2013 Titans UDFA class

Eloy Atkinson, C UTEP

6' 3" and 315

3 year player on the offensive line. Smart guy who earned academic honors at UTEP. Was on the 2012 Rimington Trophy Watch List for the nation's best center. Possible practice squad developmental player who could possibly make the squad in 2014 as a backup if Spencer and Velasco don't get an extension.

UTEP Player Profile

NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

George Baker, CB South Florida

5' 11" and 180

4 year player for USF at cornerback. Good production. Would need to outperform draft picks and those on the roster for a spot.

USF Player Profile

NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Stefan Charles, DL Regina (ummmm where?)

6' 5" and 310

Turns out Regina is in Canada and Charles is one of 2 Canadiens being given a shot by the Titans. Projects more to DE and fits the mold of the bigger DE's the Titans want. Also being looked at for the CFL draft.

NFL Draft Zone Player Profile

** Jack Doyle, TE WKU

6' 5" and 254

4 year player at WKU and started games at TE as a true rookie. 3 time captain for the Hilltoppers and was a good player earning first team All Sun Belt award. Also lettered in rugby in high school. Nice blend of blocking and receiving ability but not terribly fast. Could compete with Taylor Thompson for the 3 spot or make the squad as a 4th TE (the Titans have carried 4 before).

WKU Player Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Travis Harvey, WR Florida A & M

6" 2" and 185

Had one productive year at A & M. Played 12 games with 66 receptions for 818 yards and a 12.2 average. Long shot to make the roster.

NFL Draft Scout Profile

**Stefphon Jefferson, RB Nevada

5' 10" and 213

4 year letterman in football earning first team all league honors. Very productive junior year. Was considered a late round draft selection. Could compete with Jamie Harper for the 3rd RB spot.

Wolfpack Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

Oscar Johnson, OT LA Tech

6' 5" and 331 (10 1/4 inch hands!)

This dude is a load and has played both guard and tackle. Was thought to be a late round draft pick. Long shot to make the roster but could due to lack of depth. Very good practice squad candidate as a developmental player.

LA Tech Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

**Nigel Nicholas, Dl Oklahoma State

6' 3" and 253

Fits the Titans move toward heavier and stouter defensive lineman. Earned honorable mention all Big 12 honors in 2012. Has played both DT and DE and was highly productive in college. Could compete with Karl Klug for a rotational spot. Good candidate for the practice squad if he doesn't make the 53.

Okie St Cowboys Player Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

**Matt Pierce, CB Valdosta State

5' 10" and 196

4 year player for Valdosta State and highly productive. Excels as a  returner and could compete with late round selection Khalid Wooten and Daimion Stafford for a roster spot. Also has a blocked field goal on his resume. Quick elusive player.

Valdosta State Player Profile

Draft Insider Player Profile

NFL Draft Scout Profile

Rashad Ross, WR Arizona State

5' 11" and 179

This guy is fast posting a 4.34 40 at his pro day and also is a very good returner. Unfortunately, his catching skills are average but if he can fix that issue he could be a threat. Still, sheer numbers make it unlikely he will make the team.

NFL Draft Scout Profile

CBS Sports Player Profile

Matt Sewell, OT McMaster (ummmm where?) 

6' 7" and 337

Turns out McMaster is in Canada and Sewell is one of 2 Canadiens to be given a shot in the NFL this year by the Titans, joining Regina Rams player Stefan Charles. Sewell also has a shot to be drafted in the CFL so his situation bears watching.

NFL Draft Scout Profile

Dontel Watkins, WR Murray State

6' 2" and 195

Another guy who seems unlikely to make the squad because of numbers.

Draft Insider Player Profile

NFL Draft Scout Profile

Jonathan "Tig" Willard, LB Clemson

6' 2" and 205

Good tackler who does not have great speed. Could possibly make the back end on ST but more likely a practice squad candidate.

Falcon Insider Profile

NFL Draft Scout Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

Tom Wort, ILB Oklahoma

6' 0" and 235

Good college player who will need to prove himself on ST to make it in the league. Like Williard, will need to excel there to earn a spot but is likely a practice squad candidate.

Sooner Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile


** Most likely free agents to make the squad.

Ladies and Gents: Meet your 2013 Titans Draft Class

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone and the Titans have added 8 drafted players to their roster, along with 14 undrafted free agents. This article with focus on the draft class but stay tuned for another article on the UFDA class. In addition, I am going to grade each Titans draft pick individually. So let's get to it!

