1 of 10

2012 Stats: 11 games, 2,176 pass yards, 10 pass TDs, 11 INT, 56.4 completion %, 291 rushing yards

2013 Projection: 14 games, 3,000 pass yards, 15 pass TDs, 12 INT, 60 completion %, 350 rush yards

Analysis: Some people tend to think that Jake Locker is on a short leash heading into the regular season, but it's being overblown a bit.

Locker had a lot of things working against him in what was seemingly a rookie season. His real rookie season in 2011 saw him appear in a handful of games and put up modest numbers.

This revamped offense that includes a much more balanced rushing attack, and some added weapons for Locker to throw to, will help him improve from last season. How much he improves is the question.

Don't forget that he's probably playing with a chip on his shoulder after ESPN's Ron Jaworski ranked him 31st out of 32 NFL starting quarterbacks.

The Titans still want to be a team that primarily runs the ball, so Locker's numbers aren't going to be eye-popping no matter how much he actually improves.

His completion percentage is a number that you really want to see improvement in, and having Justin Hunter and a focused Kenny Britt will help with that number.

Locker's numbers will improve, but it's probably far-fetched to think that Locker will play the full 16-game slate. He's still going to run the ball often, and that could sideline him a week or two for a more-than-capable Ryan Fitzpatrick backing him up.

Look for a moderate improvement in Locker's number from 2012, which will be enough for the Titans to stick with him for the future. A drastic setback from last season will have to happen for the Titans to jump ship on their eighth overall draft pick from 2011.