Joshua Huffman
(I chose “offensive guard.” Here’s the 4/16 fan poll).
This shouldn’t surprise anyone who follows the Tennessee Titans.
Most Tennesseans are SEC fans. SEC fans are aware that Alabama offensive guard Chance Warmack is one of the best guard prospects in the last decade. Titans fans are aware of the deficiency at offensive guard. They understand that without Jonathan Cooper or Warmack, either Eugene Amano or another rookie without first-round credentials will anchor the interior of the offensive line.
And when Warmack had the courtesy to do a BlogTalkRadio interview with Music City Miracles? Who wouldn’t want someone with such remarkable character to go along with potential Pro Bowl-caliber playing ability?
For many fans, the idea of an Andy Levtire and Warmack/Cooper duo is too good to pass up. That’s a significant reason for why offensive guard tops their list of team needs.
Offensive guard received approximately 45.54 percent of the votes. Receiving another 45.54 percent of votes was a combination of cornerback (26.79 percent) and edge-rusher (18.75 percent). These fans are desperate for improving a defense that surrendered 471 points during the 2012-13 NFL season. They’re concerned with the depth at each of these positions. Coty Sensabaugh and Tommie Campbell? Keyunta Dawson and Scott Solomon?
How would this poll look if there were more of a surefire first-round prospect at defensive end? Bjoern Werner was plagued with inconsistency. Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah is a project who didn’t have the greatest sack totals in 2012. Sam Montgomery and Damontre Moore have character concerns. While Margus Hunt is extremely talented, he’s inexperienced and turns 26 years old in July.
This poll wasn’t centered around having to draft the biggest need with the 10th overall pick. Regardless, some opinions would change if there were a sure thing to add at the rotation of defensive ends.
Another reason for the heavy perception of need at offensive guard: starting position. The Titans could probably get away with a quality role player at defensive end (e.g. Datone Jones) or cornerback (e.g. nickeback). That won’t work at offensive guard—an every-down starter is a must.
The poll concludes with wide receiver (six votes), safety (two votes) and other (two votes). “Other” could’ve been quarterback, middle linebacker or interior defensive lineman. Safety became less of a concern when Bernard Pollard and George Wilson were added. The idea behind wide receiver is that Jake Locker needs more weapons.
Do the results of this poll surprise you? Comment here or on Facebook.