Photo Courtesy of ESPN |
players and potential playmakers. Chris Johnson is categorized as a "game breaker" because of his home run speed and track record to show what he can do with it, but hasn't been overly impressive the last couple of seasons. The running back formerly know as CJ2K hasn't used his acceleration to speed through holes like he did during his 2,000 yard campaign. There mission was clear heading into the NFL Draft: find the best talent that fits Tennessee's scheme.
With the Titans holding the tenth pick in round one, they selected Chance Warmack from Alabama. Warmack is a bruising guard who many thought was the most complete player at his position. Moreover, many college scouts called him the most dominant (there's that word) player they saw in college football the entire 2012 season. Warmack filled in at left guard for three seasons blocking for two first-round running backs - one in 2010 and one in 2011- along with a second round pick in this year's draft. He will likely play on the right side in the NFL but is adapt at either side. The pick delighted Chris Johnson so much that he tweeted "THANK GOD!!!!" immediately after the selection was announced. It looks as if Warmack has Johnson's trust already. Now he only has to keep by mowing down defenders and plowing open holes to the end zone.
The Titans traded up near the top of the second round to take a vertical threat in wide receiver Justin Hunter. This pick garnered mixed reviews. On one hand, Hunter was graded as a first round pick by many with the potential in the neighborhood of NFL star A.J. Green. On the other hand, Tennessee spent its first round pick last year on receiver Kendall Wright and he is in a rotation with Kenny Britt (the team's most dangerous receiver) and Nate Washington (the team's most consistent receiver). I love the pick because it's extreme value to get Hunter's talent in the second round. Also, Washiington isn't an elite player and Britt is seemingly always finding trouble off the field. Marrying the talent of Britt with the consistency and effort of Washington could be Justin Hunter. A future of quarterback Jake Locker throwing to Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter could be bright as long as health doesn't fail.
The Titans used two picks in the third round. The first was spent on the 6'1" cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson out of Connecticut. Wreh-Wilson had an up and down year, but flashed his long range and leaping abilities on several occasions. This is classic "boom or bust" right here. But given the Titans solid, but not spectacular play in the secondary, it's worth the risk. Missouri outside linebacker Zaviar Gooden was the other round three pick. He's an athletic linebacker that will likely play on passing downs and special teams while getting acclimated to the NFL. Mike Mayock, NFL Newtwork's draft guru, praised his potential while acknowledging he still has learning to do saying, "He's got the speed of a corner. I don't think he has great instincts, but when he sees it, there isn't a faster linebacker. If he learns how to take on a block, he'll be a home run." The Titans theme of swinging for the fences was evident yet again with both picks in the third round.
Brian Schwenke from Cal became a Titan in the fourth round of the draft. He's another offensive lineman who describes himself as "mean" on the football field. He will look to play center in year one. If he doesn't win the job early, Scwenke can be a backup to the guard as well as center. At just over 6'3" and 315 lb, Schwenke is perfect size for an NFL interior lineman.
The fifth round saw LSU defensive end LaVar Edwards become a Titan. Edwards is prototypically sized end with a high motor. He was a backup his entire career which is usually a red flag. After all, if you can't start in college, how are you going do in the pros? Edwards might be the exception because at LSU he was behind two of the best players in the nation who were both already off the board in this draft. He will be learning in his early years but thanks to his sub role, he doesn't have the physcial wear and tear on his body so there are positives in lack of playing time.
The Titans' final two picks were compensatory selections; one in round six (Khalid Wooten) along with one in round seven (Damion Stafford). Wooten is a thick cornerback from Nevada that will fight and could earn playing time on special teams. Stafford, a strong safety from Stanford, will look to do the same. The former Cardinal is a smart (surprised?) young man with a nose for the football.
The Titans chose plenty of speed and potential in the draft. There was a clear emphasis on offensive line and pass defense. With the NFL Draft during baseball season, it's fitting that the Titans' organization took giant swings when looking to find players to wear the two-tone blue.
Draft Grade: A