Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Tennessee Titans, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.
Wide receiver: Vince Young’s failure to progress as a passer can’t all be linked to the lack of talent at receiver, but some of it can. (And the Titans are sure to blame the lack of good receivers instead of blaming Young, since that strategy worked so well for the Falcons and Mike Vick.) The team sorely lacks a playmaker at the position and must address it soon. The roster is full of big-name college receivers, but few have produced in the NFL. Mike and Paul Williams are both former Pac-10 studs, but neither have produced yet due to injuries or just laziness. Roydell Williams looks to be a solid player, but he’s not a #1 receiver. Tennessee has looked at Limas Sweed and Devin Thomas, and could take Sweed in round one, since Thomas will likely be long gone by the time the Texans pick.
Middle linebacker: Stephen Tulloch is a good player, but not a starter. He’s routinely pulled in third-down situations. Tennessee has been linked to local college product Jerod Mayo, and also Dan Connor. Both are athletic enough to stay on the field forall three downs, and their presence would move Tulloch back to a depth role.
Defensive end: Losing Travis LaBoy and Antwon Odom put a huge hole in the defense. Jevon Kearse is back after a four-year Philly respite, but what can be provide at this point in his career? Tennessee could pick up an end as early as round one, and they’ve been linked to Derrick Harvey of Florida. The team is more likely to add an end in rounds two through four, and again late in the draft.
Guard: The loss of Benji Olson and Jacob Bell to free agency hurts. Jake Scott was brought in, but the team wants to move LeRoy Harris to center. Drafting for a starter may not be an immediate need, but the team must add depth and a player who can become a starter in the next two seasons.
Cornerback: The trade of Pacman Jones to Dallas further confirms the team’s need for a cornerback. Michael Griffin has a long future at safety, eliminating the slim chance he could be moved to corner. Tennessee lacks talent at the position, and has made little effort to bring in free agents who can make an impact. The team could try to trade for Lito Sheppard, but drafting is the smart move. Tennessee must hit on their pick here after recent failures Andre Woolfork, and now Jones.
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April 25th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’m hoping the Titans go DE/DT with their first pick, or trade out of the first-round completely like they did in 2004 with the Texans. There is value to be had in the late first-round, but trading down into the second and picking up more picks would be a much better value, especially targeting a DL player. If they stay at 24, please stay away from any WR not named Sweed. I also have no clue why everyone seems to think they would take a linebacker in the first round. Granted, last time they did it worked out pretty well (Keith Bulluck), but this article failed to mention that Ryan Fowler is actually the starter at MLB and only plays two downs anyways; they may grab someone late for depth, but I expect WR, DL and the secondary to be their first three picks, in some combination.
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April 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Felix Jones from AR or Johnson out of ECSU…..Please don’t take a WR!
Both can catch out of the backfield. Both are play makers. I would not be unhappy if they went Defensive Line if a top tier pick is available, but probably not at this point.
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I say they tale Calias Cambell at DE
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April 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Current WR’s: Gage, Roydell Williams, Brandon Jones, Paul Williams, Chris Davis, Justin McCareins, Mike Williams…None are household names and the last 2 are cast-offs from other teams (McCareins coming back home). But they may surprise under the Heimerdinger Offense (coming back home from Denver.
I have no argument with picking up some depth at LB, but doubt it will be an early pick (maybe R3-5?), unless an absolute steal is there earlier.
DE: Here is your round 2 pick if the value is there.
I agree a G will be added…maybe 2.
They may draft a CB, but it will only be a project guy…someone with real upside (plus this draft is weak at CB). They have Harper, Finnegan, Hill and newly signed RFA Chris Carr. Plus Michael Griffin can play both safety and CB, although they would love to have him at S.
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April 25th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
One more thought…as AUTigrr mentioned, don’t rule out the Titans taking a RB with their #1 pick if the right guy is there. If not, they may move out the round altogether and acquire more picks.
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