Robert Griffin III has been throwing a football since late April, his father told USA TODAY Sports on Friday.

The 2012 offensive rookie of the year appears ahead of schedule and on track to realize his goal of starting the Washington Redskins’ Sept. 9 Monday night season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles

RGIII wrote himself on his Twitter account that his throwing regimen included “a couple roll out throws…But some take Friday off.”

It is another positive sign that the second-year quarterback’s reconstructed right knee is getting stronger and his mobility is returning four months and eight days removed from Jan. 9 surgery to repair torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments suffered late in a wild-card playoff loss to Seattle.

“Robert is doing extremely well as far as the timetable,” Robert Griffin II sald. “He’s been doing a lot over time, he never stops.

“He was throwing some prior to the draft. Everything seems to be on cue. Everybody in the organization is targeting that season opener.”

Griffin’s father said his son is ahead of schedule by comparison to his prior rehabilitation from a torn ACL of his right knee suffered while playing for Baylor University four years ago.

“He might be a little ahead of himself in terms of doing what he did then compared to now,” RGII said. “He’s smarter, stronger, wiser.”

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan told USA TODAY Sports that while Griffin is ahead of schedule, the team’s doctors and training staff are being careful not to let him do too much, too soon and that he won’t jeopardize RGIII’s career just to have him start Week 1.

“What you don’t want is to do something too quick,” Shanahan said. “The muscles around the ligaments feel very good. But you don’t want to do something to set it back.

“One thing we’re getting Robert to do — and the doctors are telling him: ‘You can only do so much at this point in the rehab program.’

“We’re just trying not to push him too hard.”

Griffin last season threw for 20 touchdowns with five interceptions while running for 815 yards and seven more scores.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

David Garrard is strongly considering returning to the New York Jets in training camp this summer — as a quarterback coaching intern, saying emphatically that his degenerative left knee, not the drafting of Geno Smith, forced him Wednesday to tell general manager John Idzik, coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg that he was retiring.

As a veteran quarterback who had a chance to work alongside Smith — and hopes to continue mentoring him this summer — does Garrard believe the former West Virginia passer has the mental toughness and leader’s presence to win a two-man duel between the rookie and embattled Mark Sanchez?

“I think Geno’s going to be great,” Garrard told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. “He still has a lot to learn in the NFL. He definitely has to work. But he has what it takes. Now he has to go out and prove it.

“The one thing the kid has is he’s definitely the guy of the future. He’ll get a whole lot more attention from the fans, because they definitely want to see that new guy, especially since Mark has had a rough (52 combined turnovers) couple of years.”

Garrard, 35, said he didn’t witness any of the diva traits that anonymous sources have accused Smith of possessing. Critics blasted Smith for firing his agents after he slid into the second round of the draft.

In fact, Garrard said Smith has something extra to fuel him given that painful slide out of the first round to No. 39 overall where the Jets stopped his slide.

“He has that chip on his shoulder,” Garrard said. “Sometimes you need a little bit of that. Just look at Aaron Rodgers. It really comes down to the way they (Smith and Sanchez) play in the preseason. I really can’t say who’s going to have the upper hand. The competition is truly open.

“Geno had none of the signs of the negative things the media was talking about him. He didn’t try and big-time you. He was very attentive, never shrugged you off. He told me he was excited to work with me. He definitely had the makeup I saw in college — worked his butt off and was a field general out there.”

Many believed Garrard would keep the job warm for Smith, much like Kurt Warner did for Eli Manning. But the retirement changes the Jets’ quarterback dynamics, and Garrard isn’t counting Sanchez out — saying if he approaches training camp with a make-or-break, let-it-fly attitude, he could still be the guy.

“If he goes out there as the vet and gets back to just playing ball and not thinking too much on the field, he’s going to make it tough on (the coaching staff),” Garrard said. “It’s up to those guys (Smith and Sanchez), the way they carry themselves and handle the offense, really putting points on the board and winning ballgames.