ROUND 1 PICK #10: CHANCE WARMACK, OG ALABAMA

It is no secret I was an unabashed Chance Warmack fan girl from early on. I first began talking about him as a possible draft pick in November of 2012, and mocked him to the Titans in my first draft in January 2013. My draft blog on him explains why I love this pick and why I am giving the pick an A. Chance Warmack Pre Draft Blog

** Warmack is one of 5 team captains the Titans drafted in 2013

GRADE: A

ROUND 2 PICK #34: JUSTIN HUNTER WR THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Easily the most controversial pick of the draft as the Titans traded their second round pick (#40), seventh round pick (#216), and next year's third round pick (TBD) to the San Francisco Forty Niners to move up 6 spots and draft former University of Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter.

As everyone probably knows I am a Vols fan but I don't typically advocate signing or drafting UT players just because they played for the Vols. Let's face it that pipeline has been clogged with fail for the most part. However, I love the Titans picking Hunter. Before he tore his ACL, Hunter was one of the best young wide receivers in college. A rather disappointing 2012 season, both personally and for the team, hurt his draft stock a little and there were questions regarding commitment but those were answered for me during the pre-draft process. Hunter excelled both at the combine and at his pro day at Tennessee. After drafting him the Titans revealed they had a first round draft grade on him and you can bet your last dollar they weren't the only one.

At 6' 4" and 196 Hunter will beef up and be a playmaker the Titans desperately need. While 2012 first round pick Kendall Wright showed flashes, the addition of Hunter will give Jake Locker another option in the passing game and will open up the field for other options as well, most notably new addition tight end Delanie Walker. Titans fans have reason to be excited about next year's offense as new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains should be able to take advantage of his new weapons.

** Hunter was one of 5 team captains the Titans drafted in 2013

GRADE: A

Justin Hunter UT Profile

Justin Hunter NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

ROUND 3 PICK #70: UCONN DB BLIDI WREH-WILSON (FOREVER AFTER BW3)

Prior to the draft the Titans expressed an interest in adding a cornerback to the squad who can play press coverage and after taking BW3 they said he could do it. Unfortunately, they also said they might later convert him to safety. I was prepared to like this pick even though I didn't think cornerback was a big need until the Titans indicated they weren't sure what position he would play.

For the record, I'm not a fan of drafting a guy fairly high with no plan on where you intend to play him. I'm fine with taking a cornerback in the 3rd round if you are convinced he is the press corner you desire, OR if you think he is the Darren Sharper (for the record he seems best suited to free safety to me) BUT I'm not a fan of a no plan pick at this range. We tried that approach with Michael Griffin and you see how well that worked out. I simply believe a 3rd round pick, especially a high 3rd round pick, should be the best available player at his position.

In any event, I do like BW3's potential and I am going to look at him at his natural position of cornerback. aT 6' 1" he is the tall rangy CB that is currently the rage right now and he has good speed. He was very productive in college with the only big knock on his being his arm tackling and inconsistent angles at times. The question I had with him prior to the draft was his hip flexion but hopefully trainers can work with him on that issue. He said he is comfortable with press coverage and has played it in the past.

U Conn Huskies Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

** BW3 is one of 5 team captains the Titans drafted in 2013

GRADE: B- (DOWNGRADED DUE TO INCONSISTENCY BY THE TITANS ON HIS POSITION) (GRADED SOLEY AS A CB A SOLID B)

ROUND 3 PICK #97: ZAVIER GOODEN LB MISSOURI

Gooden is the second draft pick I identified and profiled as possible targets for the Titans and I'm human enough to admit that makes this one of my favorite picks. Although I was familiar with him from Mizzou's jump to the SEC, I didn't identify him as a possible draft pick until January of this year when I was scouting fellow teammate Sheldon Richardson. I instantly became a fan. Gooden is a playmaker in every sense of the word and his performance at the combine in April merely highlighted his incredible athleticism. He ran the fastest time of any LB at the combine at 4.47 (he says he has timed faster) and was the top performer in just about every category. Don't label this guy a workout worrier however his production in college easily matches his measurables.  Zaviar Gooden Pre Draft Blog

** Gooden is one of 5 team captains the Titans drafted in 2013

GRADE: A

ROUND 4 PICK 107: BRIAN SCHWENKE C CALIFORNIA

I'm generally not a fan of the Titans drafting a fella whose hair is better than mine but for Schwenke I will make an exception because he has my favorite last name in this draft. Oh, and he is probably the best center in this draft class too. The Titans revealed he was their number 1 ranked center after they selected him. Sckwenke is a load at 6' 3" and 314 and can play both guard and center. He really excelled at the Senior Bowl and looks to be maybe one of the Titans best steals of the draft. For a team that really needed to rebuild its offensive line, this is a great value pick.

