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Shelbyville, Tennessee ~ Monday, October 13, 2008
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Who will the Titans take?
Posted Friday, April 25, 2008, at 11:08 AM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
It looks like the Titans finally cut their dead weight and got something in exchange for Adam "Pacman" Jones. A fourth round pick and possibly another pick in the '09 draft was more than I expected for a troublesome punt returner and heavily overrated cornerback.
Tennessee came out ahead simply by ridding themselves of Jones. Now, we'll see what they do with the selection. Recent history of their horrid drafts leaves low expectations. Most of the top tier teams get key contributors and the occasional starter out of their fourth round picks. Here are the Titans' most recent: Leroy Harris, Chris Davis, Calvin Lowry, Stephen Tulloch, Vincent Fuller, David Stewart, Bo Schobel and Michael Waddell. Davis has seen action as a part-time punt returner. Tulloch fills in at different spots at linebacker. Stewart is far and away the top talent of the bunch. The Titans didn't set themselves up terribly well for this year's draft as a whole. With receiver such a need position last year, they chose instead to take a backup running back (Chris Henry) with plenty of talent at WR still on the board. This year the tables turn. The receiver pool is not as deep but running back is as good as it's been in awhile. It sounds crazy, but the Titans could be taking a running back in the second round for the third straight year. Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall are all likely to be gone before they pick again at No. 54. If either Ray Rice or Kevin Smith is still on the board at that time, they could go that route. Personally, I think they have more pressing needs at other positions like guard, receiver and defensive end. They could get a back like Steve Slaton, Jamaal Charles, Rafael Little or Justin Forsett with a later pick. Receiver is a position they can't afford to miss on yet again. They have used seven selections the last three years there. I wouldn't mind being a bug on the wall hearing how they assess this year's pool. Some of the more highly-ranked wideouts are considerably overrated in my opinion. If they could get Earl Bennett, Early Doucet or Lavelle Hawkins outside of the first round they might be in business. We'll see what they do. The Draft gets underway on Saturday at 2 p.m. in New York. Comments Showing most recent comments first [Show in chronological order instead] |
Hot topics Throw your hands up(5 ~ 8:08 PM, Oct 13)
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Chris Johnson looked good on that 66 yard touchdown run on Saturday....
Again, that is simply not true and is most definitely a subjective opinion. 2004 was a bad draft and our play on the field proved that in the next couple years. No argument there. In recent years we've taken Michael Roos, David Stewart, Cortland Finnegan, Vince Young, Lendale White, Roydell Williams, Michael Griffin, all of whom are current starters. Not to mention some others. This is a prevailing thought of most people but it is just not true. I think since Pacman was a bust off the field for us, people just use that a recent example. Overall in recent years, the Titans have done very well compared to just about any other franchise and a 10-6 playoff year with a much-improving team is absolute proof. In the next two years we'll find out about this draft class. I think people will be surprised.
Yes, every team has busts. Very few have had as many in recent years as the Titans. They consistently miss on high picks and consistently have to draft the same positions over and over. You bring up quality picks from over a decade ago, even players retired or with other teams. Check out recent history and my point is proven time and time again. This is not an opinion. They simply do not draft well nowadays.
The #1 receiver will likely be Alge Crumpler with Justin Gage right behind him. People are forgetting about Crumpler I think. He is going to be a huge weapon for Young. With our run-oriented offense and a change-up back like Johnson, we will be hard to defend, whether people want to admit it or not immediately after the draft. Sure, it's not a flashy offense with a bunch of big names, but it could be very productive in the coming years. Give it a chance. I agree Mr. Parker, we have had some shady draft picks in the past that haven't panned out, but I wouldn't lump Chris Henry in that group just yet after only one year, although he is leaning that way. All franchises have great picks that pan out and several that bust. That's the way it is. We're no different. We just live here and only hear about our busts. On the flip side, this franchise has had some terrific picks which they deserve credit for like McNair, George, Hopkins, Miller, Roos, Kearse, Haynesworth, Finnegan, Bullock, Young, etc. The good and the bad picks for every team. Such is life in the NFL.
I absolutely loved Hawkins when I saw him live. I thought he was a much better receiver than Jackson. The only Vol that could run with both of them was Eric Berry, who I predicted midseason last year to be the No. 5 pick in the 2010 draft to the New York Jets. Once Hawkins learns the offense and earns VY's trust, they'll click. They still need that unprecedented No. 1 guy like Fitzgerald, Boldin, Chad Johnson, Moss, Holt, Wayne, etc.
I agree with you Parker the Titans have had some really bad luck with high round picks. And as much as it pains me to say this you would have to put Tyrone Calico at the top of the list. Oh yeah he had flashes of brilliance but the injury bug forced him to give up football. I really hated to seem him leave but the truth is the Titans have had some bust and some big wins such as Michael Roos, Fred Miller, The Freak, Brad Hopkins, etc... I think Johnson will win over a lot of people this summer. Quick question you saw Hawkins live, how well dose his speed translate to game speed? Thanks.
