Tennessee Titans: Comparing Delanie Walker vs Jared Cook
By Matt Ward
Jan 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster listens as new head coach Ken Whisenhunt (not pictured) answers questions from the media during a press conference at St. Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Cost versus Production
The best franchises in the NFL are business savvy. They find where they can get good talent without getting into bidding wars and breaking the bank. Overspending for any individual player means you have less to offer other players.
The Titans did not get into the bidding war for Jared Cook in 2013, and they lost a good player that makes $35 million.
They were able to replace him with Delanie Walker. He is older, he is shorter, and he is lighter. He was also about half the price and gave greater production than Cook ever did.
The verdict: With only one season to compare, it seems that Delanie Walker is a better NFL tight end than Jared Cook.
The career highs he compiled in receptions and TDs are more than Cook was ever able to do in Tennessee. He also brings additional strength to the Titans with his run blocking prowess. The importance of this skill set is too often overlooked because of its absence in the box score.
Personnel decisions like these should encourage Titans fans. There is a general manager in place that is making good decisions and getting the most “bang for our buck.”
If Ruston Webster is to gain and maintain the reputation of a “smart general manager”, what moves are necessary this year?
Sources: Pro Football Focus and overthecap.com