Why not right? Terrell Owens is not as bad as Buffalo made him look last year and he’s certainly not so bad that he should have been available in late July. If you take his stats playing with Ryan Fitzpatrick last year, a quarterback who actually has the arm strength to hit him deep unlike Trent Edwards, and stretch them out over 16 games, you get pretty close to 1000 yards. I think Owens has matured from the type of player he was a few years ago. He kept his mouth shut on one of the worst offenses in the league last year in Buffalo, because he wanted to prove to contenders that he was worth a shot. That may still be selfish, but it’s the good kind of selfish. It’s the, “I want to win” kind of selfish. Cincinnati is a playoff contender and Owens is an upgrade over Antonio Bryant. Speaking of Bryant, this move pretty much is Cincinnati admitting that the 28 million they gave to Bryant was a mistake. Bryant is lazy and apparently hasn’t recovered from his knee injury as fast they would like. Bryant is a solid #4 receiver, behind Ocho, Owens, and Shipley, that is assuming he keeps his mouth shut and doesn’t get in the coach’s face. The Bengals already have a bunch of receivers on the roster and even with Bryant going to the bench, this move for Owens was the smart one. He’s the legit field stretching deep threat that they didn’t have last year and he’s only commanding 2 million. That’s 26 less than Bryant and he’s better than anyone on the roster not named Ochocinco.

Grade: A

 

 

 

If Andy Dalton is worth a 2011 2^nd round pick in April, then Terrelle Pryor is worth a 2012 3^rd round pick in August. Pryor is a project at quarterback, but he does have upside. He needs to get things straightened out, but he has time to do so in Oakland behind Jason Campbell. He needs to work on accuracy, but he’s extremely athletic and has experience in a Pro Style offense, putting up very good numbers and win-loss records. I’d say a 3^rd round pick is about right for a potential franchise quarterback with the ability to possibly move to another position should be fail as a signal caller.

Grade: A

 

Running Back/Full Back

Baylor

6-0 241

Draft board overall prospect rank: #116

Draft board overall running back rank: #9

Overall rating: 63 (4th round)

40 time: 4.63

Games watched: TCU/Baylor, Texas A&M/Baylor, Oklahoma/Baylor 

Positives

·         Powerful runner

·         Good vision

·         Great downhill runner

·         Huge (6-0 241)

·         Very tough to tackle

·         Runs guys over in the open field

·         Scary when he gets a head of steam in the open field

·         Impressive athleticism for his size

·         Very good senior season (1547 yards and 21 touchdowns on 250 carries)

·         Good short yardage runner

·         Has the size and ability to play fullback if running back doesn’t work out

·         Not a lot of tread on his tires (364 career carries)

·         Good size and technique as a blocker

Negatives

·         Poor outside runner

·         Poor 40 (4.63)

·         Takes a while to get up to full speed

·         Not a lot of burst or acceleration

·         Useless as a pass catcher (6 catches as a senior)

·         Came out of nowhere – one year wonder

·         Not good in the open field

·         Minimal wiggle and elusiveness

·         One speed runner

·         Not a lot of speed to burn

NFL Comparison: LeGarrette Blount

As a prospect, Ganaway reminds me of LeGarrette Blount. Like Ganaway, Blount is a big, powerful back, but only a one year wonder, though Blount’s reason for being a one year wonder has more to do with getting suspended for his senior season. Ganaway doesn’t have Blount’s off the field problems so he’ll probably get drafted unlike Blount. However, like Blount, I expect Ganaway (a projected late round pick) to exceed his draft slot.

The first and biggest obvious comparison between Blount and Ganaway is their size, but both are also poor pass catchers who will be pretty useless on 3^rd down in the NFL. Both are mobile for their size and are scary in the open field when they get a head of steam. Blount had one fantastic season in the NFL as a rookie, but showed his true colors in his 2^nd season.

He really failed to impress as a lead back and will be best off as a tandem back who plays mostly on 1^st and 2^nd down, which he will be in his 3^rd season as the Buccaneers are expected to draft another running back to pair with him. Ganaway will be good as part of a tandem in the NFL, used in a similar fashion. He also has some ability to move to fullback if he doesn’t pan out as a running back.

 

 

Debate the Titans offseason possibilities in the The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

The Titans might be some people’s sleeper picks for this year, given their 8-2 record in games which Vince Young started last year. I’m not going that far, but I think they’ll be better than the 8-8 they finished last year. Their defense should be a little better. However, they’ll still struggle to defend the pass. Cortland Finnegan is a great cornerback, but his value is minimized because whoever they tried opposite him last year really struggled. Having a top #1 cornerback is great, but if the opposing quarterback can just pick on the opposing corner, then he doesn’t have to throw on that top corner. That’s what happened last year. Unless rookie Alterraun Verner steps up, unlikely since he’s a 4th round pick and cornerbacks take a while to develop, that’s going to happen again.

