NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)?aThe Tennessee Titans havent seen much of rookie quarterback Jake Locker(notes). Thats not stopping his new teammates from pondering the eighth pick overall could be their starter whenever the NFL starts enjoying again.
Locker worked out with his new teammates Thursday in a 2nd straight player-organized minicamp at a local high school because the NFL lockout continues. Hes made a sizeable impression on Tennessee veterans in just two days, including Thursday when he finished 8 of 12 passes.
He is a great football player. I can see it currently, Titans left guard Leroy Harris(notes) stated. The sooner we get back again to practices, he is heading to be the overall leader. I think physically he's prepared (to begin). All he needs to do is make sure he learns the plays. He has all of the equipment to be our franchise quarterback.
The 6-foot-3, 231-pound Locker spoke with reporters Wednesday but politely declined to talk Thursday when about 40 Titans worked out for almost two hours at Father Ryan High.
Locker has spent the last 10 days in Nashville staying with wide receiver Damian Williams(notes) and working out at local high college and school fields. Locker was expected to return to his home state of Washington later on Thursday.
The majority of Lockers passes had been quick, brief tosses. When he went downfield a couple occasions, the passes were incomplete. His 2nd throw of much more than twenty yards went high and deflected off Williams hands because the receiver going into his 2nd year as a pro took the blame for dropping the pass.
Whilst praise was substantial for Locker, veteran broad receiver Nate Washington(notes) was a bit more hesitant in his evaluation.
He includes a nice arm on him, however it will be a various story when the coaches get out here, critiquing, get him going about it, Washington stated.
Then that's when we'll truly have the ability to evaluate him. I dont really believe you are able to step out here on this small practice and know whether he's heading to be the greatest or not going to be good whatsoever. The very best thing we've with Jake is the mindset that he's comfy us. He's coming in right here understanding that he's supposed to be here.
Locker, Rusty Smith(notes) and Brett Ratliff(notes) all took snaps at quarterback. Smith will enter his 2nd year with the team, and also the sixth-round pick will be the only other quarterback presently around the roster with Locker.
The Titans strategy to cut ties with Vince Young(notes) as soon as the lockout concludes both by trading him or simply releasing him. Veteran Kerry Collins(notes) could return to assist mentor Locker, but retirement following 17 seasons may be considered a more powerful choice for your 38-year-old veteran.
It is my task to assist this group get better, Smith stated. If that means assisting Jake get better so he could be ready whenever the season arrives, that is my part. But dont think to get a 2nd Im not heading to attempt to obtain the beginning job. Im not one of those men who's heading to become bitter about the situation. Im extremely pleased to become playing football for my task.
Wide receivers Justin Gage(notes) and Kenny Britt(notes) were among the notable no-shows on Thursday, together with linebacker Will Witherspoon(notes). Britt hasn't been in attendance either day, busy back again house in New Jersey with legal troubles.
The Titans leading receiver Britt pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge Tuesday from a prior arrest. The first-round choose from Rutgers in 2009 was arrested once more Wednesday and charged with resisting arrest following two plainclothes officers suspected he was carrying a marijuana cigar.
It would have definitely been fantastic for him to be right here. This can be a location he was intended to be, Washington said. But I dont know the scenario. He continues to be getting a lot going on. It's unfortunate, but at the same time it happens. He is coping with these issues, remaining near to his family. He's trying to straighten his head out.
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