Cal Bears Player Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

** Schwenke was one of 5 team captains selected by the Titans in 2013

ROUND 5 PICK 142: LAVAR EDWARDS

LSU defensive end Lavar Edwards had the unfortunate task of trying to beat out fellow draftees Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery for playing time. A rotational DE for the Tigers, Edwards still managed to put up decent stats and showed why the Titans drafted him in the 5th round. Despite playing in a situational role, 

Edwards still managed to register 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. At 6' 4" and 277 the Titans have indicated he fits their profile of "sturdier" defensive linemen. He is also a guy who can play both RDE and LDE which is exactly what the Titans need. Edwards could end up being another steal of the draft.

LSU Tigers Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

GRADE: B

ROUND 6 PICK 6 PICK 202: KHALID WOOTEN DB NEVADA

In the 6th round the Titans took another cornerback and one who looks to possibly compete for the return position. At 5' 11" and 210, Wooten has been described as an average athlete but his college production cannot be denied. He had 4 interceptions in the 2011 season. He also ran an impressive 4.47 40 at his pro day. He lettered also in track in high school. There were rumbles he might move to safety but Wooten says they told him they expect him to play corner.

Nevada Wolfpack Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

GRADE: A (assuming they don't tinker with his position)

ROUND 7 PICK 248: DAIMION STAFFORD SS NEBRASKA

I have seen 7th round pick Daimion Stafford listed as both a FS and a SS but he seems more suited to the SS position so that is where I will evaluate him. At 6' 0" and 221, Stafford has a good mixture of size, speed and agility. A highly sought after JUCO prospect, Stafford chose Nebraska where he was highly productive in his 2 years at Nebraska putting up impressive numbers and earning first team All Big Ten honors by the media, and second team All Big Ten by the coaches. If he matches his production with the Titans he will also be a steal of a pick along the lines of Cortland Finnegan. 

Bonus: he also has return skills as well. 

Nebraska Cornhuskers Player Profile

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

GRADE: A

OVERALL DRAFT GRADE: A

So there you have it Titans fans, your 2013 Tennessee Titans draft class. What are your thoughts? 

Would the Titans Draft Jamie Collins in the 1st Round?

Much has been made of the Titans dismal defensive performance in 2012 and with good reason. I wrote extensively about it on my other blog Breathe If You Love Football. While other factors like the inability of the offense to stay on the field contributed, as well as the gaping hole at MLB left by injuries to Colin McCarthy and Zac Diles, the defense had issues of its own. What doesn't get enough credit is how the defense improved once the Titans began taking advantage of the athleticism, speed and quickness of its two young linebackers Akeem Ayers and Zach Brown. The Titans showed some interesting defensive looks taking advantage of those two excellent players, so when Jamie Collins had such a standout combine performance, I took a good hard look at him and I like what I found.

Would the Titans draft Collins early and by early I mean first round? This is an idea I have been floating in my mind for a while and the more I think about it the more I like the thought. A converted high school quarterback and safety, Collins is an impressive 6' 4" and 245 pounds. His high school and college resumes are impressive on their own. Collins showed his impressive athleticism at the combine in Indianapolis last week. One of the more impressive numbers is his 41.5 vertical jump. It was simply off the chain. 

I wrote about him in my draft prospective here Defensive Linemen Prospects. He is a versatile explosive defensive player who can play many positions and do  a lot of things. However, he excels at being disruptive and getting to the passer and he has played from a 3 point stance. I imagine Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray are drooling at the thought of what they can do with him, and how he would improve the Titans defense. Would they take him at #10? Its a bold move for sure but I like bold moves if you like a player a lot. You have to consider whether you think he would be available in round 2 and after his impressive combine that certainly is a real question, especially when you consider teams that run the 3/4 are likely to be looking at him quite hard. 

His pro day is March 8 in Hattiesburg and I imagine there will be quite the crowd at hand to watch this impressive draft prospect.

