDATE: Monday afternoon, ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker explained one reason why fans of the Cincinnati Bengals might not be so excited about the team drafting a quarterback at the top of the first round: they have a horrid record of so doing (see below).

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James Walker
Palmer the anomaly

"The Bengals have arguably the NFL's worst track record drafting quarterbacks over the past 20 years. They have drafted high-profile busts Akili Smith (No. 3 overall in 1999) and David Klingler (No. 6 overall in 1992), mid-round flops Jeff Rowe (fifth round in 2007) and Donald Hollas (fourth round in 1991), and seventh-rounders Casey Bramlet (2004) and John Walsh (1995) who never played. Of the quarterbacks Cincinnati drafted since 1991, Palmer is the only player who has been successful in the NFL. He has made two Pro Bowls with the Bengals and thrown for 22,694 yards and 154 touchdowns in eight seasons."

 

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Cardinals' draft ideas

As a team with the No. 5 overall draft pick on the night of April 28, the Arizona Cardinals obviously have some needs to fill, including the impact positions of quarterback and edge pass-rusher. However, would the team consider making a trade in order to fulfill that need later on in Round 1 while gaining a pick in a later round?

Such was the question posed in an email to ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando recently, and he notes that the ongoing labor battle affects what the team might do. If there's a cap on salaries for the top draft choices, the pick becomes more valuable, but if there's no resolution on this issue prior to the draft, teams might be less willing to trade up.

Going on the idea that the Cardinals keep the pick, a QB or OLB would seem to make more sense than CB Patrick Peterson (if he's even available):

- Tim Kavanagh

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Mike Sando
DRC already in town

"I don't see the value being there, necessarily, for the Cardinals at cornerback. That could change depending upon what new defensive coordinator Ray Horton wanted for his defense relative to what Arizona already has on its roster. But with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie coming to Arizona as a first-round pick in recent seasons, the Cardinals would ideally target another position at No. 5 overall."

 

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More buzz on No. 1 pick

Recently, there was a report that the folks making the final decision on the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick were not completely sold on taking a defensive lineman. Looking at the other top prospects being mentioned by our own draft pundits and those in other organizations, this means that the team is also considering a quarterback -- with Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett and Blaine Gabbert supposedly leading the pack -- or possibly a cornerback in Patrick Peterson. Outside linebacker Von Miller does not make a lot of sense for the Panthers, as their linebacking group is an area of relative strength.

The next part of the pre-draft process is the pro days being held at college campuses across the country in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, both Auburn and Arkansas will be holding theirs, and according to ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera -- and possibly some others from the organization -- will head to Auburn's. There has been no word as to whether anyone from the organization will be attending Mallett's workout in Arkansas on Tuesday.

It's tough to glean too much from this visit, since Auburn produced both Newton and defensive tackle prospect Nick Fairley, who was at one time considered a favorite for the draft's top pick. [Editor's note: For the gamers in the audience, he's also a finalist to be on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA Football 2012].

Even if the Panthers don't grab Newton, Mallett or Gabbert, Yasinskas foresees something substantial happening at QB this offseason in Charlotte:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Pat Yasinskas
They will have another option by this fall

"There's no question they'll do something dramatic at quarterback this offseason. Maybe it will be the addition of a veteran through free agency or the draft. Or maybe it will be Newton or Gabbert. Truth be told, I don't think the Panthers have decided anything for certain yet. General manager Marty Hurney is a methodical guy, who likes to go through a process and wait for an answer to become apparent. Newton's workout will be one more step in that process."

 

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Browns' pro day hints

With free agency still on hold this offseason until the new CBA is reached, many are looking ahead to the draft, taking place the weekend of April 28-30. The part of the process that gets underway this week is the intense schedule of pro days, where school-specific workouts take place.