Adding Derrick Morgan to the mix at defensive end helps. I said back in April that he was the most NFL ready pass rusher in this draft class and I stand by that. I think he’ll lead all rookies, and probably his team, in sacks. Their pass rush will be solid, but not great. Having Tony Brown in the middle certainly helps. Overall, I don’t think this defensive unit will be anywhere near what we’ve come to expect from Titan defenses in the past, but better than last year’s.

The offense has its share of question marks too. Vince Young is not a top 15 NFL quarterback. His receiving corps is average at best. Their line is good, but Chris Johnson is probably not going to have as good of a year as he had last year. He led the league in carries last year. That’s a lot of work for a 200 pound running back, however young he is.

All that being said, this unit as a whole seems to find ways to win football games. You saw that 8-2 record in games Vince Young started last year. That’s no fluke. Statistically Vince Young hasn’t been a great quarterback in his career, but his win-loss record is remarkable for his career, 27-13. They’ll find a way to win more games than the paper suggests they’ll win and I think they’ll compete for a playoff spot.

Projection: 9-7 2nd in AFC South

Power Ranking: 14

Last season: 8-8

Draft:

#16 DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)

Wow. Really. The Titans get the best pass rusher in the draft class at 16 and fill their biggest need in the process. Morgan lived in the backfield last year with 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He has a great size, speed combination and he doesn’t need a lot of work, which is good because defensive linemen tend to not try as hard to improve once the get to the NFL, especially if they are first round picks. Morgan doesn’t need a lot of work and he has a great motor and work ethic. He had no business still being available at 16 and the Titans would have been stupid to pass on him.

Grade: A

#77 WR Damian Williams (USC)

Wide receiver wasn’t a huge need going into the draft, but they needed a compliment to Kenny Britt, to move Nate Washington back into the slot where he belongs and Damian Williams absolutely had no business still being available at 77. He was my 13^th ranked prospect and my top receiver. He was future #1 receiver written all over him, and, even in the Titans’ run heavy offense, I expect multiple Pro Bowls from him.

Grade: A

#97 OLB Rennie Curran (Georgia)

Cornerback was a bigger need, but this is a deep cornerback class and they can still get a decent upgrade in the 4^th. Curran fits the draft range, also fills a need, and he is a perfect fit for their scheme.

Grade: B+

#104 CB Alterraun Verner (UCLA)

I would have rather had Walter Thurmond, who, ironically enough, was drafted by the Seahawks, who moved down from 104 to 111 in the LenDale White trade, at 111. However, Verner fills a need and is a decent pick in terms of value.

Grade: B

#148 S Robert Johnson (Utah)

Not a huge need, but they could bring in some depth and competition for Chris Hope at strong safety and Johnson fits the draft range. With most of their other needs filled, and all of their major needs filled, they could afford to make this pick.

Grade: B

#176 QB Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic)

Smith doesn’t appear to have an NFL arm, but the Titans needed a backup quarterback for Vince Young and got one, though not the one I would have taken if I were them, at all.

Grade: C

#207 S Myron Rolle (Florida State)

This is a major upside pick for the Titans. If Rolle continues to get back into football shape after taking a year off and if he commits full time to football, he could be a starting caliber strong safety for them which is good because Chris Hope is a marginal player. If he doesn’t pan out, he’s good depth and special team help and a cool PR boost.

Grade: A

#222 WR Mark Mariani (Montana)

Mariani had a very productive college receiver, but he’s a bit undersized. The Titans have a bunch of mediocre receivers and didn’t need another one, but they could have done a lot worse with this pick and, with no other major needs, its hard to bash it. They may have something with him.

Grade: B

#241 DT David Howard (Brown)

Howard is the undersized, high motor defensive tackle that Jeff Fisher loves to put into his defensive tackle rotation.

Grade: B+

Overall:

This was one of the better drafts. I only would have done a couple minor things differently, taking Thurmond over Verner, drafting a running back late to compliment Chris Johnson, I know LenDale White had to go, but Chris Johnson can’t do it all by himself, and I wouldn’t have drafted Rusty Smith. However, they got 2 of my top 13 prospects despite not having a 2^nd rounder and filled almost all of their needs. This is what a good draft looks like.

