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Once top pick, Couch works out for Jaguars, trying to revive career

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -Former No. 1 draft pick Tim Couch worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, hoping to land a job as a backup to quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Couch, the top pick by Cleveland in 1999, hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2004 preseason.

But Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio wanted to take a look at the former Kentucky star. The Jaguars could use a fourth quarterback in training camp because third-stringer Quinn Gray has an ankle injury and is on the physically unable to perform list.

The Jaguars also have backup David Garrard and undrafted rookie Lester Ricard.

Scott Eyster from Delta State and Sam Hollenbach from Maryland worked out alongside Couch, but the Jaguars didn't sign any of them on the spot.

Couch declined comment through a team spokesman. He said he planned to travel to Atlanta to work out for the Falcons on Monday.

His five years in Cleveland were filled with disappointment. He was sacked often, booed regularly and plagued by elbow trouble.

After leaving the Browns, Couch signed a one-year deal with Green Bay to be Brett Favre's backup but was cut just before the 2004 season. He completed 11 of 34 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns in three preseason games.

Couch worked out for Chicago and Cincinnati in 2005, but neither team signed him. He worked out for Tennessee, Miami, Pittsburgh and Houston last year.

Couch was a member of the heralded 1999 quarterback draft class, which included Donovan McNabb, Akili Smith, Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown - all of whom were among the top 12 picks. Only McNabb is currently on an NFL roster.

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