Titans get high marks for draft
It?s finally over. All the questions and guessing regarding who the Titans would go after ended Saturday when Vince Young?s name was called.
Fans had been waiting for months to see who would be the Titans next big pick.
Eddie George and Steve McNair led the charge for years as Oilers and Titans. Now their replacements have been named. Vince Young and LenDale White have a lot of pressure on their shoulders to start the rebuilding process for the Titans.
Some fans seem to think the Titans should have gone with Matt Leinart or even Jay Cutler. The argument is these two guys could be ready to step under center as early as next season. These two guys are ball players and not athletes, and I believe that?s exactly why the Titans went with Young.
Ball players and athletes are two different breeds. A ball player is one who plays his position well, but an athlete is one who can not only play his position, but has the ability to do different things on the field.
Of the three quarterbacks available on Saturday, Young was the most athletic. He?s faster than the other two, which gives him the edge when he has to scramble out of the pocket, something that made McNair so successful.
In other words, he?s a younger version of the McNair. And the Titans are hoping to tap into his athletic ability, much like they did with McNair.
What a better way to start the rebuilding process than to be able to draft White. White had to be the biggest catch of the day, even though some questions about his work ethic dangled in the air.
I believe former USC offensive coordinator and current Titans coach Norm Chow can get White to where he needs to be in order to be successful in the NFL.
On Sunday the Titans spent their remaining picks concentrating of defensive needs after the team allowed over 26 points a game last season. A safety, cornerback, defensive tackle and three linebackers are sure to help out in that department.
One thing I hope this year?s picks will bring to the Titans is some stable character. We all know what type of character ?Pacman? has, and it hasn?t been one to be proud of.
The Titans picked up 20 undrafted free agents, including three from the state of Tennessee ? guard Cody Douglas from Tennessee, and defensive tackle Jeff Littlejohn and cornerback Keon Raymond from Middle Tennessee State.
The McNair situation is difficult for all, but I think he has no choice but to find his way onto another team. It?s really a no-win situation for McNair right now. If he?s playing for the Titans next season and throws a couple of bad passes, the fans will be calling to put Young in.
Yes, it would be perfect if McNair could show Young the ropes for two years or so, but it?s not going to happen. We don?t live in a perfect world.
Young may sit and learn this season, but I would say he will be out there leading the way in 2007-08 season. I believe the Titans earned ?best of the best? in this years draft.
Speaking of best of the best, congratulations to Charlie Johnson for his first place finish for best columnist. Last year I had the same honor, but Mr. Sherrill once again had to settle for second place.