USM Player Profile

Senior Bowl Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Tight End Prospects for the Titans - Gavin Escobar

GAVIN ESCOBAR - TIGHT END SAN DIEGO STATE

Let's be real here. This isn't an incredibly deep tight end class and the position is becoming increasingly important. Gavin Escobar is certainly one of the better prospects and he certainly looked good at the combine. Projected in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, Escobar could rise higher in a generally weak draft class however. At 6' 6" and 254 pounds, he also has the production to go along with the measurables posting good numbers at San Diego State. With Jared Cook's status very much in doubt, the Titans either need to make a move in free agency or consider drafting one of the better tight ends in the draft.

Aztec Player Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Tight End Prospects for the Titans - Mychal Rivera

MYCHAL RIVERA - TIGHT END TENNESSEE

With Jared Cook demanding the WR tag, and under-performing to boot, drafting a tight end to help Jake Locker is a must. Call me a homer I don't care but Mychal Rivera would be a perfect pick for the Titans. A bit undersized compared to other TE's at 6' 3" and 242, Rivera is a powerful receiver with incredibly soft hands who generally catches everything thrown his way. Unfortunately, there weren't enough targets to go around in 2012 with both Cordarelle Patterson and Justin Hunter in the receiving game. Still, Rivera managed to rack up 36 passes for 562 yards with 5 touchdowns. A late round prospect, he is a willing blocker who needs a little work but he would be a reliable target for Jake Locker.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Running Back Prospects for the Titans - Marcus Lattimore

MARCUS LATTIMORE - RUNNING BACK SOUTH CAROLINA

Its impossible not to pull for this guy to overcome devastating college injuries and succeed at the professional level. Lattimore sustained a left knee injury in 2011 requiring ACL surgery and a more serious right knee injury in 2012. It is still unclear whether Lattimore will be able to play, and when, in 2013 but he seems determined to do so. One of the more exciting college running backs in recent memory, if Lattimore can regain his pre-injury status (which I think he can) he will dominate just as well in the NFL. The real question is when he will be ready and if a team like the Titans, who desperately need help at the position, will take a chance and be willing to wait.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Running Back Prospects for the Titans - Joseph Randall

JOSEPH RANDLE - RUNNING BACK OKLAHOMA STATE

I can't lie I was disappointed with Joseph Randle's 40 time at the combine (4.63) but clearly the production is there and the tape don't lie. He did register a 123.0 vertical jump. Along with Christine Michael, Randle is a running back I targeted before the combine and I am pleased to say he still remains on my radar for the Titans. At 6' 0" and 204 pounds, Randle is a perfect fit (just like Michael) for what the Titans need and is projected to be a mid round selection.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Running Back Prospects for the Titans - Christine Michael

CHRISTINE MICHAEL - RUNNING BACK TEXAS A & M

The Titans need another running back to compliment, and possibly replace, Chris Johnson and Christine Michael is one of my favorite running backs in this draft not named Marcus Lattimore. Like Lattimore, injuries are a concern but let's face it that's becoming increasingly common amongst college running backs.
Michael is a strong running back with good speed for his size and when healthy is incredibly productive. Originally projected in the mid rounds, a very strong combine may have vaulted Michael into first day discussion since he has been clearly medically. He would be an ideal pick for the Titans.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Larry Warford

LARRY WARFORD - OFFENSIVE LINEMAN/GUARD KENTUCKY

Larry Warford is another good guard prospect for the Titans and another SEC player who earned recognition during his playing career. Warford projects as a 3rd round talent and posted pretty decent numbers at the combine. A former basketball player, he is surprisingly good on his feet for his size and has decent lateral movement. He looks to be a player who could get plugged in to play fairly early on his professional career. 

CBS Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profiile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Alvin Bailey

ALVIN BAILEY - OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ARKANSAS

I saw this player mocked to the Titans prior to the draft and made a mental note to check him (which I promptly lost). Fortunately, the Combine put him back on my radar and he is fast becoming someone I think the Titans should consider in rounds 3 or 4, even if they are able to snag one of the premier guards earlier on. Let's face it the interior line has been a hot mess for a while now and realistically the Titans need help at both guard positions. Enter one Alvin Bailey who not only has played BOTH left and right guard but is also a good player who has seen the "bright lights." At 6' 3" and 312 pounds, Bailey is a load. A bit of a project, surely two HOF offensive linemen in Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak can have this guy game ready by August.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Terron Armstead

