Tennessee Titans: Lewan, Sankey Poised to Breakout as Rookies

Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Bishop Sankey (25) rushes against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft has come and gone putting months of speculation to an end.  When the final pick was announced on Saturday, every NFL team had a pretty legitimate look as to how their team would look roster wise.

The draft got off to a sensational start by having a nail-biting first round on Thursday.  My hometown team, the Cleveland Browns, pretty much owned the first round by making a few trades up and down the board creating excitement and nervousness for the Browns faithful- yet-ridiculing fan base.

When it came to the Tennessee Titans and the 11th overall pick in the draft, my excitement disappeared – at first. This wasn’t a “sexy” pick by any means but it was really a smart pick.  I was really hoping to get one of the top linebackers but instead we got a workhorse in Taylor Lewan from the University of Michigan (on a side note it really hurt me to type that considering I am born and bred Buckeye!) who was slated to be a top-five pick.

OT Taylor Lewan, OG Chance Warmack, C Brian Schwenke, OG Andy Levitre, OT Michael Oher, and veteran OT Michael Roos. If that doesn’t get you excited as a Titans fan, I’m not sure what will.

We have a young, strong, big offensive line that should be held in tact for many years to come if everything pans out.

Now, on to the original point of this article, RB Bishop Sankey from the University of Washington.  This kid is lights out.  He is from Wadsworth, OH which is only about 20 minutes from where I live. This gives me something more to cheer him on.

Sankey had a stellar 2012 and 2013 campaign combining for over 3,300 yards and 36 touchdowns.  He also carried the football a staggering 616 times.

NFL.com’s senior analyst Gil Brandt believes that Sankey could be this season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.  One thing is true, the potential is definitely there.  We have a versatile, fast, and strong 21-year-old that gets to run behind an impressive looking offensive line.

The best part about this is that it can take a lot of pressure off of QB Jake Locker.  I’m sure you’ve read it a hundred times, but this is a make-or-break year for Locker’s future in the Music City.

I am a die-hard Chris Johnson fan, and always will be, but the run game the last couple seasons has been stagnant at best. The addition of Sankey can make the Titans a dual-threat team this year with a vertical passing attack and a new, improved running game.

I get to see the 2014 version of the Titans with fourth row tickets when they play the Johnny Manziel-equipped Browns.

We have a long time until that happens though, but in the meantime I will really look forward to seeing preseason camp highlights and full pad practices.