You never know what can happen when you call Gil Brandt, the Godfather of the NFL Draft. I rang him Tuesday to ask how Vince Young looked at Texas' Pro Day. Gil simply handed the phone to Young so I could ask him.
"I think I did OK," Young said. "Mostly it was just being here for the guys. That was my mindset and just showing the rest of the scouts that I'm still training and staying in shape."
Young is taking 15 credits at Texas this semester and will graduate in May, but he said he has spent a lot of time working on his footwork in daily throwing sessions. Texas co-offensive coordinator and QB coach Major Applewhite told Around The League that Young has better body control, rhythm and anticipation than he used to.
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 has struggled with verbiage at the NFL level, failing to catch on with the Buffalo Bills in training camp last season. He seemed like a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles but didn't last there. Young said he has returned to the basics.
"That's my craft. ... That's all I do in the offseason. Mechanics," Young said. "When it's time for me to get ready for the season, I'm so focused on the plays, the preparation, you don't want to be thinking about footwork when you get with the team."
But will Young be with a team? NFL.com's Ian Rapoport previously reported the Oakland Raiders had "preliminary" conversations about having Young in for a workout. Brandt said he got a mixed reaction when he asked teams about potential interest, but some were open to the possibility of looking at Young. His best bet might be in an offense backing up a mobile quarterback (perhaps the Raiders if Carson Palmer is cut?).
Young said he was unsure where things stood with NFL teams. He understands he's not guaranteed another chance.
"My agent is working on it," Young said. "All I know is we got some teams with interest, so that's the good part about it. Just hoping for that blessing and opportunity."
So what teams would those be?
"I know a couple, but I don't want (to) put that information out there," Young said, laughing. "... I'm not supposed to be talking to you right now. But I did it for my guy."
In Gil we trust.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
