Titans' Ryan Tannehill 'competing against,' not mentoring Malik Willis

Former Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis routinely had his name listed in the first rounds of mock drafts as recently as last Thursday. NFL teams didn't agree with such assessments, though, as Willis fell to the third round of the player-selection process until the Tennessee Titans chose him with the 86th overall pick.

Tennessee already has veteran Ryan Tannehill atop the depth chart at the sport's most important position, and Tannehill made it clear on Tuesday he won't be handing the rookie the figurative keys to the offense this summer. 

"We're competing against each other," Tannehill said of Willis when speaking with reporters, per Nick Shook of the league's website. "We're watching the same tape, we're doing the same drills. I don't think it's my job to mentor him, but if he learns from me along the way then that's a great thing."

Tannehill added that he texted Willis after the selection was made but wasn't told beforehand Tennessee would be using pick No. 86 on a potential signal-caller. 

"The team is going to do the best thing that they think is in the best interest of the team," Tannehill said. "I have no problems with Malik. We're looking to add talent and guys that can help us. We'll add him to the room and go from there."

Tannehill also admitted that the Titans trading star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles on the draft's opening night "hurt" him both "professionally" and "personally."