2015 NFL Draft Rumors: Titans Not Drafting a Quarterback Early?
The Tennessee Titans haven’t had a whole lot of success at quarterback since the days of Steve McNair. Some suggest that could lead them to spend their #2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on a new franchise passer. Recent reports, however, suggest otherwise.
According to the Nashville Tennessean, the Titans are content with sticking with second-year man Zach Mettenberger, and would then pass on an elite passing prospect with the second overall selection in April’s draft. There is speculation they could instead spend the pick on USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams or another impact defensive player and possibly take a look at competition at quarterback later in the draft.
It’s not a bad stance, given the fact that Marcus Mariota is the consensus number two quarterback prospect. With Jameis Winston likely going number one overall and the Titans said to not be “enamored” with Mariota, it wouldn’t make much sense for them to pull the trigger on the Oregon product so high. That’s especially the case given that they have Mettenberger, who lacks athleticism and still has a lot to prove, but has a big arm, is terrific in the pocket and already has some solid experience from his 2014 rookie year. In fact, Mettenberger was once regarded as a first round prospect, so despite being taken in the sixth round of last year’s draft, it’s extremely possible Tennessee feels it stole a gem last year and doesn’t have to pay a steep price to upgrade under center.
Even if the Titans are wrong about Mettenberger, they can always add another quarterback or even two (Jake Locker is scheduled to become a free agent) in the middle or late rounds, while they could also look to free agency. There is also always a chance the Titans trade down. One would think they would like to keep teams guessing to help spike interest in a trade up for Mariota or Winston, but regardless of any smokescreens, the Titans are still clearly in position to take advantage of teams beneath them in the first round.
Whether or not the Titans end up drafting Mariota or Winston is open for debate. At the moment, however, there appears to be very real doubt that they will and that mock draft experts may want to start considering other slots for the two most highly touted passers for this year’s draft.
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