Professor

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/in...&news_id=49255

Agents: Titans want rookie QB ready in 2006
By Terry McCormick, tmccormick@nashvillecitypaper.com
April 19, 2006

Two of the top rookie quarterbacks in the NFL Draft apparently left Baptist Sports Park with the impression that if they land in Tennessee, a starting opportunity might not be far behind.

The agents for both Vince Young and Matt Leinart both indicated to The City Paper Tuesday that, if drafted by the Titans with the third overall pick, their clients could get the chance to play right away.

“The indications I got from them was that if they drafted Vince, they would like him to be ready to come in and be able start this year,” said agent Major Adams, who accompanied Young to Nashville last week.

Chuck Price, who is one of the representatives for Leinart, said his client left Nashville last Wednesday morning with a similar impression.

“I believe the impression Matt got from the Titans was that he could have a chance to come in and play right away,” Price said.

If those assumptions are in line, it could mean the future for current Titans starter Steve McNair would be even cloudier. McNair was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday for the JB Awards as part of the Gridiron Gala, and also was scheduled to stop by the NFL Players Association office for a briefing with general counsel Richard Berthelsen on the grievance filed against the Titans regarding him being prohibited working out at Baptist Sports Park.

The Titans also have Billy Volek, who has filled in for McNair capably in the past, but Volek has battled injuries at times.

“Obviously, with the situation with Steve right now, they are probably looking for someone who has the ability to play right away with that pick, whether it’s Matt or Vince or Jay [Cutler of Vanderbilt],” Price said. “If the situation works out where they can bring Steve back, and Matt or whoever else can learn from him for a year, then that would be a good situation. But right now, the way things are, they don’t have Steve.”

By most accounts, Leinart is probably the most ready of the three to play right away, especially in Tennessee, where his former offensive coordinator Norm Chow has installed a similar offensive scheme to the Trojans.

“I think that whoever takes Matt knows they’re getting a guy who has the ability to understand a playbook and could come in and play right away,” Price said.

Young is regarded as perhaps the rawest of the three, but also possessing the most pure athleticism and upside.

Adams indicated his client would be eager to immerse himself into any offense and get ready to play as soon as possible, meaning a holdout would not be likely.

“It’s important to get him in there on time, because every day he misses is a day lost,” Adams said.

Traveling men: All three quarterback prospects have been meeting and greeting a number of teams this week.

Young spent Monday with the Minnesota Vikings and will have a private workout for the New York Jets on Wednesday, according to Adams. After that, he will visit the Oakland Raiders Thursday and the Cleveland Browns Friday.

Leinart has a Wednesday date with the New Orleans Saints and will follow that up with a visit to the Raiders.

Cutler had a private workout with the Jets earlier this week that went very well, according to his agent Bus Cook. He is scheduled for a Thursday and Friday visit with the Detroit Lions.