While some level of team representative is present at most of the pro days for the bigger programs, Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer provided a primer for which of the workouts may be of particular interest to the Cleveland Browns. Grossi notes that Browns president Mike Holmgren enjoys scouting and interviewing QBs, so that may dictate his travel plans for the next few weeks. Though the team already has a No. 1 and a backup in place in Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace, they may grab a developmental prospect later on as a replacement for Jake Delhomme.

In Grossi's view, though, the pro day at which the Browns will be "front and center" is Wednesday's event for the Alabama prospects. DL Marcell Dareus is a possibility for them at No. 6 overall, WR Julio Jones may be tempting should they elect to trade down and QB Greg McElroy could fit the bill as that late-round developmental prospect.

Other workouts on Wednesday that could interest the Browns include California (DL Cameron Jordan), Texas A&M (LB Von Miller) and Wisconsin (DL J.J. Watt). Pro day attendance doesn't mean the team is definitely interested, and sometimes it can be used as a smoke screen. However, it is another piece of the big puzzle in attempting to figure out how teams feel about certain players.

And of course, we'll need something to discuss over the next few weeks if the labor impasse continues.

 

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Dissenting opinion on Miller

The words being used to describe Texas A&M product Von Miller have been so universally effusive with praise that it has bordered on ridiculous. The DE/OLB hybrid impressed everyone at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., followed that up with more head-turning exploits at the NFL draft combine, and there is expected to be a large crowd at his pro day this week. In looking at the various mock drafts being published, he's usually off the board by No. 8 overall.

But are people being sold a false bill of goods? Might he be the latest in the line of "workout warriors" that artificially inflate their draft stock during the all-star games and other events that don't feature any realistic gameplay? One former NFL scout thinks so.

"He's got some Vernon Gholston in him," Dave Razzano said, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. Razzano worked for more than twenty seasons as a scout and now makes appearances as an analyst on "Chronicle Live" on Comcast SportsNet.

"I'm not a big Von Miller fan," Razzano confirmed. "In looking at Big-12 tape, he does not have a motor. He doesn't chase hard. They run at him, and he doesn't fight off blockers. When he gets sacks, a lot of times he's not getting blocked. He's a one-move guy."

As we get closer to the draft, there may be some teams that share Razzano's appraisal, but he may wind up as a Top 10 pick nevertheless. And if he is a bust? The team picking him can't say they weren't warned.

 

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Steelers to trade up?

With the NFL's labor situation unresolved, there's a very real possibility that there won't be veteran players available to be traded before or during the course of the draft. As a result, teams that want to move up or down will need to make pick-for-pick trades.

With that in mind, the Pittsburgh Steelers may be a candidate to move up in order to draft a particular player: center Maurkice Pouncey's twin brother Mike.

Whether or not the Steelers actually make the move will depend on how the draft plays out through the picks in the mid-teens, as ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker explained during his chat on Tuesday afternoon:

- Tim Kavanagh

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James Walker
Only if they can get him in the 20's

"I think Pouncey will fall to the late-teens to mid-20s. So the Steelers have to weigh what they can get at No. 31 vs. the chance to select Pouncey. I don't think Pittsburgh would move any higher than 8-10 spots to get him, because then it gets costly."

 

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Mallett back into first?

Despite "running" a 40-yard dash that was on par with what Auburn offensive tackle Lee Ziemba was able to muster on Tuesday, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett did so well in the other aspects of his pro day that Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes the gunslinger has put himself back into the first-round discussion.

"As a strong-armed passer, Mallett easily makes all of the requisite throws in the pro game," Brooks declared. "He had little trouble putting the ball on the proper shoulder with velocity and zip. His arm strength, touch and accuracy also stood out on deep throws. His high-arcing throws consistently hit receivers in stride 40 to 45 yards down field, but he also showed the ability to adjust the arc and trajectory of his throws to match the speed of his intended receiver."

Brooks also notes that as a player with some experience in the pro-style offense, he will have a shorter adjustment period than his counterparts that operated primarily out of the spread.

