Zach Mettenberger Is at 97% Going Into Pro Day

Nov 9, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 38-17. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Mettenberger was behind the eight ball going into the pre-draft process. While still recovering from a devastating ACL injury, the LSU quarterback was unable to participate in the Senior Bowl or combine, and watched his draft stock slide as a result.

But Mettenberger is now trying to make up for that lost time. That process really kicks off Wednesday at LSU pro day, where Mettenberger is expected to participate in all drills.

The key thing for Mettenberger is to show scouts that his knee is healthy. According to LSU staff, that question has mostly already been answered. Per Albert Breer, LSU’s trainers tested Mettenberger’s knee on Friday and have declared the quarterback 97% healed from his surgery.

97% is close enough to declare Mettenberger all the way back from the ACL. If Mettenberger is truly physically sound, he is regarded as potentially a second round pick.

Mettenberger could even sneak into the first if there’s a team that really loves him and is willing to trade up to keep him from falling into anyone else’s hands.

I can think of one team out there that might be willing to make such a move on draft day. If the reports of people like Tony Pauline are true, the Vikings love Mettenberger.

The big-armed, somewhat mobility-challenged Mettenberger is seen as a snug fit in Norv Turner’s offense which features the vertical passing game. Stats suggest that Mettenberger is arguably the most accurate deep passer in this entire draft.

Mettenberger’s detractors worry that the LSU offense was set up a little too much to compensate for Mettenberger’s shortcomings, and that he is lacking when it comes to reading defenses.

No pro day workout can show what a quarterback has between the ears. For Mettenberger, Wednesday is all about quieting doubts about his knee. And getting to know some of the coaches and GMs a little bit. Including Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman, who will be taking Mettenberger out to dinner Wednesday night.

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