This blog was inspired by a tweet from Gene Frenette who covers the Jacksonville Jaguars and who tweeted about the last 3 years of former General Manager Gene Smith and their number of draft picks still on the roster (half of them are gone). So I decided to take a look at the last 3 drafts under former head coach Jeff Fisher.
Of the 2008 Tennessee Titans draft picks, only 2 remain and those are running back Chris Johnson and tight end Craig Stevens. Jason Jones, William Hayes and Cary Williams are still in the league and Hayes plays for Fisher now in St. Louis, Jones for former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in Detroit, and Williams for Philadelphia. Hawkins was cut by the Titans last month and signed a 2 year deal with the Patriots. Keglar is a free agent.
Like the 2008 Titans draft, only 2 remain and they are Kenny Britt and Jason McCourty. Britt's issues are well known. McCourty is a good corner and the Titans signed him to an extension on August 23, 2012. Cook now plays for Fisher in St. Louis and Marks signed a one year deal with the Jackonsville Jaguars. Kropog is a reserve lineman for the Vikings and Durand is a reserve lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs. The remainder are currently free agents.
Of the 2010 Titans draft class, Derrick Morgan, Damien Williams, Alterraun Verner, Robert Johnson, Rusty Smith and Marc Mariani remain. Morgan had a very good 2012 season and Verner has been a solid starter since his rookie year. Williams has played well with limited rotation at the receiver position. Mariani made an impact his rookie year as a returner on special teams and made the Pro Bowl. Mariani suffered a devastating injury during the 2012 preseason, breaking both his tibia and fibula and missed the season. Johnson and Smith are still on the roster but Johnson received very bad reviews on his performance in 2012. None have received contract extensions and there has been no word of any negotiations. Curran, Rolle and Howard are out of the league.
In case you missed it, and are interested, I took at a look at the 2011 and 2012 drafts under the new regime here:
I think its safe to say the jury is still out on the 2010 class and that the 2013 season will be big for those seeking to earn roster spots and/or extensions. I view the 2008 with mixed emotions. I was very disappointed the Titans let Jason Jones walk but he and Hayes have been rotational defensive linemen since leaving the Titans. Cary Williams had injury problems with the Titans but turned into a solid starter for the Ravens. The 2009 draft has to be labeled a disappointment in my opinion.
The easy answer here is Justin Hunter and I agree Hunter should make an immediate impact. Having said that, my pick for the rookie who will make the biggest impact is 3rd round pick Zaviar Gooden. Why might you ask when the Titans already have 3 excellent young linebackers in Colin McCarthy, Akeem Ayers and Zach Brown? Well, let's take a look.
The Titans have traditionally used some 4 linebacker packages but they weren't able to utilize this option last season due to injury and ineffectiveness at the linebacker position. Colin McCarthy should be healthy going into 2013 and with fellow backers Ayers, Brown and Gooden they should form the youngest, fastest, most versatile and athletic group of linebackers in the league. Since the Titans tend to rotate, I expect Gooden to play early and often even in their base defense and I expect he will man the Will spot. That's not all I expect from this young man however.
Base 4-3 defense
While I certainly think Gooden could rotate in 3 linebacker packages, I expect the Titans to run more 4-4 defense in 2013. I love this defense. When manned with the right personnel, it is a great run stopping defense that allows for a variety of blitz schemes and provides the defensive coordinator with many opportunities to disguise coverage. Unfortunately, it can also allow for big plays but the Titans added defensive back depth in the offseason and that will be of great benefit. Now that the Titans have the personnel to effectively use it, I think you can expect to see it utilized with a lot of success.
Base 4-4 Defense
When running a 4-4 defense, it is fairly important you have cornerbacks who can play press coverage and are comfortable in man to man because you expect their primary responsibility to be pass coverage. The addition of BW3 should help in that regard because the only other cornerback who has shown that capability is Jason McCourty but I also think Coty Sensabaugh can do it too. The safety should be able to read and react and typically plays fairly deep. This is a role Michael Griffin has traditionally played but I expect the Titans to challenge Griffin in this spot with George Wilson who has played the position and did it well. You might see Bernard Pollard there in certain situations but that will probably be rare.