Depending on where Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert are taken, Mallett may not have to wait until the end of the first round, as there are several QB-needy teams at the top of the round. If he's as ready for the pro game as Brooks claims, then these teams might have an easier time inserting him into a starting role as a rookie.

 

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Clues on Cards' pick

As the pro days continue for NFL draft prospects, it's important to remember that this is only a piece of the process, so if a team is (or isn't) at a certain pro day, it might not mean all that much. That said, we'll continue to monitor which teams are at which pro days, as the alternative -- reading about the labor negotiations -- alternates between being disheartening, mystifying and tedious.

According to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com, after the team had representatives (including head coach Ken Whisenhunt) at Auburn's pro day on Tuesday -- getting a look at QB Cam Newton and DL Nick Fairley amongst others -- general manager Rod Graves is scheduled to attend pro days at TCU, LSU and Texas A&M in the coming days. LSU (Patrick Peterson) and A&M (Von Miller) have players that could be options for the Cards at No. 5 overall, while TCU QB Andy Dalton could be on their radar in later rounds.

 

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More thoughts on Rams at No. 14

As the draft stock of prospect Julio Jones rises, the chances that he'll still be on the board when the St. Louis Rams' are on the clock at No. 14 overall likewise decreases. So if he's not available, which position will they target?

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tackled this question in a chat on Tuesday.

"There shouldn't be a CB, LB or WR at No. 14 overall worth taking. (That's assuming WRs A.J. Green and Jones are gone -- as they should be -- and corners Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara are gone -- as they should be)," Thomas speculated. "Once Von Miller goes, and he could be a top five pick, there won't be any LBs worth taking at 14. So where does that leave you? There are no safeties worth taking there; in fact, there may not be a safety taken in the first round. Even if you felt TE was a big need, there are no TEs worth taking there and may not be a TE taken in the first round. So that leaves us with QB (don't need one), OT (don't need one), RB (maybe Mark Ingram) or defensive line (where there should be plenty of ends and a couple of tackles that could be in play at 14.) So why not take an end? James Hall just turned 34 in February. And the hallmark of Steve Spagnuolo's defenses has been plenty of defensive linemen who could rush the passer."

The Rams' current group of WRs is talented, but health issues plagued them in 2010. It's possible that they would target another young pass-catcher in Round 2 if they miss out on Green or Jones in Round 1, and free agency may also yield some fine options.

 

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QB the priority for Redskins

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan made an appearance on "Redskins Nation" on Comcast SportsNet this week, and Gary Fitzgerald of Redskins.com did us the favor of summarizing the key points for a post on Wednesday.

While Shanahan talked of making improvements on third down, the main personnel priority this offseason will at quarterback. Fitzgerald notes that Donovan McNabb's future with the team is uncertain, though the general consensus from what we've heard is that McNabb's tenure in D.C. is through. Rex Grossman -- who replaced McNabb at the tail end of the season -- is set to hit unrestricted free agency, though it's possible the 'Skins will bring him back, as he appears to have a strong working relationship with Shanahan.

"We still haven't solidified that spot," Shanahan admitted. "Going into the draft, we're evaluating them just like we would any other position. You're always looking for that franchise quarterback who can lead your team for the next 10 years. I feel if you look at all 32 teams there's probably only about eight [franchise quarterbacks]. And if you're not one of those eight, pretty much in every city they're trying to replace you. It's a tough position, probably the toughest position in the world in terms of athletes, in my opinion."

Even if the Redskins do draft the position with their top pick, the feeling amongst draft experts in the media is that none of the QBs in this class are ready to be a starter in 2011. This means that the 'Skins will need to be included on any list of interested teams for the free agent and trade target QBs once the CBA is reached.

 

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Titans targeting D-line?

One of the biggest losses for the Tennessee Titans in 2011 came before the season even began: Defensive line guru Jim Washburn elected to leave and join the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff. With Washburn out of the picture, and question marks along the line, will the Titans target a prospect at DE or DT with the first draft pick of the Mike Munchak era?