I would have zero problem with that mstufan. I am not a Titans hater. In fact, I want to see them do well. I have never got to cover a NFL playoff game. I just hate seeing them waste high pick after high pick on guys like Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Paul Williams, Courtney Roby, Rich Gardner, Andre Woolfolk, etc.
LOL!, I like how you tied Manchester United into the post. Mr. Glazer also owns Tampa Bay. But I am an Liverpool fan myself. None the less you could be eating soup watching both the Cowboys and Titans in the Super Bowl. At least I hope!
My my my. Looks like hornets' nest broke free from the tree. On here just to stir stuff up? Haha! You kids are crazy. Look at the drafts of years past if you need proof on how bad they are at drafting. What's it tell you when you draft eight receivers in four years and three running backs in the top two rounds over the last three seasons? I could be a fan of the Manchester United and see how bad their scouting department is. And, I am not just looking for sexy names. I noted before the draft that a couple of Cal's players, including Hawkins, would be a good fit in Nashville. In fact, the Hawkins pick is one of the best they've had in several years. I may be eating some soup at a Super Bowl party in '09 but I will be watching the Cowboys, not your Titans.
Sidenote: The Tennessee Titans announced that they have agreed to terms with the following undrafted free-agents:
DT Barry Booker, Virginia Tech:
RB Omar Cuff, Delaware
LB Jerrell Freeman, Mary-Hardin Baylor
S Tony Joiner, Florida: Solid Player
RB Rafael Little , Kentucky
WR Jason Rivers, Hawaii: Nice Pick Up!
WR Edward Williams, Lane College
C Eric Scott, Kentucky
C/G Fernando Velasco, Georgia
T Brock Pasteur, Stephen F. Austin:
Glad to see we signed some more linemen we need them.
Big name picks will require big time money!!!!
The Titans were all about filling needs and not trying to impress all the "Know It Alls" with their big name players from big time schools and conferences.
I heard crow soup didn't taste very well and there is a chance you'll be eating some soon at a Super Bowl party Mr. Parker.
With all due respect Mr. Parker, you are way off base on a lot of your ramblings and your assessments are atrocious. It's obvious you are a Cowboys fan and downgrade the Titans every chance you get. It's like you are just trying to stir up everyone around here for no reason. You haven't had a nice word to say yet and that is just crazy. Unbelievable is a better way to say it. I thought their draft was pretty well done. They filled about every major need they had. It's funny how everybody looks at the 'sexy' and big names on the board from the big conferences and forgets there are plenty of other guys out there that fit the big needs. I love the Johnson pick..he runs a 4.2 and can catch out of the backfield. He is something we desperately needed to compliment White. The two guys from California are outstanding picks. We needed a tight end behind Crumpler because Scaife will play the H-back. And Hawkins is a diamond in the rough at reciver. Sure, a couple picks may seem suspect as do other picks for other teams. But we won't know how they'll play out until a couple years will we? Since you seem to know everything, please tell us who all they missed out on that will make such a bigtime impact right away. It's never a good idea to jump the gun after a draft like you have because it takes time and I think the Titans proved they had a plan to fill their needs. They did well, but you would never admit it no matter what.
Yeah trading up to take the TE when we did was not a good move. We lost our 5th round pick for him. That move alone dropped my overall draft grade for the Titans by a whole letter. I had us at a B, but the more I think of it we probably a C or C- at best. We needed to address our offensive line problems first. Playmakers are great but we all know you have to control the L.O.S. to win in the NFL. Here hoping Coach Munchak can work his magic and take an undrafted player like Kentucky G we signed as an undrafted rookie and make him a starter in the NFL. Munchak is the man.
The Arrington kid out of Michigan would have been a high-quality pick for Rounds 6-7 as well. But, what do I know? The TE from Cal was an unbelievably horrible pick considering their needs and who else was on the board. You don't spend that high of a pick on a TE who has almost zero chance of playing. Their entire logic when it comes to the draft is atrocious.
Mr. Parker,
I agree Andre Woodson has the potential to be a good NFL quaterback. He was well coached by Randy Sanders at Kentucky. I watched him on tv in the Senior Bowl and the Music City Bowl he dose throw a pretty ball. So prehaps he could have been the guy to replace Matt Mauk, who did pretty much as you stated in the above post.He was the practice squad QB and learned the system. But I think we had to address the depth issues with the Secondary by taking the Corner in the 7th round and by taking the other Golden Bear WR. Hawkins looked good at the Senior Bowl and I think he is going to be a great player for us in the next couple of years or sooner. The only strecth I saw was going after the TE from California. I would have liked for the Titans to take an OG or RT. We still got to sign Dave Stewart to his RT spot. But we will see what happens. Maybe we can find a good lineman out of the 10 undrafted players who signed contracts. Also we got a great undrafted rookie in Omar Cuff from Delaware. This young man ran off some gaudy numbers last year. The only diference from FBS and FCS is the number of scholarship offers.(Depth) Just ask a Michigian Fan.
