Absolutely.Killed.It.
By Jason Peters
Tennessee Titans 2011 Draft Selections – Courtesy ESPN
| RD | PK(OVR) | NAME | POS | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 8(8) | Jake Locker | QB | Washington |
| What he brings: The concerns about Locker’s inconsistent accuracy from within the pocket were expected to hurt his stock more than they did in the end. He must improve his footwork and the consistency of his release, but he has all the physical tools, enough size, strong arm and excellent mobility. There are no questions about his intangibles, either. Locker is the kind of player who can command the huddle and win over a locker room. If he can improve his fundamentals and ability to hit receivers from within the pocket he will prove to be worth the pick. Video analysis: Todd McShay How he fits: This was clearly the Titans No. 1 need but the surprise might be that it was Locker over some of the other QBs available. Vince Young will be gone, Kerry Collins is probably close to the end and young Rusty Smith hasn’t shown enough to project any confidence. Under new coordinator Chris Palmer this will be a run-orientated offense with a lot of power sets and that should take some pressure off Locker to have to throw on every down. Due to Locker’s mobility and ability to throw on the run, his skill set is similar to Young. The big question will be if they throw him into the fire immediately or somehow try to squeeze another year out of Collins or another QB. | ||||
| 2 | 7(39) | Akeem Ayers | OLB | UCLA |
| What he brings: Some project Ayers as a 3-4 OLB, but he has the prototypical frame for a strong side linebacker in a 4-3. He can line up over tight ends and use his long arms and strong upper body to set the edge against the run. He does an adequate job locating the ball and getting off blocks, and though he’s not an elite athlete and has limitations in coverage, there is a lot to like about the burst and determination he shows as a pass rusher. How he fits: The only really stable linebacker that the Titans have is MLB Stephen Tulloch and he could leave in free agency. Both OLBs Gerald McRath and Will Witherspoon are decent but not explosive playmakers and there is virtually no depth here. Ayers can line up at SOLB and not only solidify the run defense, but also give the Titans a pass rush with sack potential, as well as help on special teams. | ||||
| 3 | 13(77) | Jurrell Casey | DT | USC |
| What he brings: Casey is a squatty, tough, interior run-stuffer with enough quickness to disrupt the occasional play in the backfield. He’s not overly explosive or fluid but can get to the quarterback with effort, and he has excellent work ethic and should continue to improve in the NFL. How he fits: The Titans have never truly replaced Albert Haynesworth although they do have a bunch of try-hard players who have better production than you might think. But they don’t have enough size and power to dominate inside. DT is an important position in this defense, and Casey gives them good run support but only adequate pass rush. | ||||
| 4 | 12(109) | Colin McCarthy | ILB | Miami (FL) |
| What he brings: McCarthy reads his keys well and has a nose for the ball. He also takes good angles and is a solid tackler, but he lacks elite athleticism and range and he will have limitations in coverage. How he fits: How he fits: The Titans have already addressed need at OLB with Akeem Ayers and now they move inside with McCarthy. They have a solid starter at MLB in Stephen Tulloch but he may leave in free agency and that would leave a hug hole. If Tulloch stays, McCarthy could be a significant backup and significant special teams contributor. | ||||
| 4 | 33(130) | Jamie Harper | RB | Clemson |
| Compensatory | ||||
| What he brings: Harper is a bigger back who is light on his feet and has above-average lateral quickness for his size. He needs to run with lower pad level and authority, but he has shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. How he fits: Chris Johnson is obviously entrenched as the starter but his backup Javon Ringer hasn’t had a chance to produce much. Harper has enough size so he could be interesting if he can run with enough toughness and determination. | ||||
| 5 | 11(142) | Karl Klug | DE | Iowa |
| He played at DT at Iowa and doesn’t have a true fit in the NFL but he’s a good pick here because he has a great motor, finds the ball and is a sound tackler. He gets the most out of his ability and is dependable. | ||||
| 6 | 10(175) | Byron Stingily | OT | Louisville |
| He brings good length and solid frame to protect the edge in pass protection. He needs to work on playing with more consistent pad level as a run blocker. | ||||
| 7 | 9(212) | Zach Clayton | DT | Auburn |
| He is a limited athlete who has excellent strength and power at the point of attack. | ||||
| 7 | 48(251) | Tommie Campbell | S | |
| Compensatory | ||||
| Campbell is going to have a big jump coming from a small school. He shows adequate movement skills but needs to improve his instincts. |
Certain things in life make me genuinely happy. This is one of them.
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