It's possible, and two prominent members of the team's personnel department are checking in on some of the high-profile members of the current crop of D-line prospects this week. According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster and scout Cole Proctor are attending Alabama's pro day on Wednesday after taking in Auburn's on Tuesday. Marcell Dareus is the target amongst the Crimson Tide products, while Nick Fairley was the subject of their scrutiny on Tuesday (along with QB Cam Newton, who may or may not be gone by No. 8 overall, and in whom the Titans may or may not be interested).

No word yet on who -- if anyone -- from the team will be at Clemson on Thursday, which is the school where Mel Kiper, Jr's pick for the team in his latest mock draft (DE Da'Quan Bowers) played in 2010:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Mel Kiper, Jr.
Value meets need here

"A tremendous natural pass-rusher, Bowers falls a little because of needs elsewhere before this pick and because of some very small but lingering questions about his knee. He was unable to workout in Indy as a precaution with his recovery. Tennessee targeted their pass rush in the first round last year (Derrick Morgan), but Bowers simply represents too much value at this position, and with the pass rush still in need of an upgrade, he provides immediate help as well."

 

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Kiper on Miami's QB

If you're Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland or coach Tony Sparano, do you take a risk on drafting a young passer this April? Is your job safe enough that you can be patient developing a quarterback for a season or two?

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper says no, according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, and that's why the Dolphins won't take a a quarterback in the first round this year.

"They've got to decide right now, 'Is Chad Henne the guy?' and if not, are we going to draft a quarterback?" Kiper said Wednesday morning. "Then we're going to wait a couple years before he's effective. So, do you have a couple of years to wait if you're that organization? I don't think so."

Kiper says that with the 15th pick, the Dolphins are going to miss out on Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, and there's no other quarterback worth taking so high.

What about trading for a veteran like Kevin Kolb or Carson Palmer? Volin says either of those deals would likely cost a first-round pick, a pick the Dolphins aren't likely to surrender.

It all adds up to another year of Chad Henne in South Florida.

 

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Vikes' surprising pro day presence

A lot of big names in April's draft had pro days for NFL scouts on Tuesday, including quarterbacks Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett. The Minnesota Vikings are desperate for a quarterback, so you'd expect to see Rick Spielman, the team's vice president of player personnel, at one of those events.

Instead, Spielman stayed local, attending the University of Minnesota's pro day. Samuel Gordon of the Minnesota Daily says Spielman had nice things to say about Gophers quarterback Adam Weber. "He had a very good workout today so we'll go ahead and put him in the mix and compare him to what we already know about some of the other kids we saw at the combine," Spielman said. "He's been on the big stage so he has the experience and it's not going to be too big for him when he gets his opportunity to come up and show what he can do in the NFL."

ESPN Scouts Inc. gives Weber a grade of 30, worse than 14 other quarterbacks in the draft, making him a borderline prospect at best. If Spielman plans on Weber being the Vikings' next franchise quarterback, then his tenure in Minnesota may be a short one.

 

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Where will Dareus land?

Many teams in the Top 10 of the NFL draft order have been individually linked to defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, and there was a throng of observers at the Alabama pro day on Wednesday, some of whom were there to get a closer look at the 315-pounder. In recent mock drafts, Dareus has gone to a number of different teams, including the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.

Following the workouts Wednesday, Todd McShay of ESPN's Scouts, Inc. posted another breakdown of where Dareus might be selected on the night of April 28:

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Todd McShay
No. 1 overall is a possibility

"I've heard a lot of talk lately about Carolina considering Dareus with the No. 1 overall pick, and new Panthers coach Ron Rivera was in attendance after watching Nick Fairley and Cam Newton on Tuesday at Auburn. Denver holds the No. 2 pick and has needs along the defensive line, making the Broncos another possible destination for Dareus, who has the versatility to play the 5-technique (DE) in a 3-4 scheme but is best suited as a 4-3 tackle. It just so happens that Denver is moving to a 4-3 scheme under new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and executive vice president of football operations John Elway was in Alabama to get an up-close look at Dareus."

