The prevalent NFL Draft story this season has been the emergence of Washington junior quarterback Jake Locker.
He was an intriguing prospect entering the season but was injured throughout most of 2008.
So when this season began, he was behind the likes of Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen and Mississippi's Jevan Snead. With Bradford's health being a question and Snead struggling, both Clausen and Locker have become the top junior quarterback prospects in the nation.
For now, Locker gets the edge because he's bigger, more athletic and has far less to work with in Seattle.
ESPN senior NFL writer Chris Mortensen reported on his Twitter page that one of the teams that could be looking for a quarterback has Locker tops on their early draft board.
The emergence of Locker has strongly coincided with Washington's hire of head coach Steve Sarkisian. The former Southern California offensive coordinator installed a pro-style offense that Locker has done well in.
Locker has also been working closely with Steve Clarkson, one of the top quarterback backs in the nation. Clarkson has mentored Ben Roethlisberger, Clausen and Matt Leinart, among others.
Clarkson shortened Locker's throwing motion, making it more compact and quick. Locker has also learned to scan more of the field.
The emergence of Jake Locker as a pro prospect
"Every NFL guy I know says Locker's intangibles are off the chart positive," Mortensen tweeted.
Add that to 4.4 40-yard dash speed, amazing arm strength and a growing 6-foot-3 frame, and you've got a budding prospect who could go No. 1 overall.
Southern California head coach Pete Carroll said Locker was the best quarterback his team has ever played against. That includes Aaron Rodgers and great college quarterbacks Vince Young and Dennis Dixon. Notre Dame's Charlie Weis called him "a front-line quarterback," who can make the tough throws.
Those tough throws were evident against USC. In a 16-13 upset over the Trojans, Locker completed 60 percent of his passes, throwing for 237 yards. Locker looked poised and displayed his leadership skills nicely.
Still, Locker has plenty of room to improve. He's only completing 57 percent of his passes this season and has thrown six interceptions to 11 touchdowns. He also still has a tendency to take off and run too soon.
Those problems can also be attributed to a surrounding cast with marginal talent. And given the improvement under Clarkson, Locker clearly has the mental fortitude to better himself through coaching.
Locker has six games to prove himself this season, including contests against UCLA and California. Both of those teams have solid pass defenses and NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
Washington's next game, Saturday afternoon against No. 11 Oregon, will be broadcast on ESPN360.com.
