Vince Young's comeback trail continued on Tuesday, as he worked out in front of pro scouts during the Texas Longhorns' Pro Day. Young, who led the Longhorns to a national championship over the USC Trojans in 2006, is taking 15 credits at Texas to finish his degree -- but make no mistake, Young is attempting to get back into the NFL.
Vince Young Pro Day: Former Titans quarterback was ‘magnificent,’ according to report
Vince Young was ‘magnificent’ during his Pro Day workout at the University of Texas, as the former No. 3 overall pick continued his comeback attempt.
Young “put on a show” according to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, which will certainly help him in his quest to return to the NFL:
Brandt was more effusive in his praise, saying Young “put on a show” and was “magnificent” passing the ball in the pocket and on the run. Brandt touted Young’s accuracy; a few of Young’s long tosses to Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin drew “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd.
Young himself was quoted saying he did “OK,” but certainly, it appears that the former No. 3 overall pick turned some heads on Tuesday.
The Buffalo Bills released Young prior to Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season. Young signed a contract with Buffalo in May 2012, but did not make Buffalo's final 53-man roster.
If Young proves to scouts that he's bettered his mechanics, pocket presence and football intelligence, he could be given a chance to earn a roster spot. The Oakland Raiders could make sense as a destination for Young, and NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that the Raiders had "preliminary" talks about bringing Young in for a workout.
The Raiders could end up cutting Carson Palmer this offseason, as Palmer showed his reluctance to restructure his contract. Oakland could save $5 million by cutting Palmer, who has been ineffective since coming to the Raiders.
Currently, Oakland has Terrelle Pryor, Matt Leinart and Palmer as quarterbacks on its roster. If Oakland does cut Palmer, it's a virtual certainty that the Raiders will seek out another quarterback and hold a competition during training camp.
Tennessee drafted Young with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. Young had mixed results with the Titans, but started his career off with success. Young was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl, and was named the Associated Press' NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Young’s career went quickly downhill, however, as the former Texas star threw just nine touchdowns in 2007, while throwing 17 interceptions. Despite Young’s inefficiency, the Titans made the playoffs.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher benched Young in 2008 after Young was injured, and decided to let Kerry Collins start the entire season. Collins led the Titans to a 13-3 record.
Fisher eventually named Young the starter again in 2009, after Tennessee started 0-6. Young, however, was released by the Titans after the season, and would sign as a backup quarterback in Philadelphia in 2011 -- part of the Eagles' "Dream Team" that never was.
It’s improbable that Young will ever be an effective starting quarterback in the NFL, but if he continues to impress scouts, there’s a very good possibility that a team will take a chance on Young, and let him compete for a backup role.
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