When Mike Borgonzi was hired to be the new general of the Tennessee Titans, there were immediate questions regarding how much control he would actually have, with president of football operations Chad Brinker looming above him. As the offseason has developed, those questions are still largely unanswered, with the buzzword "collaboration" in full effect.
In interviews, Borgonzi can't describe his role or the moves the Titans make without referencing Brinker. Perhaps Brinker is just a trusted advisor and Borgonzi possesses final say, but roster construction sounds like it is a true partnership between the two.
Despite all of the obfuscation, there is one thing Borgonzi has complete ownership over: the draft. That is a point that a recent article on the team's website made very clear. There is real emphasis on pointing out that the Borgonzi's primary job is to focus on the draft.
"By all accounts, Borgonzi is managing it all well as he focuses on what he's proven to do best – scout players...
...'It's a great group,' Borgonzi said. 'And things Chad does puts me in a position where I can dive into the film and concentrate on the draft. I think that was part of the set-up that has really gone well so far.'"
To be clear, there isn't anything wrong with a collaborative front office, but since the Titans started talking about collaboration, the franchise has taken a nosedive. Fans have been conditioned to be very skeptical of collaboration after the Ran Carthon disaster, but there are instances when it works.
The Titans need to nail this draft class because the work they did in free agency signaled a patient approach. The Titans entered free agency with a lot of money to spend and several holes to fill, but after last offseason's spending disaster, they plan to become a draft-and-develop team.
Borgonzi currently possesses eight draft picks, including Nos. 1 and 35 overall, and two selections apiece in rounds four, five, and six, while unfortunately lacking a third-rounder. The Titans are going to draft quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, which means Borgonzi has to fill multiple holes at EDGE and wide receiver with the remaining picks, while also finding depth at linebacker, safety, and across the offensive line.
Hitting on 50% of your draft selections is typically considered a victory. The Titans desperately need to draft prospects who are capable of immediately contributing.
In any case, the draft will serve as our best tool to evaluate Borgonzi's debut performance as the Titans' general manager. That raises the stakes heading into April's festivities.