On September 28 of last year, Zach Mettenberger made his debut as quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. That first appearance came against the Indianapolis Colts in relief of the injured Jake Locker. He did not fare very well in that limited action, but when Mettenberger made his first NFL start three weeks later, he was much more impressive. Mettenberger hit the Houston Texans for 299 yards and two touchdowns. At that time, it looked as if Mettenberger would be the future for the Titans at quarterback. Then the 2015 NFL Draft happened.

With the No. 2 pick in April, Tennessee took a chance on defending Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota of Oregon. Certainly, the Titans did not draft Mariota to ride the pines this season while Mettenberger makes all of the starts. Although it is being billed as a showdown between the sophomore and the rookie quarterback in training camp, it is believed that Mariota will enter August as the top Titan. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has said as much without actually coming out and announcing it.

The one factor going against the former LSU Tigers star is that Whisenhunt has mentioned that there will be some new wrinkles in the Titans’ offense. Those changes will be made to suit Mariota. That means more read options and designed quarterback runs, which are two facets of quarterbacking that are not part of Mettenberger’s arsenal. Especially since he is less than a couple of years removed from a major knee injury suffered in college. Mettenberger does own a much stronger throwing arm than the former Duck however.

Tennessee’s third string quarterback is expected to be veteran Charlie Whitehurst. The man that is called “Clipboard Jesus” in Nashville will spread the bible of playing quarterback to both of his younger teammates if he stays on the team. The best thing that could happen to Mettenberger is to listen to Whitehurst, show some grit and have an outstanding training camp. An improved Mettenberger may then open some eyes around the league and possibly allow Tennessee some trade options.

There are plenty of teams in the NFL right now that can use an upgrade at starting quarterback and more teams that may be desperate when injuries start piling up during the exhibition season. Moving Mettenberger may not be something the Titans had in mind when they drafted him in the sixth round in 2014. Yet, after selecting Mariota this year, it may be something that works out well for both the second-year quarterback and the franchise.