Titans' Zach Mettenberger on Winston, Mariota: 'I think I’d beat them out'

The Tennessee Titans own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft and are doing their due dilligence on the top two quarterbacks, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota.

One would expect that, even with a promising but ultimately unproven asset in 2014 sixth-round quarterback Zach Mettenberger on the roster.

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But Mettenberger, speaking with 104.5 The Zone’s SportsFest in Nashville (via ESPN.com), said he believes he could beat either prospective rookie out in a head-to-head battle if it came down to that.

“They are obviously very talented guys,” Mettenberger 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.”

In seven games as a rookie, Mettenberger completed 107-of-179 passes (59.8 percent) for 1,412 yards (a healthy 7.9-yard average) with eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and four fumbles.

There were some strong moments. There were some less-than-strong moments. But it was an encouraging start to his career prior to a shoulder injury that ended his first season. Mettenberger said he's 100 percent healthy now and has been throwing well this offseason.

Also appearing on the show was fellow 2014 rookie, tackle Taylor Lewan, who said he loved the rookie's confidence in his Winston-Mariota claim.

“I think any person that doesn’t say that is not going to be successful,” Lewan said. “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.”

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm