Incumbent starter Matt Hasselbeck and 2011 first-round pick Jake Locker are rotating first-team quarterback reps evenly at Titans camp. But there are growing indications that the organization is poised to go young. Hasselbeck is entering his age-37 season. Locker was the eighth overall selection in last year’s draft, and flashed explosive playmaking ability off the bench in rookie spot appearances.
NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi stated on Inside Training Camp Live that he’s “learned” Locker is the favorite to start over Hasselbeck. The Titans appear to have decided internally that the power-armed, athletic youngster is ready to start in the NFL after being eased in as a rookie.
Locker, of course, will need to avoid tanking in camp practices and preseason games in order to maintain what is probably still a loose grip on the lead position. But if Locker capitalizes on the promise he displayed as a rookie, Hasselbeck may never play another down as a Titan.