The Titans added a potential developmental prospect at quarterback in Round Six, selecting LSU’s Zach Mettenberger No. 178 overall.
To secure Mettenberger, the Titans traded sixth- and seventh-round picks (Nos. 186, 228) to move up to eight spots with Washington.
The 6-foot-5, 224-pound Mettenberger has ideal stature and a strong arm. However, he is a little more than five months removed from a left ACL tear suffered in LSU’s November 29 win over Arkansas. At the start, he will most likely compete for the Titans’ No. 3 quarterback role with Tyler Wilson. It’s also possible Mettenberger could push top backup Charlie Whitehurst.
Looking forward, the major question is whether Mettenberger could be a viable candidate to push or replace starting quarterback Jake Locker, who’s in the final year of his deal.
In the near term, Mettenberger’s recovery and development in the Titans’ offense will be key to his NFL future.
In addition to the knee injury, Mettenberger’s back was regarded an issue by some clubs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Furthermore, Mettenberger produced a diluted urine sample at the NFL Scouting Combine, with dehydration treatment the reason given for the high water count.
Mettenberger began his career at Georgia, but he was dismissed after a March 2010 arrest stemming from an incident at a bar. In May 2010, he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor sexual battery charges in connection with the incident. According to published reports, Mettenberger was alleged to have grabbed a woman.
Mettenberger would transfer to Butler County Community College for the 2010 season, then joined LSU for three years (2011-2013). And on the third and final day of the 2014 NFL Draft, his professional career began with the Titans, who are relatively unsettled at his position.