These are the various ways I see the linebackers and defensive backs lining up in the 4-4. Ayers, Brown and Gooden are easily interchangeable on the left and right side in my opinion but I would expect Colin Mccarthy to stay on the left inside spot. You want your biggest and strongest linebacker in the middle paired with the left defensive tackle for run support so McCarthy fits best there. The left outside linebacker needs to be quick, athletic and good versus the run so I would place Zach Brown there. The right inside linebacker should be quick and a sure tackler and that fits Zach Gooden perfectly. Your best edge rushing linebacker should be in the right outside linebacker spot so I put Akeem Ayers there.
Again, I think Ayers, Brown and Gooden will prove to be interchangeable and Gooden might end up being better at the outside spot so I can see the alignment above too. We all know Brown can rush the passer as well so you might even see him at the right outside linebacker position. Brown in my opinion is also the strongest linebacker next to McCarthy and he is the Titans best tackler as well so I could see him doing well at the right inside linebacker spot. My only hesitation with this scenario is that I think Ayers needs to work on his run defense.
Obviously, this is very basic and simplistic and you can expect to see a lot variations but there you have it. I also think the Titans will show a few 3-4 looks too which could increase Gooden's playing time. I hope you see why I was so excited about this possible addition prior to the draft. Who do you expect to have the most impact and why?
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
** 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.
** 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.
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.
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.
There is much speculation (imagine that!) about what position the Titans would look at in the first round of the NFL draft. Much attention has been placed on the offensive line and for good reason as that position ended the year as a hot mess. The interior line has needed improvement really since the Titans let Kevin Mawae walk in 2009. The Titans signing of Andy Levitre doesn't end the discussion either as the right side still needs work.
The Titans have spent the offseason adding players at a variety of positions beyond offensive line. The addition of Sammie Lee Hill initially led me to move the defensive tackle position down the list, but after some thought I'm not sure it is out of the question. Where I Take A Look at Sammie Lee Hill. Why might you ask? Let's take a look.
To say that the Titans defense struggled in 2012 would be an understatement. While defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks is still a free agent, the Titans did sign Sammie Lee Hill. They seem to have a full stable with Jurrell Casey, Hill, second year man Mike Martin, Karl Klug and DaJohn Harris. Zach Clayton is also still a member of the practice squad. Given the roster, why would the Titans draft a defensive tackle? I think it all depends on their plans for Karl Klug.
The Titans seem intent on getting bigger along the defensive line and I wonder if Klug fits within their plans. At 6' 3" and 275 he doesn't appear to fit the profile the Titans are looking at for the position. So far the Titans have not made a move to switch Klug to defensive end and whether they might consider that option remains to be seen. I am traditionally not a fan of moves such as this but Klug only played 22% of all defensive snaps last season and that was primarily on pass rushing downs. The decision to sign DE Ropati Pitoitua who is 6' 8" and 315 pounds however may mean they want even more bulk at that position.
It certainly seems Klug may be the "odd man out" on the Titans defensive line and therefore drafting a defensive tackle might not be out of the question.
On Monday, March 18, 2013 the Titans released backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and signed former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. I was very sad to see Hasselbeck move on to the Colts as he was from all appearances a great teammate and a consumate professional while with the Titans. I for one certainly wish him well in Indy except of course when they play the Titans. Fitzpatrick gets a lot of heat for his body of work in Buffalo but I have grown to like this move since it was announced. Why do you ask? Let's take a look.
I wrote in my Shonn Greene blog that I believed the Titans could possibly run the read option given the other free agency signings they have made. A Look At Shonn Greene. Locker showed in 2012 he was still more comfortable operating out of the shotgun and Fitzpatrick is simply better situated to run the offense I expect the Titans to run in 2013. He isn't going to start over Jake Locker and I expect Locker understands the job is his but that he must continue to improve.
Locker is entering the 3rd year of a 4 year rookie deal he entered on 7/29/2011. It is a four-year, $12,586,002 contract. The deal is fully
guaranteed, including a $7,653,456 signing bonus and in 2013 he receives $1,519,182. In 2014 he receives
$2,091,273, He is a free agent in 2015. www.rotoworld
This next year is a crucial one for Locker who is still recovering from left (non throwing) shoulder surgery. Fitzpatrick is only signed through 2014 and details aren't currently known but this could make Rusty Smith a roster bubble as the Titans could very well draft (or bring in as an unrestricted free agent) a devopmental quarterback as a hedge against their bets on Locker. Fitzgerald I believe will prove to be a capable backup but he isn't going to push Locker for his job. I look to the Titans to bring in a young guy who could push him if not in 2013 then most assuredly in 2014 if Locker struggles again in 2013.
