Jake Locker

A day after picking Washington quarterback Jake Locker in the first round, General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said he’s sure glad the Titans didn’t wait. But Reinfeldt made it clear on Friday night the Titans won’t rush Locker into action. He plans to pursue a veteran quarterback, either in free agency or by trade. Veteran Kerry Collins remains an option.

“We’d still like a guy that’s been a seasoned guy that could step in and play. I don’t think we want to put the pressure on Jake to have to do it. I think we want to be able to let him go at his own pace,’’ Reinfeldt said. “I think (Jake) is going to be able to go faster than people think he can, but I think we need to have a veteran that we can throw in for a bunch of the season and be comfortable with him for winning games.”

Reinfeldt said he envisions signing a veteran to two-year contract, but that player will have to be willing to accept moving over for the rookie if he’s on the fast track.