Mel Kiper has put out a list of second year guys that he expects to breakout in 2012 (In$ider). As you might have guessed from the title of this post, Jake Locker is one of the players on his list. Here is what he had to say about Locker:
Now, Locker needs to win the job outright. But look at the situation he could come into. Chris Johnson could be reinvigorated, the offensive line should be improved, and the return of Kenny Britt plus the addition of Kendall Wright (and Nate Washington can still play) make this offense a lot more formidable. Among the three first-round QB picks from last year who really need to make the jump, including Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert, I like Locker's chances in 2012.This team has never had anything close to the offensive potential it has right now. It sure looks like the perfect situation for Locker to walk into and succeed. That is half of the battle when it comes to developing a young quarterback.
I am really interested to see SuperHorn's post from where he watched all of Locker's throws from last season. I won't give too much away here, but SH says that Locker has more work to do than most of us realize. I have been leading the Locker 2012 campaign, but I don't want him out there until they have fixed his fundamentals. Since the Titans have a quarterback who is well above average, it makes perfect sense for them to give Locker all the time he needs to develop. It is a whole lot easier to fix fundamentals on the front end.
On the other hand, if Locker comes into camp fundamentally sound, there is absolutely no reason for him not to be the starter against the Patriots. This offense is going to be good with either guy under center, but it has the chance to be elite if Locker is ready. He brings a lot of things to the table with his arm and athleticism that Matt Hasselbeck simply can't do.