If this was a normal offseason in the National Football League, players who were selected in last month's draft would have already completed a rookie orientation. They should be getting ready to join their teammates for organized workouts this month and minicamps in June.
None of that will happen with the owner-imposed lockout in place, but Tennessee Titans rookie QB Jake Locker is still trying to keep things as normal as possible. According to the *Tennessean*, Locker has been studying the playbook and has been regularly throwing to receivers.
The No.8 overall draft pick received the playbook during the small window when the lockout was lifted on April 29. Locker plans to work out in Nashville this summer, even if the lockout remains in place.
"This is something I have been thinking about and dreaming about for such a long time, and now to have the opportunity to compete in the NFL and get to play that dream out is something I am really looking forward to," Locker told the newspaper.
"My plan is to stay in shape and keep my arm in shape so when we do finally have team workouts I won't be coming in out of shape trying to catch up. I want to hit the ground running and be ready to go."
The former University of Washington quarterback said he's been throwing everyday to the same four receivers who helped him leading up to his pro day.
This week, Locker will work with former Jets quarterback Ken O'Brien, who had helped him with his mechanics and footwork leading up to the draft.
"We're mainly working on consistency, really," Locker said of O'Brien. "We want to make sure the throws look the same every time. It's fluid, it's controlled and it's correct time after time after time. I feel like the advice he gives me is really helpful."
Locker hasn't been able to speak with Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains since that one-day lockout reprieve, but his teammates have reached out to him.
Titans' NFLPA player rep Jake Scott has started gathering contact information for all the team's rookies and Locker said he's already talked with receiver Damian Williams several times.
"Since I've been drafted it has been a very welcoming feeling already," Locker said.
