Tennessee Titans: What if -Insert Name- Fell to No. 11 Pick?

The countdown until the 2014 NFL Draft ticks down. Every second passes. Speculation, anxiety, hopes and prayers continue to grow. So much time and effort is put into mock drafts each year by everyone—from analysts who get paid for their predictions all the way down to the fans.

It doesn’t matter how much time you put into a mock draft because there are so many curveballs that will get thrown our way when the draft kicks off on May 8, 2014.

I can’t wait until the Tennessee Titans go on the clock. Most analysts believe that either linebackerss Anthony Barr or C.J. Mosley will be selected to give Ray Horton another linebacker to play with in his new-hybrid defense. Most recently, cornerback Justin Gilbert is appearing on many mock draft boards for the Titans at No. 11 in an effort to replace Alterraun Verner, who was let free to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I’d like to play a quick little game of “what if.” Let’s see what kind of fun we can have.

Round 1:

Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts to a fourth-quarter interception against the Duke Blue Devils in the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

What if QB Johnny Manziel somehow fell to the Titans at No. 11?

Let’s face it. This would probably never happen. There are arguably seven teams out of the 10 ahead of the Titans that could/should target one of the top quarterbacks in this draft – Texans, Rams, Jaguars, Browns, Raiders, Buccaneers, and Vikings.

I am far from a draft expert but I would be in pure shock if the Manziel managed to fall past all of the above listed QB-needy teams. If, for some reason, Manziel fell to the Titans, there may be a red flag(s) that don’t meet the eye. I’m a huge Manziel supporter, but I also am giving the current quarterback Jake Locker a vote of confidence for this season. However, I cannot lie and say that I wouldn’t want my team to snag up Johnny Football if the opportunity presented itself. I truly believe that Manziel has the charisma, talent, playmaking ability, and star power that could help give our Titans a boost on many different levels.

EDITOR RESPONSE: Good luck to whoever uses a top-10 pick on this guy. I’m expecting him to fall out of the top 10 but no further than No. 16. Now if Jerry Jones passes, my surprise meter will go off.

Round 2:

Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) stands on the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What if WR Sammy Watkins somehow fell to the Titans at No. 11?

This is another case of extremely unlikely to happen but I have to admit that just the idea of Watkins in Titan blue gives me goosebumps. The Titans look pretty set at receiving options for Locker with Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Justin Hunter, Delanie Walker, and newly signed free-agent OW Dexter McCluster. Regardless, Watkins has the attributes and talent to be a top-five wide receiver. Think about it for a second… can you imagine Watkins, Hunter and Washington playing out wide and Wright becoming the next Wes Welker out of the slot?

EDITOR RESPONSE: Watkins is a bit overrated but it’s hard to see him falling past No. 7 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and especially No. 10 (Detroit Lions). Only reason Watkins would fall past No. 7 is if Tampa Bay prefers Mike Evans.

Round 3:

Jan 1, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) runs off the field after the second quarter of the Capital One Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers held at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

What if Jadeveon Clowney somehow fell to the Titans at No. 11?

This is probably the least likely of the three scenarios but just let it simmer for a minute. Clowney is going to be an NFL phenom. This kid’s future is as bright as the sun as long as he is willing to put the work in and not become a cocky, cancerous player on whichever team drafts him. Clowney would be the best defensive end our team has had in years without a doubt, perhaps ever with all due respect to “The Freak” Jevon Kearse.

The thought of the Titans finding themselves in lucky enough of a spot to end up with any of the three above prospects would be amazing, but it’s not reality. Back down to planet earth, I believe the Titans will take Barr from UCLA and think that he will be a great fit in the new defensive scheme we are looking to establish this year.

EDITOR RESPONSE: … As long as the Houston Texans (No. 1) or Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 3) stay away from Clowney, most Titans fans will be happy just not seeing him twice per season against an aging Michael Roos and Michael Oher…

Home/Titans Draft