Falcons must be careful in choosing Vick's mentor.(Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Michael Vick)(Brief Article)

If you have kids, the babysitter search probably has confronted you at some point. Finding someone trustworthy and caring enough to look after Junior can be a painstaking process. In many homes, the decision is left up to the wives. At the home of the Falcons, however, Pam Reeves can be of no assistance to her husband, Dan, in determining Michael Vick's handler.

Vick is 20 years old, and he left Virginia Tech after his sophomore season. He has the talent to be one of the great quarterbacks in NFL history, and that's why I think Atlanta's trade with San Diego for the right to draft Vick No. 1 overall was a great move, especially for an organization trying to fill a cavernous stadium. But the fact is, Vick is not ready to lead the Falcons and needs a babysitter.

Before deciding whether to let Vick run the option in goal-line situations or to use him as a slot receiver, Reeves must find the right teammate to guide and protect his new franchise quarterback. That is the top priority. In the early stages of Vick's development, which likely will last a year or two, his mentor at quarterback will be the most valuable player on the Falcons' roster.

For now, Reeves' options are Chris Chandler and Eric Zeier. The former is the incumbent starter who led Atlanta to its only Super Bowl appearance two years ago. The latter is a homegrown golden boy who, before a journeyman's pro career, was a standout at Georgia.

Chandler gives Atlanta the best chance to win in the fall. However, the Falcons won't be contenders until Vick is ready to take over, and perhaps the more pertinent question is whether Chandler gives Vick the best chance to develop quickly.

Chandler ...