Grade: A

Key undrafted free agents:

RB LeGarrette Blount (Oregon)

C Kevin Matthews (Texas A&M)

FB Willie Rose (Florida Atlantic)

RB Stafon Johnson (USC)

Positions of need:

Defensive End:

Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse were the starters penciled in to start the season, but they only combined for 4 sacks and the team only had 32 sacks on the season. Without Albert Haynesworth, their defensive ends were no longer able to get one-on-one matchups. Kearse was even benched early in the season and to make things worse, both Vanden Bosch and Kearse are free agents this offseason. I don’t think they are going to be able to find another Albert Haynesworth this offseason, but they shouldn’t have any issues finding an upgrade at defensive end, most likely through the draft. Jacob Ford led the team with 5.5 sacks, but he’s only a nickel rusher. There’s a good chance they target either Jason Pierre Paul or Everson Griffen if they fall in love with one of their upsides. If not, they won’t reach and they’ll target someone like Austin Lane or Brandon Lang in the 3^rd.

Drafted Derrick Morgan (#16) 

Cornerback:

Nick Harper is done as a productive starter in this league at age 35. Opposing quarterbacks targeted Harper’s man 87 times this year and got 63 completions, a 72.4%  completion percentage against. Finnegan is a good shutdown corner and, despite injuries, only allowed a 57.7% completion percentage against, but if opposing quarterbacks can just pick on Harper, what’s the point of having Finnegan. To maximize Finnegan’s cover skills, they need a good cornerback opposite him. They drafted Ryan Mouton and Jason McCourty last year, but both were late round picks so I wouldn’t be too confident in them. Donovan Warren and Kyle Wilson could be options at 16. If not, I could see them using their 3^rd rounder or maybe a 4^th rounder on a cornerback.

Drafted Alterraun Verner (#104) 

Defensive Tackle:

I can’t see Dan Williams falling past them at 16. They have a decent set of undersized pass rushing defensive tackle, led by Tony Brown and his 5 sacks, but they don’t have any large over 300 pound defensive tackles to eat up blockers and take the pressure off of the edge like they had with Albert Haynesworth. I’m not saying Williams is the next Albert Haynesworth. He doesn’t have his pass rushing moves, but guys like Williams, with excellent size and strength that can move well and have experience succeeding in a zone style scheme like the Titans use don’t come around often. Williams had his best college season in Monte Kiffin’s cover 2 scheme last year and the Titans run one that is very similar. The cherry on top, he’s in state from the university of Tennessee.

Drafted David Howard (#241) 

Outside Linebacker:

Both starting linebackers, David Thornton and Keith Bulluck, ended last year on IR. Bulluck is now a free agent this offseason and contemplating retirement and Thornton is a free agent next offseason. Outside linebacker doesn’t have a huge positional value, but I would not be surprised if they used two mid round selections on outside linebacker. They will at least use one.

Signed Will Witherspoon, Drafted Rennie Curran (#97)

Quarterback:

Vince Young had a good year this year, but he hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency in the past and with Kerry Collins likely to retire, they need a solid backup for Young. They could use a round 5-7 pick on one.

Signed Chris Simms, Drafted Rusty Smith (#176)

Wide Receiver:

Kenny Britt had a great rookie year and Nate Washington is a good #2, but they don’t have much depth behind either. Their team leader in receptions was their running back, Chris Johnson, last year. They need a speed slot guy to stretch the defense, preferably one who can also return kicks because they had trouble in that area as well this year with Chris Carr signing in Baltimore this offseason.

Drafted Damian Williams (#77), Drafted Mark Mariani (#222)

Middle Linebacker:

They have other needs, but Stephen Tulloch could be upgraded. They could have upgraded him for the last few offseason and I don’t expect them to do so this offseason either unless a middle linebacker falls into their laps.

 

Free agents:

QB Patrick Ramsey- signed with Saints 

RB LenDale White (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.8 million

C Kevin Mawae

G Eugene Amano- resigned for 5 years 

OT Mike Otto (restricted)- resigned 

WR Mark Jones 

TE Alge Crumpler- signed with Patriots

TE Bo Sciafe (restricted)- resigned 1 year 4.9 million

DE Kyle Vanden Bosch- signed with Lions 4 years 26 million

DE Jevon Kearse

DE David Ball (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.8 million

DT Tony Brown (restricted)- resigned 3 years

DT Kevin Vickerson (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.8 million

