2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

TENNESSEE TITANS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

The Tennessee Titans already have fulfilled their primary draft need -- they needed to get rid of G.M. Floyd Reese, who was ultimately responsible for the background check that was (or, as the case may be, wasn't) done before the team selected Pacman Jones with the No. 6 pick in 2005.

Really, as long as the Titans don't land another Pacman Jones, the 2007 draft will be regarded as a success.

As to the actual football talent, the needs of this promising young team are plentiful.  With the departure of Drew Bennett, there's no No. 1 wideout.  Bobby Wade is also gone.  David Givens, a free-agent pickup in 2006, tore an ACL during the team's fifth game of the season, and he might not be ready to step in as the top receiver as he continues to rehab.  With plenty of first-tier wideouts in this year's draft, the Titans could look to take one with the No. 19 pick.  Though Dwayne Jarrett ran a sssslow 40 and is conjuring comparisons to Mike Williams, it'll be interesting to see whether offensive coordinator Norm Chow lobbies for a former USC pupil.

Running back is also a position of need, due in large part to the fact that another one of Chow's former players, LenWhale White, reportedly spent the first three months of the offseason gobbling burgers and shakes.  With Travis Henry cut and Chris Brown not a sure thing to re-sign, there's a clear need here.  Unless they can swing a deal for Michael Turner of the Chargers, who can be had (we're told) for a two in 2007 and a two or a three in 2008. 

On the other side of the ball, the most pressing need is at cornerback, given the likely suspension of Pacman Jones for all or a big part of the season.  The loss of Jones, who started to come of age in the 2006 season, will be a major blow to the Titans.

At defensive end, the Titans are still looking for an effective replacement for Jevon Kearse, who left via free agency three years ago.  Kyle Vanden Bosch is solid, but they could use a stud.  The Titans got Kearse with the No. 16 pick in 1999; there's not likely to be a player of similar talent at No. 19 in 2007.

Defensive tackle is also an area of need, in light of the departure of Robaire Smith and the fact that Albert Haynesworth is entering the final year of his contract and is on a short leash due to his face-stomping episode involve Andre Gurode.

The Titans also could use some help at linebacker.  Free-agent pickup Ryan Fowler likely will start in the middle, but there's not much quality depth behind Keith Bulluck and David Thornton on the outside.

Tennessee also will need a solid punt and kick returner, as a result of the departure of Bobby Wade and coming suspension of Pacman Jones.  A wideout or a corner who can also fill this need would be a great addition.

Other than all of this, Tennessee should be just fine in 2007 . . . .