**

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** Plenty of interesting stories surround Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, who was taken by the Titans on Saturday in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

For starters, Falk was taken with the 199th overall pick – the same spot the Patriots took Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft. And Falk is a big fan.

Falk has two sisters who live in Nashville, and they're trying to make it in the country music business. So he has a place to live when he comes to town.

He spent a day working out with Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. The two players share the same agent, and he thinks the Tennessee QB is "awesome."

Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur worked Falk out in Logan, Utah, earlier this offseason, so he has some familiarity with what's going on with the new offense in Tennessee.

All those stories are pretty unique, but the Titans drafted Falk because of his abilities as a quarterback, and now he has a chance to compete after being selected on Saturday.

"I am so excited to be a Titan, and do whatever I can to help the team," Falk said. "I am so happy I got picked by a great organization, a great staff. I am just so happy that I have an opportunity to go and compete and have a chance to help the team.

"I am grateful (the Titans) took a chance on me and they are giving me an opportunity to compete."

Falk (6-4, 223) was a three-time All-Pac 12 conference selection at Washington State, where he appeared in 43 games, including 40 as a starter. Falk set a WSU record with 27 wins.

Falk threw for 14,486 yards in his career, including 3,593 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2017, with only 13 interceptions.

"He was a guy that was kind of sticking out at the top of our board as a guy," Titans general manager Jon Robinson said, "and quarterback is a premium position in this league. To add a guy like him who has had a really productive college career, and with his work ethic and his mindset at that position, a guy to work with, come in here and compete on the 90-man roster for a spot. I am really excited to add Luke."

Falk joins quarterbacks Mariota, Blaine Gabbert, Alex Tanney and Tyler Ferguson on the roster.

So, how does Falk fit in with the competition at the position?

"Strengthens it," coach Mike Vrabel said.

"Adds to it," Robinson added.

Falk joined former Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans (first round), Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry III (second round), and Arizona defensive back Dane Cruikshank (fifth round) as part of the team's 2018 draft class.

Falk watched the draft pick by pick, and admitted it was a long process. But it was worth the wait, he said.

"I am not going to lie – it was a pretty grueling process," Falk said. "When I finally got the phone call and saw my name up on the TV, it was nothing but gratitude. I am so grateful.

"I think it is great (going to Tennessee), with coach LaFleur coming out, and being able to meet staff and coach Vrabel, I love those guys and I think it will be a great fit. I am excited to get out there and get working and doing whatever I can to help the team.