OLB Keith Bulluck- signed with Giants

OLB Colin Ellred (exclusive rights)- tendered 

MLB Stephen Tulloch (restricted)- resigned 1 year 2.5 million

CB Nick Harper

CB Rod Hood- resigned

S Donnie Nickey- resigned

P Craig Hentrich- retired

Offseason moves:

Titans re-sign MLB Stephen Tulloch

Titans waive WR Mark Jones 

Titans trade RB LenDale White and DT Kevin Vickerson to Seahawks for exchange of 4th- and 6th-round picks

Titans re-sign DT Tony Brown

Titans re-sign RB LenDale White 

Titans re-sign DT Kevin Vickerson

Titans sign QB Chris Simms

Titans sign CB Tye Hill 

Titans re-sign DE Dave Ball

Titans re-sign TE Bo Scaife

Titans re-sign CB Rod Hood

Titans sign OLB Will Witherspoon

Titans tender DE Dave Ball

Titans tender DT Tony Brown

Titans tender DT Kevin Vickerson

Titans tender RB LenDale White

Titans tender MLB Stephen Tulloch

Titans tender TE Bo Scaife

Titans re-sign S Donnie Nickey

Titans re-sign OLB Colin Allred

Titans re-sign OT Mike Otto

Titans announce retirement of P Craig Hentrich

Titans re-sign G Eugene Amano 

 

Spotlight #1: Georgia OT Cordy Glenn

Spotlight #2: Georgia CB Brandon Boykin 

1^st quarter

13:02: Glenn looking awesome and powerful here early. Here he has an excellent 2^nd level block.

12:34: Glenn blocks well again, excellent powerful hands, great technique, Aaron Murray is getting forever to throw.

11:59: Tackle for a loss on the play, but don’t blame Glenn, who has yet another excellent 2^nd level block.

11:12: Glenn powers a guy out of the way for Aaron Murray to get out of the pocket for a decent run, not quite enough for the 1^st however. 4^th and 1.

10:20: Glenn, high motor, pushing a guy far into the 2^nd level after the pass is released. He didn’t stop once the ball is released. He immediately became a 2^nd level blocker and overpowered his guy, who wasn’t playing with the same motor.

8:36: Boykin takes a poor angle to the ball after a check down.

6:56: Boykin whiffs on a tackle on an end around.

2:37: Glenn man handles a man in pass protection. He’s so big and strong and he’s just long arms and knows how to use them. You can’t even see the guy behind him he’s so big.

2:02: Glenn doesn’t pick up a secondary block on an outside run that goes nowhere.

0:56: Glenn gets great push on Georgia’s 4^th down conversion, a quarterback sneak on 4^th and inches. The Bulldogs have converted several short downs in this game and Glenn is a big part of the reason why.

2^nd quarter

8:53: Boykin on Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee’s top receiver, and allows the 12 yard completion. Rogers got separation with speed.

4:35: Excellent job of Glenn of bending his knees. He’s not a natural knee bender and he hasn’t bent as knees as much as you would like in this game, but he did well here.

 

3^rd quarter

11:38: Glenn left to block two guys and has a lot of trouble. It was like he couldn’t decide between them and he let both get pressure.

4:33: Boykin thrown against deep and it’s not completed. Nice recovery by Boykin on what initially wasn’t the best coverage.

1:44: Glenn whiffs on a cut block on a short 3 step drop.

4^th quarter

14:12: Glenn struggles on another cut block. He’s not very agile.

4:02: Boykin thrown on, tight coverage, but an excellent throw by the quarterback. Boykin does a good job of mirroring the receiver when he changes directions.

3:23: Completion in Boykin’s area in prevent coverage. Not Boykin’s fault though. He did the right thing on 3^rd and 26.

0:00: Cordy Glenn is being scouted as a guard. He’s a former guard playing left tackle for Georgia. I think he could stay at tackle at the next level, albeit right tackle. He’s so big and powerful and uses his hands so well. He’s not a natural knee bender and he doesn’t have great agility and he struggles when he has to do “small guy” type stuff like cut blocks, but he’s so powerful in both run and pass protection. Unless you can beat him off the line, you won’t get past him. He’s also got a great motor and is a great 2^nd level blocker. He’s a rising prospect right now and for good reason. He could end up in the first round as a right tackle or a guard when it’s all said and done.

As for Brandon Boykin, he was solid. He wasn’t thrown on a lot and he had a fairly tough assignment, guarding Da’Rick Rogers with Jim Bray throwing to him. He really struggled against the run and he is pretty small at 5-11 180. However, he does cover well and I think he could end up a 3^rd or 4^th round. He’s also very fast and athletic and can return kicks.