“So when they get to the preseason, it’s really going to show who should be the guy.”

When asked Thursday about Garrard’s announcement, Sanchez said it was “a little bit abrupt. He worked hard and he had a great attitude. He was one of those guys I felt I could bounce some ideas off, having that experience.

“It was tough to see a guy go like that. You just wish him the best, health-wise first. He had a good career, played for a long time in this league and did a heck of a job. It was great to be around him for the short time I had with him and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Sanchez added, “Nothing’s changed. My mind-set’s the same — stay focused, master this offense, work on the fundamentals, be as accurate as possible, take care of the football and lead this team.”

Garrard said he doesn’t expect the Jets to bring in another contender to join third-year quarterback Greg McElroy and second-year pro Matt Simms, son of former New York Giants star Phil Simms.

“I’m not sure if they want to add any more controversy,” Garrard said. “They’re trying to do their best to stay out of the limelight. I didn’t make it any better by retiring. I imagine they’re probably going to keep the quarterback number where they’re at.”

Garrard said he doesn’t require surgery on his left knee, which had arthroscopic surgery when he was cut last summer by the Miami Dolphins. He said he may face knee replacement surgery in the future, but he wants to spend quality time with his three young children and that’s why he chose to walk away before things got worse.

Garrard’s wife, Mary, gave birth to the couple’s third child six weeks ago.

“I’m done, the knee is only going to get worse. My decision had nothing to do with them drafting Geno,” Garrard said. “I thought this is going to be great after working a few days with Geno. And Mark was great to me, too. We were starting to build a little bond.

“It was strictly my knee and the way that I was performing. When my knee was swollen every fourth day or so, I couldn’t do anything. That was the deciding factor. It was hard. But I held back the tears. I’m just happy and excited to move on with my next chapter in life.”

Garrard, 39-37 as a starter in Jacksonville, is done as an NFL quarterback after nine seasons. But he is considering the Jets’ offer to work with their four quarterbacks.

“The Jets offered me the chance to come back if I want to take a shot at that coaching thing with an internship in training camp,” Garrard said. “I told them I’d talk with my wife about it, so I could still work with those guys. “It’s definitely something I’m considering.”

Sanchez sent a text message to Garrard on Wednesday, saying how much he appreciated working with him, and former Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb reached out to Garrard and was supportive through Garrard’s decision-making process.

“Donovan was really talking to me yesterday to see where my mind was at, saying, ‘You’ve done great. Keep your head up and don’t feel bad about anything. You’ve had a great career,”’ Garrard said. “I really appreciate those words from him, because I watched him my whole career.”

“I’m 35. I’m no young pup anymore. My body doesn’t recoup as fast as it used to. I’m going forward with my next chapter.”

Which could mean he’ll still be a Jet — just on the sideline this summer in Cortland, N.Y.

Contributing: Mike Garafolo.

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Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter@ByJimCorbett

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Troubled linebacker Rolando McClain’s tenure as a Baltimore Raven ended abruptly with his mysterious retirement — at age 23 — barely one month after signing with the team.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome announced via the team’s Twitter account that the former first-round pick was placed on the reserve/retired list Wednesday.

“Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL,” Newsome said.

Newsome did not give a reason for the unexpected move.

At least one family member was caught by surprise. McClain’s grandmother, Rachel Ervin, was shocked when she heard the news.

“He did what now?” she said to USA TODAY Sports.

He retired.

“Who did?”

Rolando.

“Oh, Lord have mercy,” she said.

When she first answered and a news reporter said he was calling about Rolando, she replied, “Is Rolando OK?”

Ten days after signing a one-year, $700,000 deal with the defending Super Bowl champions, McClain was arrested April 22 in his hometown of Decatur, Ala., and charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. It was the last in a series of run-ins with police over his short professional career.

Police said the former Crimson Tide star yelled an obscenity at officers after they responded to a disturbance at a park in his hometown. It was the 23-year-old McClain’s third arrest in 16 months — with all of the arrests occurring in his hometown.

The eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, McClain was released by the Oakland Raiders on April 5 after a troubled 2012 season during which his playing time was reduced and he was kicked out of a practice.

He was already on thin ice with the Raiders after an arrest in December 2011, when he was charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and illegal discharge of a firearm within the city’s limits.Charges were dropped when his accuser decided not to pursue the case.

In January, McClain was arrested in Decatur again after writing a false name and an obscenity on a traffic ticket.

Newsome was clear before the draft in indicating that McClain had better be on his best behavior, saying the linebacker was “getting an opportunity to make our 53-man roster. That’s it.”

The Ravens extended McClain a second NFL chance with the hope that he could stay out of trouble and fill holes left by the retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis, the free agent departure of linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and the uncertainty of linebacker Jameel McClain’s return from last season’s serious spinal cord injury.

The Ravens had a Plan B, however, and addressed the inside linebacker position with their second-round draft selection of former Kansas State star Arthur Brown.

At least for now, McClain’s turbulent three-year NFL career ends with 274 tackles (195 solo), 6 1/2 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and 23 passes defensed in 41 career games with Oakland.

McClain was the last of the late Al Davis’ first-round draft picks, and before officially signing with the Ravens, McClain told the Madison (Ala.) Weekly News:

“It’s a move that can’t go wrong.”

Contributing: Mike Garafolo

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Follow Garafolo and Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett and @MikeGarafolo

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PHOTOS: Sports figures’ mug shots

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

The representative for Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that a woman’s accusation that McCoy and/or his bodyguard assaulted her on a party bus last December “are completely, unequivocally false.”

McCoy’s agent, Andrew M. Smith, added that no criminal charges are pending from what he described as “a frivolous personal injury claim.”

The woman, who goes by the alias “Mary Roe,” claims in a lawsuit that McCoy’s publicist invited her and 15 other women to attend a party at a New York City nightclub. She is seeking more than $50,000, alleging assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

New Jersey police told TMZ that the woman had no visible injuries when she met with them at a rest stop near the New Jersey Turnpike last Dec. 19.

During that meeting with police, the woman never named McCoy as her attacker. But she now says either McCoy and/or his bodyguard roughed her up before booting her off the bus as it returned to Philadelphia from Manhattan.

“This is sadly an attempt to to extract money and LeSean will vigorously defend any attempt to collect money through a frivolous personal injury claim,” Smith’s e-mailed statement contends.

Eagles spokesman Derek Boyko declined to comment on the allegations against McCoy.

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Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks, an 11-time Pro Bowler, told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday he is convinced Tim Tebow will get another NFL shot — as a quarterback.

“I do believe an NFL door is going to open for Tim,” said Brooks, co-owner and president of the Arena League’s Tampa Bay Storm. “Tim just has to be patient and wait on it.

“Right now, teams are looking internally and they want to deal with what they have on the roster first.”

Brooks cited another reason to believe Tebow’s NFL days aren’t over. He had a discussion recently with former New York Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who helped Tebow with his mechanics earlier in the offseason.

“I’m mostly positive that Tim will get another chance after talking with Vinny, who said, ‘He worked on some footwork stuff in the pocket, which improved Tim’s throwing accuracy and improved his motion,” Brooks said.

“Vinny really believes we’ve not seen the best of Tim.”

Might that opportunity come with coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots?

“Could be,” Brooks said. “Dealing with Tim because of the persona that he brings, it’s something that your organization has to be comfortable with.

Brooks knows what it is like to stubbornly believe in yourself Some evaluators believed the former Florida State star was better suited to be a safety than the linebacking star he was for 14 seasons after the Buccaneers selected him 28th overall in the 1995 draft.

“I’m rooting for Tim because I totally understand what it’s like to believe in your abilities — when people told me that I was an NFL strong safety, I believed in my heart of hearts I was a linebacker,” said Brooks, who is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2014. “And I want Tim to have that opportunity again to show people he can be an NFL quarterback.”

