Oct 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Moise Fokou (58) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Green Bay 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Mullins of The Washingtonian has reported that Tennessee Titans linebacker Moise Fokou was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following an incident in January 2013. Fokou pleaded “not guilty.” His trial date has been set for October 22. That falls on the Tuesday during their bye week (bye date: October 27). The entire report can be read here.

This report creates a lot of questions. Did the Titans know anything about this before they signed him in March? Although his trial date doesn’t occur until after Week 7, will it affect his chance of making the 53-man roster? What does Delanie Walker think about this? For anyone who doesn’t know, Walker has lobbied for harsher DUI penalties in Tennessee. Walker lost his aunt and uncle following an accident that was allegedly caused from an intoxicated driver.

As of this article, the Titans and Fokou have yet to comment. It’s worth noting that Brandon Barden has remained with the team following his DUI charge from February. That involved a wreck with two passengers. While Barden probably won’t make the 53-man roster unless one of the top three tight ends get injured (Craig Stevens, Taylor Thompson or Walker), recent history suggests that the Titans won’t make any quick or irrational decisions.

Not expecting anything to come of this but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Look for Fokou to compete for one of two, possibly three job openings at linebacker. Colin McCarthy, Zach Brown, Akeem Ayers and Zaviar Gooden are all-but-locks to make the team. Tim Shaw, Patrick Bailey, Greg Jones and Jonathan Willard are some of the linebackers who’ll compete with Fokou for a reserve job. Barring an awful training camp, Fokou has a good chance to make the roster.

November 25, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) is defended by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jeremy Mincey (94) and cornerback Derek Cox (21) during the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Competition brings out the best in any true competitor. Fans should anticipate much competition from the Tennessee Titans, who prepare for training camp with many roster spots that are up for grabs. There’s a logjam of talent on the offensive line and defensive line. That doesn’t include John Abraham or Israel Idonije, who may join the rotation at defensive end.

Kendall Wright and Derrick Morgan are two players who are locks for the 53-man roster. Both players are all-but-guaranteed starting jobs or key role positions (e.g. slot receiver). Despite that, they’re searching for every advantage that will help them take their games to the next level. Simple things that will make them more productive on Sundays—and a Thursday night.

Craig Peters from Titans Online wrote an article about how Wright and Morgan have both spent this offseason focusing on their health. Wright lost 14 pounds after he eliminated junk food from his diet. He has replaced his junk-food habits with fruits, vegetables and a daily breakfast that often consists of turkey, bacon and either eggs or egg whites. This puts Wright at 5-10 and 187 pounds.

Will Morgan enjoy a breakout campaign during the 2013-14 NFL season? He’s another player who has emphasized a stronger focus toward strength and conditioning. According to Morgan:

That’s one of my major goals, is to be in the best shape of my life coming into the season and just taking care of my body.

With or without Abraham, the Titans need Morgan to develop into what that they had hoped for when they drafted him with the No. 16 pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. A perceived lack of depth at defensive end has made it more important that he’s in the best shape possible. The Titans can’t afford any long-term injuries similar to his ACL tear from 2010.

What can fans expect from this offense? A lot of change. Dowell Loggains will get his first full-season opportunity to install his offense and everything that goes with it. Jake Locker will have a healthy shoulder. Two-fifths, possibly three-fifths of the offensive line have been upgraded. Jared Cook has been replaced with Delanie Walker, a more-complete tight end. While Wright has lost weight, the Titans have asked Justin Hunter to gain weight. Kenny Britt is another season removed from his 2011 ACL injury.

Many different faces. Many different philosophies. For the Tennessee Titans, it all starts with getting the players physically and mentally prepared for training camp. Good to see two of the future cornerstones taking their off-field responsibilities seriously.

Joshua Huffman

 Tennessee Titans: 2010 NFL Draft Class
Round 1, Pick 16: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Round 3, Pick 77: Damian Williams, WR, USC
Round 3, Pick 97: Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 104: Alterraun Verner, CB, UCLA
Round 5, Pick 148: Robert Johnson, S, Utah
Round 6, Pick 176: Rusty Smith, QB, Florida Atlantic
Round 6, Pick 207: Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
Round 7, Pick 222: Marc Mariani, WR, Montana
Round 7, Pick 241: David Howard, DL, Brown

Joshua Huffman (Editor)
Verner 92.5 (A)
Mariani 92.5 (A)
Morgan 77.5 (C+)
Williams 70 (C)
Johnson 50 (F)
Rolle 50 (F)
Smith 50 (F)
Curran 40 (F)
Howard 40 (F)

Josh Gunnels (Assistant Editor, Lead Columnist)
Verner 90 (A)
Mariani 88 (B+)
Morgan 85 (B+ to B)
Williams 75 (C+ to C)
Smith 70 (C)
Rolle 65 (D+ to D)
Johnson 60 (D)
Curran 50 (F)
Howard 50 (F)

David Fleming (Contributor)
Verner 91 (A)
Mariani 85 (B+ to B)
Morgan 82 (B)
Williams 73 (C)
Johnson 67 (D+)
Smith 62 (D)
Rolle 53 (F)
Curran 45 (F)
Howard 40 (F)

Titan Sized Readers
Verner 92.07 (A)
Mariani 91.67 (A)
Morgan 80.47 (B)
Williams 68 (D+)
Smith 52.53 (F)
Rolle 42.10 (F)
Johnson 38.33 (F)
Curran 26.9 (F)
Howard <60 (F— Estimated Fan Grade, not Polled)

OVERALL (184 Votes)
Mode: 70
Median: 70
Fan Grade: 66.69 (D+)
Fan Grade w/ Curve (178 Votes): 68.26 (D+)

Analysis
86.96 percent of the votes were within the 60-80 range. It appears as though most fans believed that this was an average draft, possibly slightly below average. Outside of those ranges, there were 11 votes for 50s (F) and even fewer respondents 0-40 or 90-100.

This draft had some major duds. At the same time, Mariani was arguably the best value pick of the entire seventh round. Verner has become a high-quality nickelback. And if Morgan continues to build off his second half from the 2012-13 NFL season, there’s a good chance that fans become more accepting of this draft.

How did you feel about the 2010 NFL Draft? Did you feel like readers and-or staff members were too hard on any of their grades? Let ‘em have it in the comments below. During dead period (June – July), Titan Sized may conduct 10-year anniversary report cards from the 2003 NFL Draft.

Thanks for following along.