Apr 26, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft choice Chance Warmack (right) and head coach Mike Munchak (left) and general manager Ruston Webster arrive for a press conference at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s begin with the 2013 NFL Draft class for the Tennessee Titans:
No. 10 (Round 1): Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
No. 34 (Round 2): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
No. 70 (Round 3): Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
No. 97 (Round 3): Zaviar Gooden, LB, Missouri
No. 107 (Round 4): Brian Schwenke, C, California
No. 142 (Round 5): Lavar Edwards, DE, LSU
No. 202 (Round 6): Khalid Wooten, DB, Nevada
No. 248 Round (7): Daimion Stafford, S, Nebraska
Here are some quick observations about this class:
- Warmack and Schwenke addressed the interior of the offensive line. Expect Fernando Velasco and Schwenke to compete for the starting center job. Loser should become a super-sub at center and guard.
- The Titans acquired the No. 34 pick when they traded No. 40, No. 216 and a 2014 third-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers.
- Since 2009, the Titans have drafted three wide receivers who were taken in the Top 34. This includes Kenny Britt (2009), Kendall Wright (2012) and Hunter (2013).
- Gooden is another speedy linebacker who has similarities to Zach Brown. Could this create more opportunities for Akeem Ayers to play at defensive end?
- Competition breeds excellence? Three of the eight picks were defensive backs. This included a cornerback, safety and a tweener back (Wooten) who has the versatility to play both positions. Add in Markelle Martin and the Titans basically have four newcomers who’ll fight for roster spots.
- Lavar Edwards thrived in his role as a swingman defensive end for the LSU Tigers. In 2013, Edwards will do the same thing as he’s stashed behind Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley on the depth chart.
- Will Alterraun Verner move back inside? The Titans have four cornerbacks who can compete for the outside cornerback job: Tommie Campbell, Coty Sensabaugh, Wreh-Wilson and Wooten.
- Four of the first six picks came from SEC programs. This includes Warmack, Hunter, Gooden and Edwards.
- With Keyunta Dawson and Scott Solomon as two of the main reserves at defensive end, an undrafted rookie could have a good chance to win a 53-man roster spot at that position.
How does the fan base feel about the Tennessee Titans 2013 draft class? Answer in the poll below and discuss in the comments section or on Facebook. Final results in the upcoming days.