FanPost

Jake Locker will be a top 15 pick

Early in the draft process many believed Locker could still be an early first round pick, and some here even believed he was worthy of the Bills taking at #3... Then came the senior bowl, and Locker didn't perform the way many expected him to. All the sudden people started talking about him like he was going to be around in the 2nd round. But how much can you really look into the senior bowl? I mean, think about it- players have a week to learn and practice an offense with players they have never played with before. Granted it would have been nice to see better accuracy from Locker in positional drills, but you can't really fault him completely for not performing well.

Now all the talk is about Newton and Gabbert in the top 10. I think what is lost in all of this talk is that Locker still remains a very talented QB with all the tools to be a successful QB. With so many teams needing a QB in the top 10 (7 by Mike Mayocks count), it seems very likely both Newton and Gabbert will be off the board very early (I don't expect either one to be on the board after Tennessee picks at #8). If that happens, then your looking at up to 5 more teams that need a QB (Washington, Minnesota, Miami, Jacksonville, Seattle)... If Gabbert and Newton are both picked in the top 5 (Carolina, Buffalo, Cincy, and Arizona), then were talking 7 more teams that could target a QB (now including Tennessee and San Francisco).. With that many teams looking for a signal caller it is very reasonable to think that Locker could come off the boards very soon after.

So whats my point and how does this apply to Buffalo? Well, Locker happens to be my first choice at QB. I don't think he would be a reach in the top 10 (or dare I even say at #3). Lets think about this scenario for a moment:

Carolina takes either Gabbert or Newton first overall. Denver takes a defensive player, and now Buffalo is picking at #3 with Gabbert or Newton available. If they prefer Locker as I do, then they are in a great position to trade down. Tennessee is desperate for a QB and would jump all over the chance to try to grab Newton or Gabbert before Cincy or Arizona can pick them. If they are sold on one of these guys I think it puts Buffalo in a really power position, and its reasonable to assume they would throw their first and a second at Buffalo to try to grab their signal caller.

So Buffalo trades down to #8.. Their is too much defensive talent on the board for Cincy, Arizona, and San Fran to pass up on, and now Buffalo is drafting a #8 and they can get their guy in Jake Locker. Now they have 5 picks in rounds 2-4 to draft defense and get some depth.

I know if they are sold on Locker many will say they need to pull the trigger when they have a chance and not trade down. But lets say worst case scenario some takes Locker in the top 7 before Buffalo would pick we could still add a top defensive player (either Peterson, Fairley, Dareus, Miller, Quinn will be available- or if they prefer Watt or Jordan).

Thoughts?

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.