Titans Draft Review

FINALLY!
That's about what every Titans' fan is saying now. After needing a play-making wide receiver in about every draft in recent memory, Tennessee finally filled the need. With the selection of Rutgers' Kenny Britt with the 30th overall pick over the weekend, the Titans greatly improved their offense and the receiving corps. They also made 10 other picks that should provide competition throughout the roster.
The following is a look at each draftee and what can be expected of them in the 2009 season.

1st Round, 30th Pick

Kenny Britt (WR, 6-2, 218 pounds): A somewhat surprising pick since it was a wide receiver, but Britt does fill an obvious and big need. Justin Gage and Nate Washington should still be the starters, but Britt will now fill the third receiver roll.

By season's end - due to his playmaking ability- Britt could push for a starting job. Lavelle Hawkins will move to the fourth spot, and now Chris Davis' or Paul Williams' roster spot is in jeopardy.

2nd Round, 62nd Pick

Sen'Derrick Marks (DT, 6-1, 306 pounds): Not many people saw this coming. Considering the Titans still needed help at defensive end and cornerback, I'm not the biggest fan of this pick. Marks, however, did show flashes of dominance during his time at Auburn - when healthy. He did have an ankle injury last year.

The pick leaves the Titans with five defensive tackles (Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Jovan Haye and Kevin Vickerson) on the roster. That will give Marks time to grow, and early on in the season, it's hard to see him doing much.

3rd Round, 89th Pick

Jared Cook (TE, 6-4, 246 pounds): Tennessee moved up in the draft (gave New England a 2010 2nd rounder) to grab him from South Carolina. Obviously, the Titans love this guy since they value draft picks so much. For me, this was a great selection. It gives quarterback Kerry Collins another fast weapon - Cook ran a 4.5 at the NFL Combine.

Moreover, tight end is in flux for this team. Bo Scaife is under the franchise tag, so 2010 isn't promised. Moreover, Alge Crumpler isn't the same player he once was and won't be on the Titans past this season.

This year, Cook will see plenty of action and put up solid numbers. He might even replace Crumpler.

3rd Round, 94th Pick

Ryan Mouton (CB, 5-9, 187 pounds): The Hawaii product fills a major need - at least for this year. Outside of Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper and Vincent Fuller, Tennessee didn't have another corner. Also, Fuller is more of a nickelback than a true corner.

Accordingly, Mouton will get plenty of chances to improve during training camp. He won't start this year. 2010 is when Mouton will get his biggest shot since Harper is aging and probably won't be around.

Whether or not Mouton is a quality corner remains to be seen. He is shorter than you'd like but is very quick.

More than likely, cornerback will be another need position going into next year's draft.

4th Round, 130th Pick

Gerald McRath (ILB, 6-1, 231 pounds): This was a bit of reach since the former Southern Mississippi player was projected to go in the fifth to sixth rounds. He'll come in and provide competition with all the linebackers since he can cover the whole field.

McRath will start off on special teams, and if he improves enough, might leave back-up middle linebacker Ryan Fowler's spot in trouble. Keith Bulluck, David Thornton and Stephen Tulloch shouldn't worry too much. Linebacker will have to be picked high in next year's draft.

4th Round, 135th Pick

Troy Kropog (OT, 6-5, 309 pounds): An excellent pick. He won't challenge starting tackles David Steward and Pro Bowler Michael Roos, but the Tulane product will provide much-needed depth since Daniel Loper left to Detroit.

5th Round, 173rd Pick

Javon Ringer (RB, 5-9, 205 pounds): Outside of Cook, Ringer was the best second-day pick. Starter Chris Johnson isn't going anywhere, but after that, anything could happen.

Ringer accumulated 4,398 rushing yards in four seasons at Michigan State and can flat-out play. With this pick, Chris Henry is gone, and Lendale White could see his carries dwindle, as well.

6th Round, 203rd Pick

Jason McCourty (CB, 5-10, 188 pounds): The second pick from Rutgers by Tennessee. He's in the same boat as Mouton. He'll be given every opportunity to showcase his skills but just don't expect too much. He'll be on special teams throughout the season.

6th Round, 206th Pick
Dominique Edison (WR, 6-2, 204 pounds): He's from a small school in Stephen F. Austin and is an interesting athlete. Edison has good height and is fast (4.36 in the 40). Chris Davis and Paul Williams should be concerned as Edison has a good chance to make the roster.



7th Round, 239th Pick

Ryan Durand (OG, 6-4, 307 pounds): From Syracuse, Durand, like Kropog, will provide depth on the offensive line. He might not make the team at all, and the practice squad is more than likely in his future.

7th Round, 242nd Pick

Nicholas Schommer (S, 5-11, 197 pounds): From North Dakota State, Schommer is likely headed to the practice squad, as well. Since depth isn't that strong in the secondary, he does have an outside chance to gain a roster spot.

Overall Thoughts

I gave the Titans' draft a B.

The first rounder was the right move, but taking a defensive tackle in the second round didn't make much sense. Several quality defensive ends were still there (most notably Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson) and replacements for Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch are needed soon.

Cook could be a steal, as could Ringer. The other spots will provide depth and, more importantly, competition.