NFL draft no titanic success for Titans
By Jordan Drake
Sports editor

ISSUE: 05/01/07 > sports > NFL draft no titanic success for Titans

Nobody is going to say the Tennessee Titans had a great 2007 NFL Draft. Selecting a safety in the first round and an unproductive, yet talented, running back in the second is not very stylish. However, draft “analysts” do not know everything – even I do not pretend to. Yes, the Titans may have reached a bit early on with their first-day selections, but they all have great potential and, more importantly, are good people. Tennessee’s second-day selections (rounds 4-7) fill glaring voids and are all good value picks.

Jordan Drake, sports editor, is a sophomore entrepreneurship major.

Overall Draft Grade: C+

Round 1 (19th overall) – Michael Griffin – S – Texas

My initial reaction to this choice was, “What in this world is new general manager Mike Reinfeldt doing?” After all, the Titans desperately need playmakers on offense to help QB Vince Young achieve his full and unbelievable potential. However, I am, like probably every Titans fan, sick and tired of incumbent safety Lamont Thompson.

Bad: WRs Robert Meachem and Dwayne Bowe were available and both were productive in college – especially University of Tennessee star Meachem. Yet, Thompson is a better safety than any of the Titans wide receivers right now. So, from a needs standpoint, this doesn’t make much sense.

Good: Griffin, by all accounts, is a player and man of much character who has never been in trouble with the police; the Titans PR department must really appreciate this pick. However, while this may be a bit of a reach, Griffin is a very solid football player – gifted both physically and mentally. The former Texas Longhorn star is tougher than nails, has very good speed and is extremely “coachable.” Griffin also is a versatile player who can line up at safety, corner and the nickel position. Possibly the most intriguing aspect of his game is in the special teams department – he has blocked eight kicks and punts in college.

Round 2 (50th overall) – Chris Henry – RB – Arizona

This was a total out-of-the-blue selection for most NFL or college fans for that matter because Henry was never a household name – even at Arizona. Running back was a position of need for the Titans, and for the second straight year, they drafted a running back in the second round.

Bad: Would you draft a running back who played in the defense-allergic Pac-10 with these stats? 859 career rushing yards with a 3.4 yards per carry average.

Wait it gets better – or worse – this past season because if you take away Henry’s stats against Oregon, he rushed for just 390 yards with a 2.9 yards per carry average.

What makes the Titans think they can all of a sudden drastically boost his stats when the competition is now a million times tougher?

Good: Well, Henry still has a lot of tread on his tires since he has not done much yet. The 5-11, 240 lb. back ran a blistering 4.40 40-yard dash, which is tied for the fastest time at the position. So physically, he is a freak of nature without a glass on his ceiling. After losing Travis Henry in free agency and inexperienced second-year back LenDale White gaining weight by the minute, the Titans needed a running back. Henry also does not have any red flags in the character department.

Round 3 (80th overall) – Paul Williams – WR – Fresno St

A physically gifted athlete with a good amount of upside, Williams has nevertheless also been a constant underachiever at a level he should have dominated. If he works hard, though, he can be a solid No. 3 receiver for the Titans.

Round 4 (115th overall) – LeRoy Harris – OL – North Carolina State

A high-effort and productive player in college, Harris is short on the physical ability side. However, his physical limitations did not limit him in college, and his mean streak should transfer to the next level.

Round 5 (128th overall) – Chris Davis – WR – Florida State

Lacks ideal size and world-class speed, but Davis is a gnat on the field with great agility in the open field. He needs to bulk up a little and stay healthy.

Round 5 (152nd overall) – Antonio Johnson – DT – Mississippi State

Extremely unpolished and inconsistent, but Johnson possesses great size and agility.

Round 6 (188th overall) – Joel Filani – WR – Texas Tech

Filani was an ultra-productive receiver in college and has good size but less than adequate speed.

Round 6 (204th overall) – Jacob Ford – DE Central Arkansas

Ford is quick, athletic and undersized.

Round 6 (206th overall) – Ryan Smith – CB – Florida

Smith is a diminutive corner with exceptional ball skills.

Round 7 (223rd overall) – Mike Otto – OT – Purdue

Otto, a four-year starter in college, possesses good size.