Here are some brief tidbits of league news as teams adjust to new players and injuries:

Only two days after Titans’ second-year pro Jake Locker pitched a stinker, he was named the team’s starting quarterback. I wouldn’t call a headline “Locker in a Shocker” exactly because he does have the upside, physical tools and athletic ability that veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck lacks, but I think the announcement was more of an attempt to focus the team heading into the season. He still needs some work, but in the long run they’ll be better off. Now that CJ2K looks up to speed – literally and figuratively – his presence will keep defenses honest and open up the passing lanes to take some of the pressure off.

Chargers’ WR Vincent Brown’s broken ankle may not keep him sidelined for the season after all, according to the team. After his surgery to repair it went well, there’s a possibility he could return to action by early to mid November.

Oct 9, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie (17) walks off the field dejected after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kansas City defeated Indianapolis 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Bad news for Indianapolis Colts’ starting WR Austin Collie – he was helped off the field looking woozy during Sunday night’s 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Collie has a history of concussions and with Detroit Lions’ RB Jahvid Best’s lingering issues with the same problem, I’m starting to think that some players are simply more prone to concussions than are others. With the horribly sad story of Junior Seau still relatively fresh in mind and the NFLPA megasuit against the NFL over TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), we’ll hear a whole lot more in the weeks and months (and even years) to come. Peoples’ long-term health, sanity, and lives are at risk here and it bears much, much further scrutiny. It appears that rookie T.Y. Hilton may be pressed into more playing time whether he’s ready or not. He’s made some good plays and a few rookie mistakes (like batting a pass intended for him into the air last night, causing an interception), but the good so far has outweighed the bad.

Andrew Luck showed his ability to get back in the Colts’ saddle and keep firing away even after throwing a pick-six to CB Ike Taylor last night. Quarterbacks need short memories in some ways, and rookies often get rattled by mistakes or missed opportunities or even mistakes by others. Luck demonstrated just that last night as he continued throwing into tight spaces, relying on his receivers to do their part. I think the Colts will be just fine offensively.

The last QB battle to be officially decided is in Miami, but I think Head Coach Joe Philbin is going to start the rookie unless Matt Moore really outplays him this coming weekend. As soon as Tannehill was drafted, I’ve been of the opinion that he would be the week-one starter because of his familiarity with Mike Sherman’s offense coming in. The only real advantage Moore has over Tannehill is NFL experience. Moore has been slow to pick up the offense and hasn’t shown much in the preseason where Tannehill has made some good plays. Both guys struggled last week against a resurgent Carolina Panthers defense, but the issues facing the offense seem to be more on the line than anywhere else. They only had 37 yards rushing, averaging less than 2 yards per carry. That just won’t get it done, and rookie RT Jonathan Martin really struggled. While Tannehill’s athletic ability might help avoid the rush over Moore, constant hits on a young QB can ruin him (ie: David Carr) for good. There’s a good case to be made either way and if Philbin wants to play it “safe,” he’ll start Moore until their line, which does have a lot of talent with 3 first-round picks (Long, Pouncey, and Martin). I’ve been saying since the beginning that the job will probably wind up in the hands of the rookie to begin with. We’ll find out soon enough.

Injuries to Washington Redskins defenders Brian Orakpo and Brandon Meriweather don’t appear to be as serious as first feared. Scans revealed no significant damage and it’s quite possible both men will be on the field for opening day.

In Buffalo, it looks like Vince Young has the second-string job behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. The team also waived veteran OLB Shawne Merriman after one season. Merriman may now have trouble finding a starting role, but could wind up with a team as injuries inevitably occur. The Bills have really added talent to their front seven in the last two years and “Lights Out” didn’t fit in the plans.

The Carolina Panthers, once again, need to address the situation known as their Quarterback. Most writers, and experts, believe that this will be done through Free Agency or Trades, but I see differently. In recent weeks, more QB’s have stepped up and shown they could be a #1 pick.

I already discussed the possibility of Cam Newton, but I think it necessary to touch on him once again. His media work out proved he has something hidden up his sleeve. He’s showing talent in every inch of his body. The kid is full of God given talent, and I still think he deserves the #1 pick. He has the risk/reward factor attached, but I feel the reward far outweighs the risk.

Okay, on to new recruits.

Christian Ponder: Please don’t hang me high for even mentioning his name, but in the last month the stock on Ponder has risen tremendously. During the season his accuracy and his overall throwing ability were question to no extent. All the experts thought he had no chance in the NFL, and they had good reason. He threw for 20 touchdowns and 8 int’s this season, which isn’t bad. That is, until you look at his attempts. Ponder only threw the ball 299 times, and he barely surpassed 2,000 yards. In 2009, Ponder threw for 2,717 yards, 14 TD’s and 7 int’s; in 2008, he threw for 2006 yards, 14 TD’s and 13 int’s. The stats, obviously, show improvement, and you can’t deny that while missing 2 games this season, he did well. He has the ability to lead a team, and I’m a sucker for the intangibles. Even more impressive: his showing in the Senior Bowl. While everyone was out to watch Jake Locker and Andy Dalton, Ponder came out and showed he might be the best Senior QB in the draft. Before I put my faith in Ponder, I need to see him in the NFL Combine. Until then, he has my vote as the best Senior QB in the draft.

