Tight End
I have done it again, but I had to mention the best tight end in this class. It is too hard not to think that O.J. Howard would not fit in the Titans’ two tight end system. Draft experts say that he is one of the can’t miss players in this draft and I would have to agree. Some have compared Howard to Greg Olsen and who wouldn’t want to have a great Olsen-type player next to Delanie Walker. Howard has the ability to be a great in-line tight end and has also been graded as the best run-blocking tight end in the draft class. I mean, I think the Titans should grab him at 12, if and when they trade back.
Some players to me when you watch them, you can see they play with heart and with Jake Butt, you can see he puts it all out there. He reminds me so much of Jason Witten, a great blocker and receiver, not the fastest but an overall great player. He is willing to do what is needed for the team. I think he would be a great fit for the Titans.
He might have gone to a small school, but Adam Shaheen is a big man. The tight end out of small school Ashland looks like he was made in a lab. He is big and long and has the ability to dominate in the pass and run game. He is a versatile player that can move all around the offense, which was a staple for the offense this past year.
My fourth tight end who I think fits the Titans is George Kittle, the Iowa product. When I have watched Kittle, he just looks like a guy from Iowa. Similar to when I watch Karl Klug play, Kittle is a hardworking, productive player who is willing to block. I would love for the Titans to select Kittle, he would be a great fit.
Even though tight end is a deep position this year, it was really tough finding a guy I can see the Titans taking. Jeremy Sprinkle, the tight end out of Arkansas was someone I was on the fence about. This one was tough for me because Sprinkle got in trouble with stealing, even though he had a gift card to the place he stole from. Very interesting case, but Jon Robinson did say he doesn’t want choir boys. I think talking to Sprinkle and reviewing his film, I can see the Titans selecting him. Sprinkle is a willing blocker and has been a producer over his four years at Arkansas. I think he is a mid to late round selection that could fit the number two or three tight end role.
The next need is back to the defensive side of the ball, where the Titans are in need of a prospect who can cover need number 3, a tight end.