Brooks said if Tebow so chooses to move on from the NFL, he’d be embraced by the Arena League.

Brooks, however, is set at quarterback given the MVP-level of play this season of Storm quarterback Adrian McPherson.

“Fortunately for me, our quarterback is really playing well for us,” Brooks said. “The Arena League has definitely been a league of opportunity for a lot of players. If this option is one that Tim so chooses, I believe every team will take a look at him.

“If the NFL is not in the cards for him, Tim will be successful at whatever he does.”

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Geno Smith has yet to take a snap for the New York Jets, yet the former West Virginia quarterback has already taken plenty of shots.

Thin-skinned diva? Immature? Spoiled and aloof?

Those descriptions, and more, were aimed at Smith for firing his agents, Erik Burkhardt and Jeff Nalley, last week after Smith slid to the second round of the NFL draft.

Smith finally responded Monday.

“I don’t worry about what people say — my skin is pretty thick,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports. “I’ve never been in trouble.”

Smith denied a Yahoo Sports report that said one team was turned off when Smith seemed more pre-occupied with checking Twitter and texting than speaking with coaches during a pre-draft visit.

“That’s not true,” said Smith flatly. “I got strong remarks from all the teams I visited with. … I couldn’t care less what’s coming out in the media because I know what’s true.”

Smith regrets taking his agents’ advice to skip the Senior Bowl in January. EJ Manuel, selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 16th pick, was the only QB chosen in first-round. Manuel was the Senior Bowl MVP.

“It was a decision I ultimately made,” Smith said. “My first instinct is always to go out and compete. I’m a competitor. It’s one of those things where I trusted those guys. They advised me that it may have been best for me not to go.”

Smith, who hasn’t decided on his new representation, insists his tumble out of the first round wasn’t the reason for firing his agents.

“No, that’s not why I let them go.”

But then he hinted otherwise.

“Parts of the draft experience were tough, but not all of it, Smith said. With that entire process, you can see where some things went wrong. … “Choosing to leave those guys was the best decision for me at the time. That’s what I went with.”I think I’m pretty good with my decision making. So I trust myself.”

Smith also disputed an ESPN report that he planned to skip second night of the draft.

“Coming back on Day 2 was never not an option for me,” Smith said.

“My goal was to go up on that stage and shake Mr. Goodell’s hand. And that’s what we did.”

Looking forward, Smith said he’s eager to get to work — and work with both Mark Sanchez and David Garrard.

He received congratulatory text from each after his selection by the team.

“Mark is a great guy,” Smith said. “I have the utmost respect for him and I look forward to competing with him.”

“David sent me a text the day after I was drafted. I expressed how much I was looking forward to learning from him, competing with him and allowing him to mentor me and to help me get better. I’m going to do the same for him.”

Smith grabbed a Jets playbook the night he was drafted and has been focused every day since on learning the terminology as he preps for the team’s rookie minicamp, which begins Friday. He’s been in constant communication with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and quarterbacks coach David Lee.

“The first goal for me is to get in that playbook, learn the terminology and learn it like the back of my hand as much as I can do to stay ahead of the curve,” Smith said.

As for the open, five-man QB competition and his confidence about his chance to win the starting job?

“What more can you ask for?” Smith said. “As of right now, my role as a rookie quarterback is to be a sponge.

“I have a goal in mind. I’m going to work hard towards it. And I’m just going to do all the things I think are necessary for me to eventually be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.”

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Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

ASHBURN, Va. — A pass across the middle ricocheted off Washington Redskins undrafted receiver Jason Thompson’s hands and rookie safety Phillip Thomas raced in to pluck the deflection out of the air.

It was the second interception of the Redskins’ final practice of their rookie minicamp.

Earlier in practice, sixth-round pick Bacarri Rambo made leaping pickoff on the sideline.

And so a talented trio of Redskins ball hawks, including second-round cornerback David Amerson, stole the show Sunday.

Coach Mike Shanahan and his staff hope the turnovers continue come the regular season as Thomas, Rambo and Amerson looked as fast and athletic as advertised.

Just as noteworthy as the plays they made were the mental errors they avoided.

“That was very impressive to see our draft choices out there and to see their size and their quickness and their speed and things we were hoping for,” Shanahan said. “Their ball skills were very evident out there the last few days. So it was a good practice.”

The NFC East division winners won seven consecutive games after a 3-6 start last season. Shoring up the secondary was among the team’s most glaring needs entering the draft last month. The Redskins pass defense ranked 30th in 2012 and was forced to play most of the season without strong safety Brandon Meriweather.

Thomas led the FBS last season with eight interceptions for Fresno State, where he collected 13 picks in three seasons.

Rambo had 16 interceptions in four years at Georgia, where he started 23 games at free safety and 13 at strong safety.

Amerson established a North Carolina State and ACC record with 13 interceptions in 2011. He got burned often last season when he gambled more frequently, “Just playing to get interceptions,” Amerson said. Still, he finished his final season of college football with five interceptions and showed plenty of sticky coverage Sunday.

“Those guys, Phillip and Baccari had a lot of interceptions coming out of college,” Amerson said. “Guys are a little more familiar with the defense after four practices and it showed today. It’s motivation knowing the coaches have confidence in me. It makes you want to prove them right. I definitely plan on coming in and really trying to make a difference for the Redskins as far as turnovers and big plays. Period.”

The Redskins finished with 21 interceptions last season, but middle linebacker London Fletcher led them with five and veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall led the secondary with four.

Shanahan said Thomas and Rambo can play both safety positions, which gives defensive coordinator Jim Haslett plenty of versatility since Thomas and Rambo are each considered strong blitzers. Shanahan noted both scored high in a pre-draft test the team administers to test “mental quickness, dedication, commitment.”

Their ball-hawking skills certainly passed the eye test Sunday.

“I’m great at getting the ball when it’s in the air,” said Rambo. “This system is a lot like I played at Georgia. So it allowed me to play fast and it’s just natural when I see the ball, I feel like I can get there and create turnovers.”

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Joe Flacco can rest easy. The $120.6-million Super Bowl XLVII MVP has his blindside protector back in the fold.

Despite flirtations with the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins, free-agent Bryant McKinnie, 33, agreed to in principle on a two-year deal worth $7 million, according to a person informed of the talks told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been signed.

The 11-year veteran, who didn’t start during the regular season, came on strong in the playoffs. He held Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts and Von Miller of the Denver Broncos in check during the AFC playoffs before neutralizing Aldon Smith in Baltimore’s 34-31 Super Bowl XLVII win against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens averaged 410.3 yards of offense in their four playoff wins as Flacco matched Hall of Famer Joe Montana in throwing 11 touchdown passes without an interception during a single postseason.

Coach John Harbaugh said recently that guard Kelechi Osemeli would slide to left tackle if McKinnie didn’t resign. McKinnie’s return likely means Osemeli will start at left guard while Michael Oher stays put at right tackle.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Let’s face it: The quarterbacks taken in the 2013 NFL draft were never going to measure up to the guys who entered the league last year — especially Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson, who developed cult followings while they took their teams into the postseason as rookies.

The seven quarterbacks who waited (and waited and waited) to have their names called over the three days of the draft will hear about the 2012 class for the rest of their careers — or at least until they, too, prove they belong in the big leagues.

And unlike the Luck, RGIII and Wilson (and even Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden), most of this year’s class will be toting clipboards when the season starts. Here’s a look at where they landed and how they’ll fit in:

WILL START

Geno Smith, Jets

The former West Virginia quarterback, chosen early in the second round after being humiliated in the green room Thursday night, has the best chance among the Smeared Seven to win the starting job, even though he finds himself on a roster with six quarterbacks.