Andy Dalton: Oh, Andy Dalton. Underrated and low stock. I bet high on Dalton, every time I watch the kid play. His intangibles are out the door, and his talent is through the roof. I won’t even go into reasons the experts are selling Dalton so low, because frankly, I sell him high. Let’s take a look at his stats for the past 2 years. In 2010, Dalton threw for 2,857 yards, 27 TD’s,6 picks, he ran for 450 yards, and 6 rushing TD’s. In 2009, Dalton threw for 2,756 yards, 23 TD’s and 8 picks. Sure, you can talk about him playing weaker opponents with cruddy defenses, but Dalton played for a run-first offense. These stats don’t lie, and Dalton has talent that could translate well into the NFL. He’s accurate and he has an arm. Playing for that run-first offense showed off his amazing talent. He’s got what it takes to be and NFL QB on so many levels. I will always throw intangibles in the mix, because of two reasons: Jake Delhomme and Colt McCoy. Both of them are decent passers, but they have what it takes to win. Delhomme wasn’t the best passer, by far, but his intangibles made him a good QB. McCoy, on the other hand, was touted as too small, and not enough power, but he brought down big teams this past season. Andy Dalton, in my mind, might not be a #1 pick, but he can be our QB of the future. He has everything the Panthers need, and could be one amazing 2nd-3rd round gem.

Ryan Mallett: 6’7 and 240 pounds. Mallett is another prime example of the “New Era” NFL QB. Mallett has it all, accuracy, arm strength, and the size. He was a top QB on a slightly decent Razorbacks squad. Without a dominant team behind him, Mallett managed 3,869 yards, 32 TD’s, and 12 picks. Also, his only two losses this season came to Cam Newton and Auburn, and Alabama. Both teams dominated the SEC this year, and you can’t lay the losses on Mallett. Under Mallett, the Razorbacks had the 4th rated Pass offense in the NCAA at 333.7 per game. Mallett led that passing attack with his spectacular arm. Mallett even had a great performance in the Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State. Mallett is all that and more, he brings game to field, and leaves nothing behind. Watching the kid play, you can tell he is going to be an NFL star one day. In this draft, Mallett is most definitely the most NFL ready, and come Combine time, everyone will notice.

Yes, Jake Locker is not present in my draft possibilities, because as I see it, he’s not in the top 5 of QB’s. I see these guys as the best QB’s in the draft, and until the Combine it will stay that way. Locker may have the hype, but has yet to even come close to the shadow of that hype. I need convincing on Locker’s part.

Stay tuned for part 3, where I’ll begin to address the skills positions.

The Panthers have everything they need to win, but a QB. Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, and David Gettis have amounted to an outstanding receiving core, even without a QB. DeAngelo Williams may not be back next season, but look at how well Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson performed in his absence. The offensive line had troubles, but all that can be fixed this off-season.

It all falls down to the quarterback.

Ron Rivera has gone on the record saying he will obtain a new QB. He may draft a QB or trade for one, but nonetheless Rivera’s looking.

There are so many possibilities for a new QB out there:

Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert is probably the most talented Quarterback entering this years draft, unless Jake Locker proves himself at the Senior Bowl. Gabbert led the Missouri Tigers to a 10-3 season, including a win of then #1 Oklahoma. Watching Gabbert play, I see many things. He has intangibles, the kid wants to win. When he walks onto the field, he poises himself as the leader of that team, and he uses that to win. He had a bad game against Texas Tech, but as a Tech fan, I’m not going into that game. Gabbert has the accuracy that NFL QB’s need, but we can question his arm strength. Another problem with Gabbert, his unwillingness in the weight room. He has been known to show up to practice overweight and lazy. I don’t like this, it reminds me too much of JaMarcus Russell. Gabbert still has the NFL Combine to prove to us that he is worthy of our #1 Pick.

Cam Newton. 6 foot 6 inches and 250 pounds. Newton has all the potential of being the “New Era” of NFL quarterbacks. Heisman and National Championship, undefeated and underrated as a passer, this is what all the buzz is about Cam. Killer Cam has the potential to be the next NFL star, if he can work on his accuracy. If he can become a more accurate passer, Cam can be a bigger and stronger Mike Vick. Newton’s size and his versatility can prove to be a dangerous weapon in Carolina’s offense. Picture Cam in the shotgun with Smith, Gettis, and LaFell all wide. He takes the snap and the O-Line collapses. Cam has the choice now, run the ball with the power he has, or throw the ball down field with his uncanny arm strength. Newton will also bring the good media attention that so many NFC South fans say we lack. Overall, I think Cam Newton, if productive in the combine, can be the best quarterback in the draft. Hell, he may be the #1 pick.

Stay tuned, more draft possibilities will be discussed in later articles.