Last year the Tennessee Titans hired GM Mike Borgonzi to oversee their multi-year rebuild. When he was asked how he was going to attack that challenge, he repeatedly mentioned that his team-building philosophy was based on the "draft and develop" mantra.
With one offseason of information, Titans fans thought that meant Borgonzi might sit on his hands during free agency. There was fear that Borgonzi may watch as other teams flocked to the good players on the open market while he waited on value deals.
Instead, Borgonzi aggressively went after players who raised the floor of this football team at positions where they were desperate for talent. What makes his approach special (and very likely to work) is that his biggest investments were players who are young enough to play out the length of their contracts at a high level. They were also players that his coaching staff had hands-on experience with, and they had resumes with multiple years of consistent production.
Titans GM Mike Borgonzi used Free Agency to set up NFL Draft Plans
By analyzing those factors, Borgonzi landed Alontae Taylor, John Franklin-Myers, Cor'Dale Flott, and Wan'Dale Robinson on major deals during the first day of free agency. All in all, the Titans have agreed to terms with 11 new players in three days.
By doing this and by adding six other players on smaller contracts, Borgonzi proved he can use free agency as a tool that allows him to "draft and develop" the best prospects instead of being forced to overdraft players in order to fill roster holes.
With the additions made so far, Borgonzi has ensured the Titans won't have to pick a certain position with the fourth selection in the draft. He can focus on drafting the best player available, whether it is an EDGE like Arvell Reese, David Bailey, or Rueben Bain Jr., or if it is a less valuable position like running back Jeremiyah Love or safety Caleb Downs.
Regardless of what happens in the draft, Borgonzi correctly raised the floor at positions of need so that he can draft whatever prospect he thinks is best. That is what a smart GM does when they are in a situation with $100 million to spend and a top-five NFL Draft pick.