Tennessee Titans 2008 NFL Draft Team Needs
June 9, 2008
The Titans are coming off their first playoff birth since 2003. This was a huge accomplishment considering the depth of the AFC in 2007, where the Cleveland Browns were hung out to dry despite a 10-win season. In the AFC South, Indy won 13 games and Jacksonville finished second with 11 wins. Even last place Houston was tough with their .500 record. A return appearance for the Titans in 2008 will be far from guaranteed. It will be interesting to see how QB Vince Young develops this season following the firing of offensive coordinator Norm Chow. Mike Heimerdinger is back for his second stint running the Texans offense this year. The defense is their strong point, but could take a hit by losing DT Albert Haynesworth in free agency.
2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Defensive Tackle
Whether the Titans give Haynesworth the franchise tag or sign him to a long-term deal, this position remains a big need in Tennessee. Haynesworth was the Titans defensive MVP in ‘07, but his valiant effort came in a contract year. He also fought a nagging hamstring injury in the second half of the season. The DT options outside of Haynesworth are far from attractive. Tony Brown benefited from playing alongside Haynesworth. Randy Starks is an unrestricted free agent, and the Titans are unlikely to make any effort to re-sign this disappointment.
2.) Wide Receiver
The Titans insist they can have a great offense without a set No. 1 receiver. But it’s clear they need a shake up at this position. Roydell Williams is going to be on starting wideout in Tennessee, but he has only average speed. Paul Williams didn’t see the field as a rookie and has to show more in his second season. Fellow rookie Chris Davis didn’t make an impact at the slot. Brandon Jones is the highest touted WR on the Titans roster since the ‘05 draft, but he couldn’t stay healthy last season.
3.) Offensive Guard
OLG Jacob Bell is an unrestricted free agent and will be tough to re-sign. ORG Benji Olson may retire due to back problems. It would be very surprising if the Titans didn’t add at least one guard in the offseason each through free agency and via NFL Draft.
4.) Defensive End
DLE’s Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy will be exploring free agency in the offseason. If one or both go, this could jump up to a much bigger need in Tennessee. DE was a huge improvement last season and one of the unheralded success factors that contributed to their stout defense. The Titans will be looking for more of the same from their defensive ends in 2008.
5.) Cornerback
Starters Nick Harper and Cortland Finnegan exceeded expectations last season. But this is a pass-happy AFC South, and you can never have enough good cornerbacks. FS Michael Griffin couldn’t make a transition at corner and Pacman Jones will likely never be in a Titans uniform again. The Titans need to add some depth at the corner position in 2008.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
The Titans feature one of the league’s most conservative offenses. They win games by controlling the ball with long drives through RB LenDale White to wear down opposing defenses. This also keeps their defense off the field, a key factor as to why their defensive unit was so successful last season. The attack has to get a bit more aggressive in Vince Young’s second full season under center. WR Limas Sweed of Texas, WR Earl Bennett of Vanderbilt and WR Jerome Simpson of Coastal Carolina could be the kind of targets Vince Young needs at wide receiver. OG-OT Eric Young of Tennessee and OG Chris McDuffie of Clemson would add some nice depth on the Titans offensive line.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
D-Coordinator Jim Schwartz has been known for his free-willing approach over the years. He can dial back his creativity if the Titans can get the same dominant D-line play they did a year ago. Tennessee’s 4-3 defense goes as DT Albert Haynesworth goes, but he’s a free agent at presstime. DT Marcus Harrison of Arkansas, DE Chris Harrington of Texas A&M and DE Chase Ortiz of TCU will be a few names the Titans give a long look on Draft Day. CB-S-PR Reggie Smith of Oklahoma, CB-S Michael Grant of Arkansas and OLB-DE Cliff Avril of Purdue are a couple versatile players the Titans may be interested in as well.
