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15 Bold Predictions: No. 9: Zach Mettenberger shines, somewhere

By Ryan Disdier

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I admit, it’s lonely on the Zach Mettenberger bandwagon.

Last year, I felt like the late-round pick out of LSU made strides after being thrust into the starting lineup, amidst a less-than-desirable quarterback situation in Nashville.

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In his six games as the Titans’ starting quarterback, Mettenberger had a quietly good rookie campaign. He completed 107 of his 179 attempts, which was good for a 59.8 completion percentage. He also Threw for 1,412 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.

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He was second among rookie quarterbacks — minimum six games started — in terms of completion percentage and quarterback rating, only finishing behind Teddy Bridgewater in both categories.

Leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, I was adamant in my belief that Tennessee should forgo drafting a quarterback and instead opt to build the rest of the team.

My belief centered on the fact that I viewed — and still view, obviously — Mettenberger as a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL.

Instead of drafting a player like Leonard Williams, the Titans decided to select Oregon’s Marcus Mariota with their first-overall pick. Tennessee deciding to decline trade packages from possible teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL’s Ian Rapoport.

Now, Mettenberger is the second-string quarterback, despite flashing starting talent. The 24-year-old quarterback doesn’t have the athletic skill set that Mariota possesses, but he’s got strengths of his own.

For starters, Mettenberger is a traditional, drop back passer. He won’t be scaring any defenses with his mobility. He’s in the same category as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, in the sense that he’s rarely going to leave the pocket to pick up yards.

Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) throws the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The 6-5 Mettenberger has a strong arm and he delivers the ball with velocity. He made strides during his rookie season, displaying more poise than most sixth-round draft picks. Mettenberger, playing behind an average offensive line, took some shots. But he stood tall in the pocket and got back up.

He didn’t exactly take the NFL by storm in his first year, but it’s important to remember his supporting cast wasn’t All-Pro caliber. His offensive line was subject, and he lacked a variety of offensive playmakers, especially at the running back position.

Forgetting about the silliness that ensued when he was named Tennessee’s starter, and there was a good amount of things to like from Mettenberger’s rookie year. He entered the league with a lot of raw physicality, but he has the potential to become a legitimate NFL quarterback.

Mettenberger was also once thought to be the guy for the Titans, according to David Climer of the Tennesseean.

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) and rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watch from the sidelines during the second half of their preseason NFL football game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

“Coach Ken Whisenhunt identified Mettenberger as an undervalued asset last spring. General manager Ruston Webster pulled the trigger and drafted him in the sixth round,” Climer said. “In short, Whisenhunt and Webster think they pulled the steal of the 2014 draft. Titans brass see Mettenberger as a poor team’s Tom Brady. He’s the quarterback.”

Of course, things changed, and now Mettenberger is second on the depth chart. As of right now, Mettenberger is doing all he can, and that’s shine in the preseason. So far, the second-year pro has thrown for 220 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He’s also completed 15 of his 20 passes, and earned a quarterback rating 124.9.

Despite that, the chances of him seeing the field for significant regular-season action are slim to none, barring an injury. The Titans didn’t draft Mariota to watch him stand on the sideline for 2015.

Instead, Mettenberger will likely have to undergo a change of scenery to see playing time. Luckily for him, there are a few teams who could really use some quarterback help.

There’s a chance a trade doesn’t happen, of course, as Mettenberger is a arguably the best backup in the NFL, and that’s a luxury few teams have.

“In the league today it is very hard for one quarterback to make it through the whole season,” head coach Ken Whisenhunt said, according to Jason Wolf of the Tennessean. “So you better have a plan in case your starter doesn’t go. So we certainly feel fortunate that we have Zach, and what Zach brings to the table.”

So there’s definitely a chance the Titans decide to retain Mettenberger. But if a team offers the right package, there’s no reason to think the Titans wouldn’t pull the trigger. If Mettenberger left Nashville, the Titans would still have “Clipboard Jesus” Charlie Whitehurst. Though he lacks a big name, Whitehurst is a serviceable backup who finished 2014 with seven touchdowns and four interceptions, with a quarterback rating of 87.4.

NFL inside Louis Riddick said five teams should inquire about Mettenberger, listing the Redskins, Bills, Browns, Texans and Jets. Out of those teams, I would consider the Jets and the Browns as the most likely teams.

The Redskins have pledged their allegiance to Robert Griffin III, even if he ends up being mediocre. Houston is probably not a realistic option, either, as the Titans would likely be hesitant to dish Mettenberger within the division.

Buffalo could make a move, but if Rex Ryan feels comfortable with Tyrod Taylor, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryan stay put. However, Mettenberger would give Ryan the quarterback he needs to help make the Bills’ playoff dreams a real contender. Mettenberger would play the role of Mark Sanchez, utilizing a myriad of skilled pass-catchers, strong run game and stronger defense.

With Geno Smith out because of a broken jaw, the Jets are one quarterback away from making a serious playoff run. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a lot like Whitehurst, in the sense that while they can probably win games, neither player is an ideal option.

The Jets don’t have an overly complicated offense that requires a lot of movement from a quarterback. Mettenberger would find success in New York.

Over in Cleveland, the quarterback situation is still murky, as question marks still surround Johnny Manziel. As for Josh McCown, there’s no way he’ll make it through the entire season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback.

There’s also the very realistic option that Mettenberger stays in Nashville and has to wait. With that in mind, it’s realistic to expect Mariota to miss some time, as his improvisational-style of play will put his body in harms way more frequently than a quarterback like Mettenberger.

Regardless of where he ends up playing, I expect Mettenberger to challenge Derek Carr and Teddy Bridgewater as the best sophomore quarterback.

Next: 15 Bold Predictions: Jadeveon Clowney arrives

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