MORT'S MAILBAG | June 18

	Will QB Chad Hutchinson bring smiles to the faces of Dallas fans? Time will tell...

Q: Last year, I thought Dallas Cowboys QB Chad Hutchinson did OK considering the circumstances. I've heard he would have been a high first-round pick if had he stayed in school. So if he has talent, how come nobody is really sold on him? What can we expect from him next season? -- Andrew, East Brunswick, New Jersey
MORT: Andrew, Hutchinson had a chance to be a high pick, but I'm not sure it was a lock. Yes, he did OK. Nobody is really sold on him because his arm may be average by NFL standards. Maybe it will get stronger as he gains more confidence. However, I keep hearing that Quincy Carter is making a very good early impression on Bill Parcells. So this thing really is wide open.

Q: When the Chicago Bears traded down in the draft, they not only bypassed a shot at selecting DT Dewayne Robertson, but also DE/OLB Terrell Suggs. Granted, Suggs is a bit undersized to play DE, but why didn't the Bears' brass see Suggs as a viable replacement for OLB Rosevelt Colvin? Or is the rationale that an OLB isn't worth the money at the No. 4 position? -- Marco Antonio Moreno, San Antonio, Texas
MORT: Marco, a great OLB is worth the first pick in the draft, let alone at No. 4. Remember Lawrence Taylor? He was the second pick of his draft. Suggs appears to be more of a project than Taylor ever was, in terms of making the move to OLB. It will take time. He will have to be more disciplined in how he trains and how he prepares for the game. I think the greater scrutiny on the Bears will be whether they were wise to pass on Robertson.

Q: Why is it that a team can put its ability to truly compete on the back burner with recycled QBs like Kent Graham, Jon Kitna and Matt Hasselbeck? But I'm noticing less of this and more youth movements. Is Tom Brady a big reason? If so, when will Doug Johnson, Jesse Palmer and Tim Rattay get their turn? -- Peter, Tennessee
MORT: Peter, I'm a little confused by your question (that may be my problem). But the state of the QB in the NFL is really interesting. Your examples may not exactly be the best ones. Hasselbeck and Kitna were relatively young guys when they were given their opportunities. I think the ideal for a lot of teams is to develop a young guy and see if he is their 10-to-12 year answer. You do cite some really good young QBs who are a year away from free agency. Johnson (Falcons) and Palmer (Giants), in particular, are on the radars of some teams. Ironically, they played musical-chair QB together at Florida under Steve Spurrier. What hurts those guys' chances is the influx of young, highly drafted QBs in recent years. I do think they will get their turn.