 

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Houston to Houston?

The Houston Texans' conversion from a 4-3 defensive front to Wade Phillips' 3-4 configuration is expected to be accelerated by the team's 2011 draft class, and they'll possibly get started as early as their first-round pick (No. 11 overall).

In keeping with that theme, Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle picked linebacker/defensive end Justin Houston for the Texans in his latest mock draft. Houston would fit in at one of the OLB slots for the Texans, with Connor Barwin and occasionally Mario Williams as other alternatives. Williams' role continues to be a subject of debate, and the reality could include roles both on the line and at LB.

ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. disagreed, sending DE J.J. Watt to the Texans in his latest mock, published Wednesday:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Mel Kiper, Jr.
Wisconsin's Watt is the pick

"Phillips will love Watt, a big, aggressive, smart and scheme-versatile defensive end who can offer an immediate help for a defense in need of bodies for the front seven. At 290 pounds, with a really good burst and a relentless nature, you can do a lot with Watt along the defensive line. Houston has to find some pass-rush help to complement the great Mario Williams, and this is a good place to look."

 

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Von Miller at No. 2?

Linebacker Von Miller confirmed in a radio interview this week that his dream scenario is to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, though it appears unlikely that this dream will become reality given the Cowboys' draft position. But another team with a proud history looking to return to the playoffs is quite interested -- and Miller's first contract would be quite a bit more lucrative if this other team drafted him.

The Denver Broncos are that team, and according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post, the Broncos were in College Station, Tex., on Thursday working Miller out.

So is it realistic to think that the Broncos would forego grabbing a defensive tackle at No. 2 overall -- arguably a greater need -- to take Miller? ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson offered his take:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Bill Williamson
He possesses unique talent

"Denver has a greater need on the defensive line than at linebacker. But Miller is an intriguing prospect. He has produced on the field and he has had a terrific offseason. He ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at his pro day Wednesday. That is silly-fast for a linebacker."

 

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Hints on Seahawks' first pick

The Seattle Seahawks have quite a few holes to fill this offseason, and they'll use the draft, free agency and trades to take care of that task. The timing of the new CBA may help determine which direction they'll go with the No. 25 overall pick, as one or more of those needs -- including the situation at quarterback -- could be dealt with prior to April 28.

Whether or not they have plans to make veteran additions on the offensive line (Robert Gallery has been linked to the Seahawks given his relationship with Tom Cable), an OL could be a smart investment with their first-rounder. ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando touched on the O-line need in his "Draft Watch" post on Thursday, while resident draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. had the Seahawks drafting a prospect that plays the most important position in pro sports in his latest mock:

- Tim Kavanagh

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Mike Sando
Seahawks must get better up front

"Restocking the offensive line must take priority no matter what happens at quarterback. The Seahawks' running game has disappeared in recent seasons, putting too much pressure on the rest of the offense. Drafting left tackle Russell Okung sixth overall a year ago was a start. Seattle needs to find answers at both guard spots and probably right tackle (assuming Max Unger returns from injury and takes over at center, as expected)."

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Mel Kiper, Jr.
Jake Locker is the pick at No. 25

"After a season widely considered disastrous in terms of his overall draft stock, I have Locker bouncing back some during the lead-up to the draft. He was impressive enough at the combine and proved that he's every bit the athlete that Newton is (they ran identical times in the 40). He has a big-time arm and just needs to show that his accuracy is something that will develop when he has time to throw. This isn't an endorsement of Locker as a guy who should step in and start for the Seahawks if Matt Hasselbeck isn't back in 2011, but even if Seattle makes a move for a short-term answer at quarterback, Locker could be hard to pass up if Pete Carroll thinks he's a solution for the long run."