4/27 Poll Results: Tennessee Titans, 2013 NFL Draft Was Huge Success
Joshua Huffman
(I chose “Strong Approval: Addressed All Top Needs.” Here’s the 4/27 fan poll).
How did Tennessee Titans fans feel about the 2013 NFL Draft? 174 respondents submitted their vote in the Apr. 27 fan poll that’s listed above. Of those 174 respondents, 11 of them answered with something less than mild approval. Only three of them expressed any form of disapproval. Nobody flat-out rejected the entire draft class.
Simply put: 93.68 percent of fans approved of what Ruston Webster and his team did from Apr. 25-27. This draft class included OG Chance Warmack, WR Justin Hunter, CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, LB Zaviar Gooden, C Brian Schwenke, DE Lavar Edwards, DB Khalid Wooten and S Daimion Stafford.
The Titans addressed their top three needs—just not necessarily in the order that every fan wanted. They shored up the interior of the offensive line with Warmack and Schwenke. They drafted three defensive backs. Along with the return of Markelle Martin, the Titans will have plenty of competition in their defensive backfield. They didn’t address their lack of depth at defensive end until they drafted Edwards in Round 5.
This appears like a strong draft class. I’m not saying it’s exactly what I would’ve done (e.g. I would’ve addressed defensive end before No. 142—very possibly at No. 40), but I see their way of thinking on this. Adding Hunter will give this offense some insurance if Kenny Britt can’t stay out of trouble. Furthermore, it gives Jake Locker another talented weapon on the outside.
One concern that some fans have had is with the choice of defensive backs. It appears as if the Titans are trying to become physical at cornerback and safety. Finding a taller No. 2 cornerback would allow Alterraun Verner to move inside. Expect a fierce four-man competition for that role. The participants: Tommie Campbell, Coty Sensabaugh, Wooten and Wreh-Wilson.
Training camp will feature many players who are fighting for starting jobs and 53-man roster spots. Other possible battles include Fernando Velasco vs. Schwenke and Michael Griffin vs. Bernard Pollard vs. George Wilson for the two safety spots.
Are the Tennessee Titans looking for more competition? According to ESPN AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky, management hosted OT Eric Winston and DL Israel Idonije. Winston could compete with David Stewart for a starting job. Idonije could enter the rotation at defensive end with Derrick Morgan, Kamerion Wimbley, Edwards and either Keyunta Edwards or Scott Solomon.
Who knows. If Ryan Fitzpatrick had a great camp and Locker struggled…