UPDATE: It has now been reported that Fitzpatrick's deal with the Titans is $3.25 million per year for 2 years for a total of $6.5 million per Ian Rapport of NFL.COM.
The Titans made moves early yesterday following the beginning of the new league year (Happy New Year!) and both moves made a lot of sense and filled positions that needed bolstering. The Titans generally shy away from "big name" signings but couldn't resist the lure of former Bills left guard Andy Levitre. You might recall I wasn't a big fan of the signing before free agency began. The OG Conundrum: What Should the TItans Do
After I wrote that blog, left guard Steve Hutchinson opted to retire due to problems with a right knee injury suffered in a 24-10 loss to the Houston Texans on December 2, 2012. Hutchinson also saw his 2010 and 2011 seasons cut short due to injuries. Given that the Titans already had a glaring hole at right guard a move to replace Hutchinson made a ton of sense. Enter Levitre.
The Buffalo Bills drafted Oregon State left guard Andy Levitre in the second round (51st overall pick) in the 2009 NFL draft. Levitre was very well regarded offensive line prospect coming out of Oregon State and immediately made his way onto the starting roster, playing all 16 games and only missing 15 snaps in his rookie season. How well did he do overall? Let's take a look.
As referenced earlier, he started immediately but it safe to say his rookie season was less than noteworthy as he understandably struggled in his transition to the big leagues. According to PFF, he ranked 72 out of all guards. He had 5 penalties, allowed one sack, 9 quarterback hits, and 11 quarterback hurries. The Bills run game was average and Fred Jackson rushed for 1067 yards with a 4.5 YPC.
Fortunately, his next few years were much better as he gradually improved. In 2010, he again played all 16 games but he did miss more snaps at 52 (all in the second game versus Green Bay). He struggled some but overall his play was an awful lot better and he finished 36 among all guards according to PFF. He had 8 penalties, allowed 2 quarterback sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 13 quarterback hurries. Unfortunately, the run game was nothing special as Fred Jackson rushed for 939 yards with a 4.2 YPC and CJ Spiller rushed for 283 yards with a 3.8 YPC.
I think its safe to say that in 2011 Levitre fulfilled the promise that led the Bills to draft him in the second round. He played 16 games, didn't miss a snap, was excellent overall and finished 6th in guard rankings by PFF. He had 5 penalties, and allowed 5 quarterback sacks, 1 quarterback hit, and 11 quarterback hurries. This was by far Levitre's best year in the run game as both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller had good years. Jackson rushed for 934 yards with a 5.5 YPC while Spiller added 601 yards and a 5.6 YPC.
Levitre continued his excellent play in 2012 once again playing all 16 games, never missing a snap and finishing as the 9th ranked guard according to PFF. He had 5 penalties, and allowed one sack, 3 quarterback hits and 7 quarterback hurries. CJ Spiller racked up 1244 yards with a 6.0 YPC and Jackson added 437 yards with a 3.8 YPC.
Having determined that Levitre is a good player, did the Titans make a good decision with the contract offered him? That's probably debatable but you don't get good players cheaply. Full contract details are unknown, but the deal is a 6 year, $46.8 million with a $10.5 million dollar signing bonus. The deal averages to 7.8 million dollars per year but Jason La Canfora reported on twitter that the first year salary was $13 million, and that the second year was $6.5 million ($19.5 million over the first 2 years) or a $9.75 million average over the first 2 years.
Realistically, the odds of Levitre completing the full length of the deal are debatable and the real value is not yet known. He would be 33 years old at the completion of the contract assuming he does complete it.
A front loaded deal isn't terrible since the Titans currently have the money, there is a minimum requirement that each team spend 89 percent of the salary cap each year beginning in the 2013 league year, and the signing bonus and first year salary for Levitre will go toward satisfying that requirement.
Moreover, after the first 2 years, the contract value is $16.8 or a $4.2 million average per year. The contract is certainly big but you weren't going to sign one of the best guards on the market for peanuts. Louis Vasquez, the other top rated guard, signed with the Denver Broncos for approximately $6 million per year with $13 million guaranteed.
Did the Titans "overpay" in signing Levitre? Maybe so. If it allows Jake Locker to develop and improves the Titans run game will anyone really care? Probably not.
For those who are interested, here is a link to the Titans salary cap information per spotrac.com.
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.
