Uncertainty is only sure thing after NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is in the rear-view mirror.

As expected, the quarterbacks generated the most buzz, despite the fact this year's draft class is jam-packed with talent at other positions.

The Titans, with the second overall pick, have months to decide what they'll do. But they also have to wait on the Buccaneers, who have the first pick.

Popular opinion is the Buccaneers will select Florida State's Jameis Winston right out of the gate. Still, a lot can change between now and then. USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams only raised his draft stock over the weekend, which could leave a defensive-minded coach such as Tampa Bay's Lovie Smith pondering picking a defender at No. 1.

So, nothing's a sure thing.

All along I've felt the Titans will ultimately decide to stick with Zach Mettenberger as their starter for 2015, even if both quarterbacks are on the board when they're on the clock, and I'm not changing my mind right now.

But last weekend's developments at least had me thinking.

A look at what we learned about Winston, Marcus Mariota and Mettenberger in Indianapolis:

Jameis Winston

• What we learned about Winston: The guy had a nice combine. He looked good throwing the football, and by most accounts he was impressive in interviews with teams. NFL Network released a brief segment of Winston meeting with former NFL coach Steve Mariucci, and Winston hit it out of the park. Mariucci called Winston the "most astute X's and O's guy" he's ever put on the board for his draft breakdowns. That's a high compliment. NFL draft analyst Todd McShay said Winston would receive the second-highest QB grade he has given in the past 10 years, behind only Andrew Luck. A report emerged about Winston dealing with weakness in his throwing shoulder, but that doesn't sound like a big concern. In the 40, Winston ran a 4.97.

• What I like about Winston: He has a big personality. Winston met with reporters at the combine, and he handled himself well. He took ownership of his past mistakes and said all the right things. I really believe Winston is a player his future teammates would love to rally around. On the field, he has all the tools. He's a good fit in a pro-style offense. He has enormous potential.

• What still scares me about Winston: The unknown remains a big concern, and it's not going away. Winston was clearly coached up for his interviews, and it showed. And I can't tell you how many times I've heard players with a history of off-field issues promise to change their ways at the combine, only to continue with issues in the NFL. Winston's past is a huge concern, and there's no way to say for sure whether he can be trusted. Another worry is the guy threw a heck of a lot of interceptions last year.

Marcus Mariota

• What we learned about Mariota: Like Winston, Mariota decided to throw at the combine, and he threw the ball well. While there's concern about Mariota being able to adapt to the NFL after playing in an unconventional offense at Oregon, the quarterback went through three-, five- and seven-step drops at Lucas Oil Field and he looked good doing so. His footwork looked good, and he showed an easy throwing motion. And did I mention he was the fastest quarterback on the field in Indy? While most believe Winston will go first overall, Mariota did nothing to hurt his draft stock in Indianapolis.

• What I like about Mariota: During his playing days in college, he rarely made mistakes. He was phenomenal on most Saturdays, in fact, throwing 42 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He's a proven leader, and teams won't have to worry about any off-the-field issues with him. He has a strong arm, and the guy can fly — he ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Mariota is going to put the work in, I have no doubt about that. With his skill set, the potential is there for him to be a very successful NFL quarterback.

• What still scares me about Mariota: The fear of the unknown is different than it is with Winston, but it's still there. How much of Mariota's success in college was because of the unconventional, fast-paced offense he worked in at Oregon? It's a fair question — Mariota said at the combine he hasn't operated in a huddle since he was in high school. He worked in a no-huddle at Oregon. While Mariota would be a great fit at Philadelphia with his former Oregon coach in Chip Kelly, I'm skeptical about his chances of adjusting to a pro-style offense, especially the one Ken Whisenhunt wants to run with the Titans.

Zach Mettenberger

• What we learned about Mettenberger: Speaking to reporters at 104.5's SportsFest in Nashville, Mettenberger said the injured right shoulder that sidelined him at the end of last season is 100 percent. He's been throwing. He said he's confident he could beat out Winston or Mariota if the team drafted either, which is what he should say. Mettenberger has also let his beard grow out since the end of the season.

• What I like about Mettenberger: He has great size and a big arm. He has a swagger about him, but that's a good thing — the Titans need a QB who can change the personality of the team. Mettenberger has grown up a lot in the past six months. He's impressed me with his work ethic and is more committed that I thought he'd be coming in. He puts the time in at Saint Thomas Sports Park. He's also a perfect fit in Whisenhunt's offense. With an entire year under his belt, he'll be in a position to have success at the start of the 2015 season. The Titans would have to be much more patient with either Winston or Mariota.

• What still scares me about Mettenberger : He's still unproven, and if the Titans stick with him and they're wrong, it would be devastating for the franchise. I mentioned I like Mettenberger's swagger, and his teammates seem to as well. But will that attitude fly if he doesn't win games? I have to admit, I can see a little Jay Cutler in him. And we can't ignore the fact he went 0-6 and suffered a season-ending shoulder surgery. Sure, he was on a bad team and had shoddy protection, but he also suffered a season-ending knee injury at LSU as well. If fans want to question Jake Locker about being injury-prone, then they can't ignore Mettenberger's recent injury history.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 259-8015 or on Twitter @jwyattsports.