Tennessee Titans 2013 NFL Mock Draft: All-Defense Edition
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad defensive back Robert Alford of Southeastern La. (23) returns a kickoff against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve already gone over an all-offense mock draft. Now let’s attack an “all-defense” edition of a Tennessee Titans 2013 NFL mock draft. Despite the “all-defense” moniker, I’ve taken the advice of some colleagues and decided to use rounds 6-7 on offensive players. This will eliminate some congestion. Consider those offensive players similar to $1 pitchers on a fantasy baseball auction-draft strategy that goes all out on hitters.
Did you miss the “all-offense” edition of the Tennessee Titans 2013 NFL mock draft? Check it out here.
Mar. 18: Pre-Compensatory
Mar. 25: Compensatory 1
Apr. 1: All Offense
Apr. 8: All Defense
Apr. 15: To Be Determined
Apr. 22-24: Final Exams
Round 1 (Pick 10): Sheldon Richardson,DL, University of Missouri
I’ll keep this simple and prohibit trade-ups (CB Dee Milliner) and trade-downs. Offensive guards and wide receivers are excluded because this is an “all-defense” mock draft.
Let’s go through the process of elimination. DL Sharrif Floyd almost certainly will get taken before No. 10. CB Xavier Rhodes has too many concerns for a top-ten pick (health, lack of scheme versatility). Facing a playoffs-or-bust season, would the Titans use such a high pick on a project such as DE Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah? Barkevious Mingo doesn’t fit the bulkier philosophy. No. 10 for Bjoern Werner is a reach (plus I’m not a fan so maybe I’m just biased).
That leaves two candidates: CB Desmond Trufant and DL Sheldon Richardson.
Adding Trufant would let Alterraun Verner return to the slot. It also gives the Titans a backup plan in case they can’t afford Verner, who becomes a free agent after the 2013-14 NFL season.
Personally, I’d take Richardson over Trufant. Even with the recent additions of Pitoitua and S.L. Hill, Richardson would make a significant impact on this defense and give them more insurance against injuries. He could play anywhere on a 4-3 or 3-4 front. Wait until Round 2-3 for cornerback.
Backup Plans: DL Star Lotulelei, Trade Down (Linebacker or Jonathan Banks), CB Desmond Trufant
Round 2 (Pick 40): Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana University
How confident are the Titans in Coty Sensabaugh or Tommie Campbell holding down one of the top-three cornerback positions? If the Titans don’t take a cornerback in Round 1, they’d still have options such as Robert Alford and Leon McFadden.
Let’s not forget that Alterraun Verner (4th round), Jason McCourty (6th round) and Cortland Finnegan (7th round) have shown that this franchise doesn’t need a first-round pick to find talented defensive backs.
Backup Plans: LB Kevin Minter, DE Sam Montgomery, DE Margus Hunt, DE Cornellius “Tank” Carradine
Round 3 (Pick 70): D.J. Swearinger, S, University of South Carolina
If D.J. Swearinger were still available at No. 70, he’s a hard-hitting safety who could learn behind Bernard Pollard. If Swearinger doesn’t start in his rookie season, he’d add value on special teams.
Backup Plans: CB Leon McFadden, CB Jordan Poyer
Round 3 (Pick 97, Compensatory): Jon Bostic, LB, University of Florida:
Quality insurance behind Colin McCarthy is a must. Moise Fokou isn’t enough.
Backup Plans: – DE/LB Quanterus Smith, DE Cameron Meredith
Round 4 (Pick 107): Quanterus Smith, DE/LB, Western Kentucky University
Huge boom-or-bust potential here. Although Quanterus Smith isn’t the bulky defensive end that the Titans are coveting and he’s coming off an ACL injury, he has a lot of upside. Against the University of Alabama, Smith had three sacks. One came against first-round prospect D.J. Fluker. Despite that impressive performance against one of college football’s best offensive lines, Smith’s production came in bunches. Can play 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker. Not an every-down player. Possibly available at pick 142.
Round 5 (Pick 142): Terrence Brown, CB, Stanford University
Here’s another cornerback to compete with Tommie Campbell and Coty Sensabaugh (Alford would’ve taken Ryan Mouton’s spot).
Round 6 (Pick 202, Compensatory): Elvis Fisher, OT, University of Missouri
Now shifting our focus to “$1 pitchers,” the Titans need a project for offensive tackle. Both starting offensive tackles are on the wrong side of 30. Someone like Elvis Fisher, Alex Hurst or Xavier Nixon.
Round 7 (Pick 216): Zach Rogers, WR, University of Tennessee
Zach Rogers may become a nifty little target. At the University of Tennessee, Rogers was overshadowed because of their other star-studded receivers.
Round 7 (Pick 248, Compensatory): Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook University
With Chris Johnson and Shonn Grenee, the Titans could use another pair of younger legs. Miguel Maysonet challenges Jamie Harper for the No.3 gig. If Harper wins, then Maysonet can move to practice squad (unless he signs elsewhere).