Apr 27, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick Kendall Wright stands between Titans general manager Ruston Webster (left) and head coach Mike Munchak (right) during a press conference in the Titans Training facility at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans made some fast moves in free agency last week. They went out and got their guys, and now, they could be poised to do the same thing in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft.
I hate to toot my own horn (okay, it’s actually quite satisfying), but I had a feeling that by the time the draft rolled around, the Titans would be in shape to draft BPA. All signs seem to be pointing that way.
After week one of free agency moves, the Titans biggest remaining holes are being in need of a starting RG and a rotational DE. Other than that, they are in need of general depth around the roster, the usual need of all teams during the offseason.
To be fair though, you could list three positions as “need”:
- OG
- DE
- SS
All of those positions should be addressed within the first four rounds of the upcoming draft. The addition of SS George Wilson certainly saves the Titans from having to reach for a safety early in the draft, but his two-year deal and the fact that this is one of the best draft classes for safeties in the past few years is enough to almost guarantee a safety is taken early. A lack of talented depth at the safety position also favors the Titans grabbing a safety early on.
November 24, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Bacarri Rambo (18) reacts to making a tackle in the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The guard position will probably be the Titans only real position of dire need as they head into the draft. They need someone on the right side after bringing in Levitre to start on the left. Whether they can grab someone they feel comfortable with in free agency, I have my doubts. The draft has a couple solid players they could look at as a possible solution, but rolling the dice on a draft pick being there is also a bit of a gamble, especially when you’re hoping for a starter.
I wish I could tell you what the Titans are thinking, but I can’t. The only thing I can tell you is these guys are prepping for a run at the playoffs, and with nearly all their major needs filled, they’re going to be taking guys in the draft that they expect to be immediate contributors.
It’ll be fun to watch the Titans work the draft this year. It has certainly been fun watching them work free agency.
You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart