With Locker Staying, Ryan Mallett Could Rise Up Draft Boards

The 2010 quarterback draft class took a hit today when Washington QB Jake Locker announced he would be returning for his senior year. Locker’s announcement cleared the way for Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen to be the number one rated quarterback and it could also open a tempting rise in stock for another QB.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is your prototypical NFL QB. Mallett has a cannon for an arm and he is still growing into his 6’6 frame.  Mallett was forced to sit out the 2008 season after transferring from Michigan and he showed Razorback fans the wait was well worth it.

In his first 7 games at Arkansas, Mallett threw 15 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. Mallett finished the 2009 campaign with 3,425 yards, 29 TDs, and 7 INTs.

Mallett lacks the experience most NFL general managers look for (only 15 career starts), but this strong-armed pocket passer has scouts drooling over his potential.

Before Locker’s decision, Mallett was looked at as a 2nd-rounder, however, Locker’s absence from the upcoming draft opens the way for Mallett to shoot up draft boards. Whether he declares and makes the best of this opportunity is yet to be seen.