That number, of course, is about to be whittled.

Mark Sanchez, the starter who should have played himself out a job by now, likely will stick around, thanks to a ridiculous contract that was, in essence, the reason former general manager Mike Tannebaum was fired. Tim Tebow will be released soon. David Garrard’s status is up in the air, along with the futures of Greg McElroy and Matt Simms.

The Jets, in the process of a major reboot, have made an investment in Smith, so it’s logical to assume he’ll be given every opportunity to win the starting job.

“My goal is to be a franchise quarterback, but as of right now, there’s a lot of work to be done,” Smith said.

As Seahawks vice president, Idzik witnessed Wilson’s surprise ascension in training camp last summer, and Idzik has made it clear Sanchez, who will earn $8.25 million in 2013, is on borrowed time.

“Our plan for Geno is to compete,” Idzik said. “And that’s all it is. Bringing in the best quality, highest quality competition we can at every position. Geno is certainly an example of that.”

Smith clicked with new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg during a March 13 dinner in Morgantown, W. Va. the night before his pro day.

Coach Rex Ryan said Sanchez will get “the first snap.” But Smith will get enough of them to start come September.

WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO START

E.J. Manuel, Bills

Former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s biggest shortcoming was an average arm that allowed cornerbacks to jump his sideline passes. That’s not a worry with Manuel, who has a cannon arm, along with the size and mobility to run the read option.

Manuel, the only quarterback taken in the first round in this draft, has a leader’s presence, which helped him compile a 25-6 record at Florida State. But before he can be a leader, he’ll go head-to-head with Kevin Kolb, who, for now, is seen as the starter, and journeyman Tavaris Jackson.

“I expect greatness for myself,” Manuel said. “When I went to Florida State, it was the same way. Now moving forward to the next step, the highest level of football I am ready to go.”

Kolb will help mentor Manuel and provide good insurance in case the rookie isn’t ready when the regular season arrives.

WILL COMPETE

Matt Barkley, Eagles

More than mobility, coach Chip Kelly prizes repetitive accuracy and moxie in his quarterback. Barkley is his kind of guy.

“I know I can be a franchise, winning quarterback,” Barkley told USA TODAY Sports.

Kelly said the surprise move to trade up and select the former USC passer at the start of the fourth round proves it’s a “misconception” that he requires a running quarterback to win in his up-tempo spread system. The former Oregon coach knows Barkley, a first-rounder had he come out last season, from competing against him in the Pac-12.

Currently, the Eagles have Michael Vick and Nick Foles — both starters last season — on the roster. It’s likely Vick will stick, though Foles could be dealt. Kansas City would be the early leader in any Foles sweepstakes.

WILL WATCH

Ryan Nassib, Giants

Giants general manager Jerry Reese welcomed the former Syracuse signal caller, selected 110th overall, like this: “If he doesn’t ever play, that would be great.”

The most likely scenario for Nassib is to be groomed as a backup to two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning — develop him and ultimately move him to a team where he’ll have a chance to start, in exchange for a much higher pick.

Said Nassib: “I always compared myself to Eli. And it is crazy that I’m going to be playing with him.”

Well, maybe not actually playing.

Mike Glennon, Bucs

Glennon, a 6-7, 220-pound flame-thrower, spent his first three seasons in the shadows of Russell Wilson at North Carolina State. Glennon has starter upside, the size and a big arm to attack downfield. His flaws? His throws are erratic and his footwork is spotty.

Josh Freeman will be the starter, but Glennon has a chance to displace Dan Orlovsky or Adam Weber.

“Competition and quality depth across our roster is critical for us to become a championship team,” coach Greg Schiano said. “God forbid, something were to happen to Josh, you would want to be able to continue with your offensive philosophy if you can. You can’t always do that.”

