By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — It may be only May, but speculation regarding the Tennessee Titans quarterback position has never been higher. Ever since the Titans traded up and selected former Kentucky Quarterback Will Levis with the 33rd pick, there have been rumblings and rumors that the future is now, and that Levis will be the new starter sooner rather than later.
For some, the fact Levis dropped out of the first round to the second was a sign he is more project than polished, and needs at least a year to get seasoning and experience.
The incumbent starter Ryan Tannehill has expressed no public resentment over the drafting of Levis, welcoming him to the quarterback room and team in a warm fashion. He has also been realistic about his status as a veteran quarterback with an expiring contract coming back off an injury.
Neither Titans general manager Ran Carthon or Head Coach Mike Vrabel are willing to acknowledge or admit there is any possibility of a trade with Tannehill for another veteran quarterback, or any pressure to elevate Levis into a starters’ role immediately
The odd man out right now seems to be last year’s draft pick, quarterback Malik Willis. His detractors point out he never had a 100-yard passing game in his few starts, and struggled with accuracy and game management. But Willis clearly needed time to learn and grow, and was thrown into a situation he wasn’t able to handle. Giving up on him seems both premature and unfair, but it may well happen.
When the organized team activities flow over into training camp and then preseason games, a clearer picture should emerge.
Whatever happens, the short and long term future of the Titans very much depends on how the quarterback situation is ultimately resolved.
