Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster issued something of a vote of confidence regarding second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger, and in so doing, cast some doubt on any assumptions that the club is intending to invest the No. 2 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft in one of the top two quarterbacks available: Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.
"We like Zach, and I think Zach has the tools to play and start in the league," Webster told The Tennessean. "We've said all along that this is a part of this process, and we have to do our due diligence all the way through. Zach knows we are going to do that, and this is just kind of part of it. These guys are part of the evaluation process along with other positions. And we'll take a good look at them."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the No. 1 pick and have a quarterback need as well, but Tennessee is assured of either Winston or Mariota if that's the position the club chooses to address with the No. 2 pick. But a genuine belief in Mettenberger's ability to develop into a quality NFL starter would give the club the flexibility to address a different position of need, or perhaps trade down.
Mettenberger flashed an impressive arm as a rookie last season, but lost all six of his starts and threw an interception in every one of them. But unlike former first-round pick Jake Locker, the Titans invested only a sixth-round pick to acquire Mettenberger in last year's draft. As such, the club isn't hitched to Mettenberger financially as its quarterback of the future.
And with that comes even more freedom.
"There's also some other players involved, too. There's going to be good defensive players, good receivers, and where do those other guys fit in?" Webster added. "Really, the (second overall pick) is not all about the quarterbacks. A lot of other positions are involved, too."
A pass rusher is among the Titans' primary needs as well, and four possibilities -- USC's Leonard Williams, Nebraska's Randy Gregory, Florida's Dante Fowler, Jr. and Missouri's Shane Ray -- are among the top 10 talents in the draft, according to NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
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