Comparing top quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Jake Locker

Accuracy: Both players have the ability to make passes all over the field. However, accuracy has as much to do with ball placement as anything else. Ponder’s accuracy is based on timing with his receivers and not arm strength. Because of that, Ponder is much more accurate in the underneath areas. Locker’s accuracy is based more so on his arm strength. He’s better than Ponder at locating passes outside the numbers.
Arm strength: While Locker’s game is based on velocity and athleticism, Ponder’s is based more so on precision and timing. Ponder puts good touch on just about all of his throws. However, his deep ball is sometimes off and he doesn’t have the arm strength to hit every pass outside the numbers. Ponder’s issue working outside is putting too much air on passes. Locker likes to strong-arm his passes more and loses some accuracy underneath. But he’s much more a deep ball threat and is a terror on deep vertical throws.
Athleticism/mobility: Ponder reportedly has the best short shuttle time on Florida State. Still, his athleticism doesn’t compare to Locker, who reportedly runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. Locker can also do a lot more on the move and runs around with ease.
Decision making: In the past, Locker’s athleticism has been a detriment to his decision making. He would too quickly pull the ball down and run instead of reading his progressions. Ponder is as cerebral of a quarterback as there is in college football this year. He showed superb field vision in 2009 working through his options. Ponder looks to be the better of the two reading coverages and understanding what to do before the snap.
Mechanics: On his drop back, Ponder holds the ball higher and up near his shoulder and neck. Locker tends to hold the ball lower down his chest as he drops back. This allows Ponder’s setup to be quicker. But Locker appears to have a faster release. Both have correct release mechanics and hold the ball correctly.
Ponder’s footwork is a little better than Locker, but that’s a big area where the Washington quarterback is working. Ponder comes out from under the center a little more than Locker and has a more natural look dropping back. Locker isn’t clumsy in his drop, but he’s had a harder time reading defense while dropping back. He needs to shuffle instead of step as he drops back.
Size: Both players have similar height. Ponder is listed by Florida State as 6’2 and National said Locker’s size is a measured 6’2 1/2. Locker is a much stronger player, though, at 231 pounds to Ponder’s 217. Locker’s builk is NFL-ready while Ponder may have to get bigger, especially in his lower body.
Intangibles: Locker was a two-sport star in high school and was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the MLB Draft. Locker went from playing in a spread during his freshman and sophomore years to a more pro-style scheme in 2009. Locker has had several injuries, including a broken thumb, a neck issue and currently has an injured hand.
Ponder has already gotten his MBA from Florida State and reportedly got a very high number on the preseason Wonderlic test. He missed time last season with a separated shoulder, which required surgery.
Final word: As unquestionably the top two senior quarterback prospects in the nation, Locker and Ponder will inevitably get compared this season. The comparison maybe shouldn’t be appropriate.
With Locker, there is a lot more potential, athleticism and arm strength. With Ponder, there’s more accuracy, football intelligence and timing. Each provides something the other doesn’t and will fit in different schemes.
If you want to make your own judgements, I want to hear them. Below are some highlight videos.