From someone who doubted Ran Carthon heading into this offseason, I can't overstate how well the Tennessee Titans second-year GM has done over the past few months.
Is he perfect? No, I mean I was harsh on his draft class and they are going to have to prove everyone wrong there because it was universally panned.
Other than that, Carthon has exceeded expectations at every turn. On paper, I would say that the coaching staff is better across the board and that nearly every position is better than it was at the start of last season, with the possible exception of linebacker and safety.
While the results have been great, I have been more impressed by the process. Ran Carthon had some veterans without name value that he added like Kenneth Murray, Tony Pollard, and Saahdiq Charles, but he always wasn't afraid to go after big-name players.
That has continued past the draft with the addition of Tyler Boyd, whose big name carries a lot of weight and expectations. On Friday, it was announced that the Titans would have another big name on the field, but this one comes with almost no expectations.
William Jackson III is a former first-round cornerback who has spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders. With the Bengals (and Brian Callahan), Jackson played in 75 of 80 games and he played well enough to earn a 3 year/$40.5 million deal from Washington.
Like most veterans that have gone to Washington over the last decade, the move didn't work out and he ended up getting traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 before getting placed on I.R. and eventually released.
Jackson will be joining the Titans during rookie minicamp this weekend.
Veteran corner William Jackson III @UHCougarFB former #Bengals first round pick in #Titans rookie minicamp per a source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 10, 2024
Jackson is 31 and he isn't a guy that anyone is going to bring in to start for them. However, how many teams know the importance of depth at cornerback like the Tennessee Titans?
In a perfect world, L'Jarius Sneed and Chido Awuzie start all 17 games for the Tennessee Titans this season, and then they make it through the playoffs before hoisting a Lombardi Trophy. But things don't always go according to plan and failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Jackson isn't on the team yet, but he does seem driven to get back in the mix which is evidenced by the fact that he is willing to come in during rookie minicamp and show what he can do. If he still has something left in the tank, he could be a guy that the Titans have on the roster to take pressure off of fifth-round pick Jarvis Brownlee Jr. who is currently the backup cornerback.
I was a big fan of Jackson when he was coming out of college (I was hoping that the Titans drafted him instead of Kevin Dodd if he had fallen out of the first round), so I admittedly have a soft spot for the cornerback.
Likewise, William Jackson III (CB #3) should be the #Titans pick at 32/33 baring a great receiver or some overwhelming talent falling
— Mr. Positivity (@jlomas72) December 31, 2015
Even beyond that slight bias, I think that this shows that Ran Carthon is paying attention. Earning a playoff spot is almost as much about surviving the attrition of the season as it is about having the best talent.
This potential move would give them another proven option at a position that is going to have a lot of pressure put on it by the style of defense that the Tennessee Titans will play this year.
While nothing may come from this move, I still want to emphasize how much I like this process. Even if Jackson doesn't end up on the roster, this team is leaving no stone unturned which is refreshing and encouraging.