Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks before the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Who wants to replace three weeks of the post-draft “dead period” with three more weeks of NFL draft hype?  

That could happen very quickly. In an attempt to establish a year-long continuum, the NFL wants to reschedule their draft dates from late April to mid May. This may begin with the 2014 NFL Draft. A scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall could force these sudden changes. The Radio City Rockettes show, “The Spring Spectacular,” is already scheduled at the venue for late April.

These changes would move the 2014 NFL Draft from Apr. 24-26 to May 15-17. Other proposed calendar changes including moving the dates of the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of the league calendar year. Nothing has been decided on these issues and they’ll likely remain the same in 2014.

How would this affect fans and members of the Tennessee Titans? For starters, this creates three additional weeks for draft hype. This doesn’t mean much other than it’ll entertain some fans while it’ll drive others insane. Mock drafters (e.g. Mel Kiper) should benefit from this because it creates more opportunities for them to modify their mock drafts.

One thing that concerns me: Rookies wouldn’t have as long to adjust to their new teams. The Titans’ rookie orientation was held from May 11-12. That came approximately two weeks after they finalized their draft class on Apr. 27. Now let’s consider that the 2014 NFL Draft would conclude on May 17. This puts undrafted free agents and veterans who are trying to make a team (e.g. Antonio Johnson) at a significant disadvantage.

Some people have questioned why the NFL doesn’t pursue venues in other cities. That’s a fair question and one I couldn’t answer. Move it around to each of the 32 cities that represent a franchise. Regardless of whether the NFL moves the draft date, they need a backup plan in case Radio City Music Hall decides they’re going to schedule something in mid May. Then again, NFL and RCMH probably knew about this well ahead of time and that’s why RCMH scheduled that show in late April.

Here’s the good thing for the Titans: these changes didn’t happen in 2013. Imagine having three fewer weeks with all of the new coaches, free agents and rookies heading into all of the camps. Mike Munchak and his staff need every day they can get to prepare their new crop of players. That doesn’t include the players they’re still signing—or trying to sign (e.g. John Abraham).

What’s nice is that it’ll make the “dead period” three weeks shorter. But if you hate things such as mock drafts and all that gossip, just tune out when April rolls around.

Joshua Huffman

Old school mentality continues to rule among the majority of Tennessee Titans enthusiasts. With 57 of the 117 votes (48.72 percent), Steve McNair enjoys a lopsided victory as the Greatest Tennessee Titan. His closest competition came from Chris Johnson (18 votes), Eddie George (13 votes) and Bruce Matthews (12 votes).

Does this mean that Johnson is the Second-Greatest Titan? Although Johnson finished in second place, he probably wouldn’t receive more votes than George in a head-to-head “Who is the Greater Titan” matchup. The thing with Johnson is that he’s a “love him or hate him” type of player. After reviewing conversations on Twitter, it was obvious that many McNair voters had George as their No. 2 option. Johnson may have the better chance at No. 1 votes but George would have the advantage at getting his face on Mount Rushmore (most top four votes).

If an eight-player tournament were used and a first-round matchup involved No. 2 Johnson vs. No. 7 Jevon Kearse, who would fans support as the Greater Titan? While Johnson has the 18-2 advantage in this Royal Rumble style of polling, Kearse should enjoy a closer battle in a head-to-head format.

Along with assistant editor / lead columnist Josh Gunnels and senior analyst Shawn Eagle, we chose McNair as the Greatest Titan. Despite numerous injuries, McNair carried this franchise on his back during the early 2000s. His toughness and determination are what fans should desire in all future Titans representatives. Who knows where this franchise and the fan base would stand at if McNair weren’t around when this team relocated.

Any surprises from this poll? How about Bruce Matthews receiving 12 votes after serving just three seasons as a player and three seasons as an offensive line coach as a member of the Titans, not Houston Oilers?

Dec 9 2012, Indianapolis, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) waits to be introduced during player introductions before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Are the Tennessee Titans serious about adding competition to their rotation at defensive end? If so, their options became fewer after Dwight Freeney reportedly signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. The contract includes an $8.75 million base salary. In 2013, Freeney will make $5.75 million.

For the last few weeks, the Titans have been linked as potential suitors for John Abraham, Israel Idonije or Freeney. While Abraham appears like their No. 1 target, Abraham wants to play an average of 60-plus snaps per game. That wouldn’t happen with the Titans, who already have Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley. With the Titans, Abraham should expect around 35-40 snaps per game. Those totals would increase if Morgan or Wimbley were injured.

Will Abraham back off of his demands? Over his last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Abraham averaged fewer than 50 snaps per game. At age 35, would another team suddenly increase his playing time and have him enter training camp as a full-time starter? Abraham may take his time and see if another team loses a starting defensive end to a long-term injury.

With one fewer backup plan, let’s see if the Titans become more aggressive in their pursuit for Abraham or Idonije. There’s no doubt that this team could use another quality pass-rusher. Then again, the Titans could experiment with Akeem Ayers in that role.