Clipboard Kings: Assessing The Tennessee Titans QB Depth
By Dan Viens
PART 16 IN A SERIES:
We hear it every year at this time, the backup quarterback is one of the most important positions on the roster. Whether it is or not is a debate for another time, but it’s under the microscope now more than ever as teams try to justify how many resources, or in some cases how few, they’ve committed to the position….and you hear reports of young QB’s who are just “killing it” in their mini-camps.
The position can either be rendered completely irrelevant: Jim Sorgi never getting his uniform dirty in meaningful situations backing up Peyton Manning from 2004 – 2010. Or franchise altering: The Colts never addressing the position appropriately, team goes 2-14 without Manning in 2011, total housecleaning, first pick, Manning moves on, Andrew Luck now in place.
I thought it would be interesting to take a look at every team’s backup situation. These aren’t grades, just an overall look at the total sum of each team’s outlook if their starter were to go down. I’ll consider the immediate situation and the longer-term picture.
I’ll go in order of my NFL Power Rankings 1.0, published May 10th.
Today, the Tennessee Titans:
STARTER: Matt Hasselbeck (14th Year)
PROJECTED BACKUP: Jake Locker (2nd Year)
Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak has stated that Hasselbeck and Locker will split practice reps 50/50 when training camp opens, and Locker could very well win the starting job. If he’s not the starter on opening day, he’ll likely get a shot to take over the job at some point during the season. In parts of 5 games he made some highlight-reel plays while throwing for 4 TD’s, rushing for another, and avoiding turnovers. Everyone knows what an athlete and fiery competitor Locker is…. the issue with him has always been accuracy. Only a 54% completion rate in college, and under 52% in 66 attempts his rookie year. That’s just not good enough. There is so much to like about Locker, but unless he becomes more efficient he’s going to struggle. If he shows consistent improvement in his accuracy, he’s a 10-year answer at the position for the Titans.
Verdict: Potential Star
PROJECTED 3RD QB: Rusty Smith (2nd Year)
Smith was drafted out of Florida Atlantic in the 6th round of the 2010 draft. He’s got good size and a decent arm, and put up some solid numbers as a 4 year starter in college. As a rookie he got one start while Vince Young and Kerry Collins were both injured, but threw 3 INT’s. He’s a lock for the 3rd spot if the Titans keep three quarterbacks.
Verdict: Has Some Upside
OTHER CONTENDERS: Nick Stephens (Rookie)
Stephens transferred to Tarleton State for his final season after failing to earn the starting job in 4 years at Tennessee. Looks good on film but has almost no shot of making this team.
My Take: Since moving on from Vince Young 2 years ago the Titans have invested heavily in the position, taking Smith in 2010 and selecting Locker much higher than many projected with the 8th pick last year. But this all comes down to Locker. He’s one of those rare boom-or-bust type players. He possesses the pure athletic and intangible gifts to potentially be among the leagues elite, but that nagging issue with accuracy could ultimately lead to his demise. Rarely do 50% college passers become 60% passers in the NFL. Hasselbeck is the perfect mentor for him, however, and the two have become fast friends. If Locker can soak up Hasselbeck’s instincts and knowledge of the game, he could be on the verge of stardom.