TERRON ARMSTEAD - OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF

One player who appears to be on the rise is small school offensive lineman Terron Armstead of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Unfortunately, his stock is really starting to rise and he may get drafted before I expect the Titans to look at the tackle position (although I have seen him listed at OG). Also, its not out of the question that hte Titans might actually look at tackle this year and early on, given the age of their current tackles and the lack of good options behind them. Armstead really shined at the Combine and wasn't too shabby at the Shrine Game either. At 6' 5' and 306 his frame reminds me a bit of Mike Roos who plays tackle for the Titans.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Barrett Jones

BARRETT JONES - OFFENSIVE LINEMAN ALABAMA

Every year draft people and draftniks have a player they just seem to love and for me its Barrett Jones. A 4 year starter for Alabama, Jones has played, and excelled at , every single position on the offensive line. His versatility and leadership helped fuel multiple National Championship runs, a stellar Bama run game, and multiple college achievements and awards. The list of awards could fill a blog alone but I won't bore you with it. Projections differ but whoever drafts Jones gets a smart player who should enjoy a long and successful career.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Jonathan Cooper

JONATHAN COOPER - OFFENSIVE GUARD NORTH CAROLINA

Like Chance Warmack, North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper is very highly regarded in this draft. Really, in my mind and eye there isn't much separating the two and the Titans couldn't go wrong drafting either player. Its also certainly not out of the question that the Titans could draft TWO offensive linemen either. Let's not forget the Titans will be looking at the tackle position in the not too distant future.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Offensive Line Prospects for the Titans - Chance Warmack

CHANCE WARMACK - OFFENSIVE GUARD ALABAMA

Much has been written about this stud offensive guard from National Championship team Bama. I wrote about him in my pre-combine blog and he is still one of my favorite players in this draft. Highly regarded as one of the most "elite" players in this draft, Warmack is certain to go high and most assuredly fills a position of need for the Titans.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects - Shawn Williams

SHAWN WILLIAMS - SAFETY GEORGIA

Stop me if you have heard this before but I wrote about SS Shawn Williams in my pre-combine draft blog and he did not disappoint at the Combine. At 6' 0" and 213 pounds, Williams is a nice combination of speed and power. He ran a 4.46 40 yard dash and put up good numbers in agility testing. Projected to be a mid round draft pick, it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't sneak into the 2nd round.

NFL Draft Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects for the Titans - DJ Swearinger

D.J. SWEARINGER - SAFETY SOUTH CAROLINA

If you want a safety who has been productive in his college career, you can't get much better than DJ Swearinger of South Carolina. A captain of the Gamecocks football team and a starter since his rookie season, Swearinger has played both safety positions and at 5' 10" and 208 plays much bigger than his size. He put up respectable numbers at the Combine but the production doesn't lie. He projects as a 2nd to 4th round talent.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects for the Titans - Phillip Thomas

PHILLIP THOMAS - SAFETY FRESNO STATE

At 6' 0" and 208 pounds, Phillip Thomas projects to both FS and SS. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl increased his draft stock. Thomas has put up nice numbers at the Combine and certainly looks the position. He is projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects for the Titans - DeMetrius McRay

DEMETRIUS MCRAY - DEFENSIVE BACK APPALACHIAN STATE

At 6' 1" and 187 pounds, Appalachian State defensive back Demetrius McRay is a very intriguing prospect. He led the Southern Conference in interceptions the last 2 seasons and really made a mark at the Collegiate Bowl. He ran a nice 4.47 40 yard dash and looks smooth and fluid in agility drills. McRay projects to go mid to late round and is a player to keep an eye on as the draft process unfolds.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects for the Titans - Robert Alford

ROBERT ALFORD - DEFENSIVE BACK SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

Robert Alford is a defensive back who can help a team in a lot of ways. Not only is he a good cover corner, he also excels in the return game. At 5' 10" and 188, Alford has nice size and is very smooth and fluid. He ran a good unofficial 40 of 4.41 and is expected to go in the mid rounds. I think this guy is exactly what the Titans should be looking at to work into the mix at defensive back.

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile

Defensive Back Prospects for the Titans - Terry Hawthorne

TERRY HAWTHORNE - DEFENSIVE BACK ILLINOIS

Illinois cornerback Terry Hawthorne is catching eyes at the NFL Combine. He ran very nice 40 times in the unofficial 4.40 range. At 6' 0" and 190 he is expected to be drafted in the mid rounds. Hawthorne showed nice leadership skills in his senior year at Illinois and is an intriguing prospect.

Fighting Illini Profile

CBS Sports Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile