Former Heisman winning quarterback Chris Weinke had success in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and he has turned that into success training and mentoring current quarterbacks, including with New York Jets backup Tim Tebow.
According to ESPN.com, Weinke spoke about working with Tebow at his IMG Academy in Bradenton in an interview with NFL Network, saying that the New York Jets backup/wildcat/special teams quarterback spent time training on his mechanics. Weinke said it was the first time he worked with Tebow and praised his skills at making adjustments on the field.
Tebow worked with Weinke for two days in Florida and practiced getting the ball out of his hands quicker while also refining his skills at adjusting the ball speed on this throws. Throughout his career Tebow has been criticized for his mechanics, which is one reason why the Jets kept him on the sidelines for most of the season behind Mark Sanchez and Greg McElroy.
Tebow is still on the Jets roster along with Sanchez, McElroy and David Garrard, but he may not make it to the 2013 season, as the team has expressed interest in trading him and shopped him to other teams during the NFL scouting combine. So far no team has expressed serious interest in trading for him, although that could change as the draft gets closer. The Jets may release him instead, as it was reported they had interest in Kevin Kolb, who was cut by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month, but he is now the possible starter in Buffalo. Any team that signs or trades for Tebow would likely have to build their offense around him like John Fox did when he was in Denver, but so far no one has been willing to do that.
"Again, he has to go to the right place," Weinke explained. "Coaches have to put him in position to be successful. I know he's ultra-competitive. I know that guy wants to win and he knows how to win. The future is uncertain on what he's going to do, but I believe he's a guy who can get it done."
Another option for Tebow could be the Seattle Seahawks, as Pete Carroll is a unique NFL mind and he still needs a backup for Russell Wilson after trading away Matt Flynn to the Oakland Raiders. Weinke has proven to be a good instructor for quarterbacks and he has worked with a number of prospects in the 2013 draft, including Geno Smith, Tyler Wilson and EJ Manuel, as well as USC Trojans star Matt Barkley, who worked with Weinke before having his pro day for NFL scouts.
Barkley was throwing for the first time since injuring his shoulder in November against UCLA and performed well for scouts, missing on just five of his 60 throws. 31 of 32 NFL teams had representatives to see Barkley and there is a chance he could do in the top 10. Tebow's future is also tied up in the young quarterbacks, as any team that drafts them is likely a place Tebow won't end up.
The Chiefs are likely to take a cornerback or offensive lineman with the number one pick after they traded for Alex Smith, while the Jaguars and Raiders appear to be in the running for Geno Smith. Barkley could be the second quarterback taken and the Raiders and Cardinals could be fits for him.