Tyler Wilson, Raiders

Wilson will have a legitimate chance to compete — for the backup job held by Terrelle Pryor behind presumed starter Matt Flynn. Value met need at the 112th overall selection for general manager Reggie McKenzie.

“Obviously, I’m excited — very, very excited because the situation is a good one,” Wilson said.

The 6-2, 220-pound former Arkansas quarterback had a 24-to-6, touchdown-to-interception ratio two years ago before he struggled as a senior after Bobby Petrino’s firing. Flynn and Wilson are McKenzie guys, so Pryor could be the odd man out.

Landry Jones, Steelers

It says a lot that general manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin selected former Oklahoma passer Jones with the 115th overall pick to extend the fourth-round run on quarterbacks.

When Ben Roethlisberger suffered throwing shoulder and rib injuries in Week 9 last season, the Steelers, then 6-3, sputtered and failed to make the playoffs for the second time since 2009. Jones will compete with Bruce Gradkowski for the backup job.

Aging backup Charlie Batch is likely gone. And Jones already has a relationship with Roethlisberger: His wife, Whitney played on Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team with Roethlisberger’s sister, Carlee.

“I get to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game,” Jones said. “I’m just really excited to get to work with him.”

Follow Jim Corbett on Twitter @ByJimCorbett

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PHOTOS: All 32 first-round picks

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Ryan Nassib was supposed to be new Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone’s guy with the No. 8 overall pick or when Nassib’s former Syracuse coach traded down to the 16th overall spot Thursday. But when Marrone selected former Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel to be his guy, Nassib’s stock tumbled.

That is, until New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin stopped his fall at pick No. 110 on Day 3. Reese is always guided by the best-available value atop his board.

The Giants likely view Nassib as a backup upgrade over David Carr behind two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning.

“If he doesn’t ever play, that would be great,” Giants general manager Jerry Reese said. “That’s a good problem to have. If he needs to play, we’re hoping that whatever time that is that he’ll be up and ready to go.”

The Giants have four quarterbacks on their roster — Manning, David Carr, Curtis Painter and Nassib.

“With respect to how many quarterbacks we’ll keep on the roster, we don’t know,” Reese said. “We used to keep three quarterbacks all the time, and I think we went to two for the last several years and usually have a guy on the practice squad. We could very well keep three quarterbacks, so we’ll make that decision when it’s time.”

Nassib was considered the best quarterback in a weak crop by ESPN analyst Jon Gruden. And NFL Network Mike Mayock insists that 6-2, 222-pound Nassib — who had 26 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in his senior season — has everything to develop into a future starter.

Nassib is a gym rat who has a strong enough arm, good mobility and toughness. His one weakness is inconsistent footwork that shows up on erratic deep-ball accuracy. He has a tendency to raise his right foot, which causes some of his throws to sail.

“He’s got the arm strength,” Reese said. “We like the accuracy about him. We like that ‘it’ factor on him. … He reminded me of (Cincinnati Bengals quarterback) Andy Dalton in some ways when I first saw him, but our scouts liked him. Our coaches like him. Our quarterbacks coach (Sean Ryan) likes him.”

But Reese admitted Nassib wasn’t the quarterback the Giants had rated the highest.

“Again, we have Eli in the prime of his career and you actually hope this quarterback never plays,” Reese said. “If something happens? We want to have a guy ready to go, and this guy fits the pattern that we need.

“We’re just looking for a good player to be the backup quarterback and we’re fortunate enough to secure this young guy, and we’ll see where it goes. Again, maybe he’ll never play here. We hope Eli plays for a long, long time, and maybe this young man will never play, but if he has to play, we think he has a good skill set to help us win football games.”

The Giants have tried for years to develop a late-round quarterback and flip him in a trade, a la Matt Schaub, Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Flynn or Kevin Kolb. They selected Andre’ Woodson (sixth round, 2008) and Rhett Bomar (fifth round, 2009). Now, they’ve dipped into the fourth round, surely with the thought that Nassib could one day be dealt for a much higher pick.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.