The Titans not taking a QB in the late rounds was yet another mistake on their part. Those players rarely make the team, but a solid-average QB there would be a solid No. 3 option. That player would likely be inactive most weeks but could learn the system under no pressure and be an option as a backup in the next year or two. Andre Woodson would have been an oustanding selection that late. He is pretty smart and throws a much nicer ball than Young.
Parker...
All the "outstanding" players the Cowgirls got in the draft will soon be overshadowed by the adventures of THE PACMAN!!!!!!
Yeah I was very suprised that Colt Brennan was available for as long as he was. I think he is a product of the June Jones offensive system, but to be able to with stand the amount of attempts he had to make lets me know that he has the arm durability to play in the NFL. The jury is still out on him though. I think the bowl game vs Georgia really hurt his status. UGA's defensive line had a huge game and I think it really hurt him since he did not shine vs an SEC school. Then again a lot of teams wouldn't do well vs an SEC school. None the less if he makes it he will be a fun player to watch.
mtsu fan you made some valid points and I agree with you on Kerry collins. A decent journeyman would be great. I just like a young gun somewhere in the mix if only on the practice sqaud, such as Colt Brennan who was available for a long time.
Mr. Melson. I think the philosophy for the Titans is if VY gose down Kerry Collins steps in. Also in past years the team has been able to bring in a few young players as free agents.
Such as Matt Mauck and sign him to the practice squad. Also I think you can find a decent journeyman quaterback to call the shots if we were to lose both VY or Collins. I would rather us get a free agent to fill the void if something was to happen to VY. Collins is not a bad QB.
The Titans are doing so much to build a team around VY. He's one hit away from the team having a major qb problem. Should they have picked a qb somewhere in fourth round?
Yeah Super Mario would have looked good in the two toned blue of the Titans. Yeah your Cowboys did a great job in the 1st round. Felix Jones will be a nice combo with Barber ( Have they got him a new contract yet) Jenkins could step in immediately and be a nickel corner. If Goodell reinstates Pacman, and they will because of Jerry Jones, the Cowboys secondary is going to be scary. With that being said, Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder are pushing for the elimination of the salary cap and reconstruction of money market. What do you think about that. It would be a good great for Dallas. I would put them tops in the leauge as far as making money goses. They are America's Team. But I really like how the salary cap because it creates balance and somewhat evens the playing field.
The Titans passed on Michigan WR Mario Manningham to draft a TE out of Cal? Wow! Just when you can't think they can't get any dumber. Don't know anything about the DE they got in the 4th out of Winstom Salem. My Cowboys at least got two outstanding players with their first round picks.
As of right now reality is Gage is our number one. Unless we go after a veteran player in free agency this summer. I like the approach the Titans take with the budget and making smart moves to add depth. We our not in the New England or Dallas Markets. So we have to do more with less. Besides the best part of yesterday was locking down Roos to a long term deal. He will be a pro bowler in the next couple of years. I agree we gift wrapped the two games last year to San Diego we should have won both. New England rolled over everybody so till Belichoke reached the Superbowl so that is really not a fair comparison. And we split with the Colts this year.
Yeah I do and I think the Titans are going to expect him to. Gage could have been given his marching orders, yet Reinfieldt decide to reward him and signed him to a big money deal. Also with the recent developments of the draft with the Titans selecting Chris Johnson from ECU I think it is safe to say we are set at Wideout unless we dive into the Free Agency pool. Although I still fully expect us to draft a wide out on the first day as a value pick.
Also keep in mind Chris Johnson can become a nice back on third down's and he is a big time return specialist. I like the pick. I don't like any of the Wideout's for the 1st round. Good Pick by the Titans adding depth at the RB spot and who know maybe LenWhale can get those 2,000 yards ( LOL!) Danny keep up the great coverage of the Champs Baseball Team I have loved the articles.
You really think that Justin Gage can become a legit No. 1 option? Wow! Are you expected LenDale White to run for 2,000 yards too?
I would like to see the Titans draft a defensive lineman or cornerback. More interceptions then touchdowns is not all the receivers fault. I think VY is a young quaterback who is going to need veteran guys in the receivers. We got a stretch the field guy in Justin McCerians, a safety valve and legit TE's in Algie Crumpler and Bo Scaife, and Justin Gage can become a legit # 1 option this year. So I like how the receivers look like going into the draft. What I don't like is the fact when Haynesworth went down our defensive line went south. We need to get a DE or DT to help out KVB and give "Freak" the 3rd down pass rusher role. I like the kid from Clemson Merling, DE and Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina. Also I think their is a lot of depth this year in the secondary and maybe we can trade out of the 1st round and pick more drafts and take a value pick in the 2nd for a corner. But we will probably take Limas Sweed or Deshawn Jackson because they are the "it" picks for the Titans.