Tennessee Titans: Not your average draft class
By P. L. Colter
Most NFL teams look at the draft as an opportunity to add depth to some positions, while creating competition at other positions. Over 220 players are selected each year, but usually, only 50-60 of them will be counted on to be significant week one contributors.
The rest of those players have the luxury of being groomed, of being brought along slowly while they learn from a vested veteran….with the expectation of taking over one day. That’s the way it goes for most teams.
But not for the Tennessee Titans. Not this year.
When you analyze Tennessee’s pre and post draft roster, one thing was made abundantly clear.
This would not be your average draft class.
Tennessee’s offense was abysmal last season, ranking 29th in total yards and 30th in scoring. At times, the Titans had three rookies logging significant minutes on offense. Qb Zach Mettenberger, left tackle Taylor Lewan, and rb Bishop Sankey.
But that wasn’t coach Whisenhunt’s plan. His hand was forced.
Qb Jake Locker went down early, and so did rb Shonn Greene. Lewan was drafted last year as an insurance pick, with the expectation of taking over as the full time left tackle this season. But injuries at the position sped up that process as well. Like their 2014 predecessors, this year’s draft class will also see the field early and often.
Only this time…it’s intentional.
Rookie qb Marcus Mariota has already been named the starter. If you drive through Nashville, you will soon be greeted by numerous billboards donning the new face of the franchise.
Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (2nd round) will be given every opportunity to supplant Justin Hunter, or anyone else not named Kendall Wright. Titans fans certainly hope that he does, DGB is an athletic freak of nature and everyone is excited to see what he can bring to the offense.
Running back David Cobb (5th round) will also be given every opportunity to supplant second year rb Bishop Sankey. As with DGB, Titans fans are hoping that Cobb does, given the lackluster performance turned in by Sankey last season.
Up front, rookie offensive linemen Jeremiah Poutasi (3rd round) and Andy Gallik (6th round) will push for immediate playing time in hopes of revamping a run game that produced just 90 yards a game last season (26th in the league).
If this rookie class is able to catch on to coach Whisenhunt’s offense, and translate that to on-field success this summer, then Tennessee could realistically have five or six rookies in their starting lineup week 1.
Judging from last year’s results, Titans fans will welcome that development with open arms.
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