MORT'S MAILBAG | June 11

	QB Patrick Ramsey is eyeing his second year in the NFL.

Q: Why the knock on Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey? Did anyone see his first appearance against the AFC championship-bound Titans? He stood in and delivered more balls with guys in his face than I have seen in a long time. Obviously, the kid has potential. Why do critics downgrade the 'Skins because of this young QB? -- Justin Boleyn, Manassas, Virginia
MORT: Justin, I think most "critics" just like to see a guy prove himself before they get comfortable with him, especially a quarterback. As for myself, I think the guy will be a Pro Bowl quarterback during his career. It might even happen early.

Ramsey has a big-time arm, he has the courage, he has the smarts, he has the character ... he doesn't have great mobility. I think four out of five is pretty good, and in Spurrier's offense he will post big numbers. More importantly, I think he can win.

Q: Bucs coach Jon Gruden seems to like Chris Simms quite a bit, and the loaded depth at QB will give Simms time to prepare for the future. Do you see Tampa Bay bringing in a lefty specialist to help him out like Atlanta did by bringing Steve Young to train Michael Vick? -- Sam, El Paso, Texas
MORT: Sam, that's not going to happen because it doesn't need to happen. I'm sure there will be an adjustment with a lefty like Simms, but I don't think Gruden would consider it a major obstacle. Steve Young wasn't brought in to work with Vick because he was a lefty. He was brought in because Vick said his role model was Young. Steve also entered pro football as a terrific athlete who had a tendency to break the pocket. Young's work with Vick had more to do with becoming a true quarterback and learning how to be an "ochestrator" and balancing the QB aspect with the athleticism. He threw in some wise counsel about the NFL. It was a brief seminar that both men enjoyed.

Q: If Eric Crouch makes the Packers this year, it will be as a return man, and he will be listed as the No. 3 QB. Doesn't the NFL have a rule that on game day your third QB is deactivated? And if so, how could Crouch be the return man?
MORT: Mark, that's a very good question. But you did begin with "if" and that's the biggest piece of the puzzle as it pertains to Crouch. He has to make the Packers. That's going to be a tough deal for him as a quarterback. Then he has to prove he is an NFL-caliber return man. That's a toughie, too. If both happened, the Packers probably would have to designate another guy as the third (inactive) quarterback. The Patriots encountered this problem with Tom Tupa, a punter/QB.