NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger knows the noise about a new teammate at his position is only starting.
He’s not worried about it, and while he tries to ignore it he gets texts and questions from friends and family about it.
The 2014 sixth-round pick is likely "the guy" for the 2015 Titans. But they hold the No. 2 pick in the draft and could get one of the top two quarterbacks, Florida State's Jameis Winston or Oregon's Marcus Mariota.
Speaking to media before taking the stage at 104.5 The Zone’s SportsFest in Nashville (disclaimer, I have a show on the station), Mettenberger said general manager Ruston Webster has been completely straight with him, with “no smoke and mirrors.”
As for Winston and Mariota, Mettenberger spoke respectfully.
“They are obviously very talented guys,” he said. “ … If they were here I think they would say the same thing: If we had to compete out there, I think I’d beat them out.”
Mettenberger’s appearance was with his close friend, the Titans' top pick in the 2014 draft, left tackle Taylor Lewan.
Lewan loves hearing Mettenberger speak confidently.
“I think any person that doesn’t say that is not going to be successful,” he said of Mettenberger saying he’d beat out a high pick. “There are only so many positions in the NFL you can be a part of. If another guy comes in that’s a first-round pick or a second-round pick or a higher pick than you were, you either fold it up or you can take that adversity and thrive with it.”
Mettenberger missed the final three games of the season with a shoulder injury. He said he’s 100 percent and has been throwing.
Lewan started six games after Michael Roos was hurt, then missed the remainder of the year with a high ankle sprain.
Lewan, too, said he’s 100 percent. He’s running and jumping and said he could have played in a game about a week and a half after the season ended.
