Vince Young: Great college QB, lousy pro prospect

Multiple reports have declared that Chow and Titans coach Jeff Fisher preferred USC's Matt Leinart over Young. The guy who wanted Young, Titans GM Floyd Reese, is the same knucklehead who picked Jones in 2005.

So I feel better.

Chow and Fisher probably feel better, too, now that they've acquired veteran mediocrity in Collins. Reports out of Nashville say the Collins signing was a reaction to starter Billy Volek's general inexperience and specific so-so exhibition showings. The Associated Press story went so far as to note that, "The only quarterback not affected by (Collins') signing is Young."

Right.

Look, the Titans signed Collins for a number of reasons. Volek is one. Young is another. Young has been the Titans' backup, but by now Fisher and Chow realize Young can't play if Volek gets hurt. If Collins doesn't beat out Volek, he will be the new backup, regardless of what the depth chart says. Now do you see how this affects Vince Young?

This sort of thing happens in all sports. Great college players from great programs are routinely unable to make the adjustment to professional ball. Record-setting slugger Jeff Ledbetter of Florida State couldn't hit with a wooden bat. National Player of the Year Ed O'Bannon of UCLA wasn't skilled enough for the NBA. And now comes Vince Young of Texas, who can't throw the ball downfield well enough to star in the NFL.

Argue this all you want, but I haven't felt this strongly about a quarterback since 1998, when the top two choices in the draft were Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf.

I liked Leaf.