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TIPSHEET: Draft day radar

  • http://ten.247sports.com/Article/Tennessee-has-a-pair-of-guys-on-their-radar-17327

    See who the Titans are eyeing at quarterback for late April draft?

    TitanInsider: "Any closer and you'd be in the huddle."

    DarrenMcFarland

  • I love the idea of getting locker, but I would I've been preaching him for months after sitting down and watching his games from the last two years. I would be fine with kapernick if locker was unavailable but he's more of a year 4-5 project. I see locker in 2-3 year range, I like the idea of trading back up before seattle and tacking locker but who knows what will happen.

    sgtfoley

  • sgtfoley said...

    I love the idea of getting locker, but I would I've been preaching him for months after sitting down and watching his games from the last two years. I would be fine with kapernick if locker was unavailable but he's more of a year 4-5 project. I see locker in 2-3 year range, I like the idea of trading back up before seattle and tacking locker but who knows what will happen.

    If they are going to spend a first or second round pick on a QB, I don't believe they should draft anyone who they think would take 4-5 yrs to develop. I don't know any staff who could survive waiting around on a high pick that long. The problem is, there doesn't seem to be that difference maker in this class. Maybe Locker or Kapernick could surprise everyone if the Ttitans took one, and turn into a franchise QB?

    TitanInsider: "Any closer and you'd be in the huddle."

    DarrenMcFarland

  • I know they are high on Locker right now. But an interesting question becomes what happens if Newton wows some team at the top (Carolina, Buffalo, Arizona?) and Gabbert falls in their lap at No. 8. Personally, I think they bite on that one and pick Gabbert.

    TitanInsider: Any closer and you'd be in the huddle.

    TerryMc13

  • TerryMc13 said...

    I know they are high on Locker right now. But an interesting question becomes what happens if Newton wows some team at the top (Carolina, Buffalo, Arizona?) and Gabbert falls in their lap at No. 8. Personally, I think they bite on that one and pick Gabbert.

    I would agree, it does seem Gabbert has the best chance of being the 'hit' of this class. There will be more 'misses' in this class than anything else. Let's just hope the Titans don't get a 'miss'!

    TitanInsider: "Any closer and you'd be in the huddle."

    DarrenMcFarland

  • In many ways Gabbert isn't all that proven of a prospect. He has the skillset, (arm strength, intelligence) but the guy has made some critical mistakes and played really poorly in stretches. I'm not sure if he has the "it" factor like Locker does. (Upsets against Nebraska, USC, game-winning drives, TD passes in OT vs. Oregon St., game winning TD against WSU.)

    They both did poorly against Nebraskas defense and Locker had to face Nebraska twice. (often throwing away the ball in the first half in the bowl game because their receivers couldn't get open).

    I think he probably has the high floor, but lower ceiling when compared to the other Top QBs. (Ponder may have the higher floor if he checks out medically, and may even be a better prospect than Gabbert in the right system).

    If the Titans have Gabbert (hopefully he goes to San Fran) and Locker on the board, I'd still take Locker and eschew the comments of so called experts like Kiper/McShay and be satisfied with my pick and the value. I'm not even sure if the Titans could trade down with the Redskins and Vikings picking at 10 and 12. (Shanahan reportedly thought highly of Locker last year and could be playing games with the media when comparing him to Plummer).

    Either way, I think that Locker is a perfect fit for the Titans and their current personnel. Locker has Tebow intangibles with serious physical, passing talent (cannon arm, mobility, quick/smooth release). Hopefully they get their guy.

    In regards to Kaepernick, I'm just not buying that stock. The guy has a slow motion and slow/average release. He can throw with accuracy on some short to intermediate routes, but his ball placement suffers greatly beyond 10-15 yards and he's a liability at this point throwing in a vertical system. I'm not doubting his ability to be a starting QB for one of the 32 teams in time, but this guy absolutely needs to be a #2 for several years.

    This post was edited by Cyrus on 3/7/2011 at 11:15 AM

    Cyrus

  • Cyrus said...

    In many ways Gabbert isn't all that proven of a prospect. He has the skillset, (arm strength, intelligence) but the guy has made some critical mistakes and played really poorly in stretches. I'm not sure if he has the "it" factor like Locker does. (Upsets against Nebraska, USC, game-winning drives, TD passes in OT vs. Oregon St., game winning TD against WSU.)

    They both did poorly against Nebraskas defense and Locker had to face Nebraska twice. (often throwing away the ball in the first half in the bowl game because their receivers couldn't get open).

    I think he probably has the high floor, but lower ceiling when compared to the other Top QBs. (Ponder may have the higher floor if he checks out medically, and may even be a better prospect than Gabbert in the right system).

    If the Titans have Gabbert (hopefully he goes to San Fran) and Locker on the board, I'd still take Locker and eschew the comments of so called experts like Kiper/McShay and be satisfied with my pick and the value. I'm not even sure if the Titans could trade down with the Redskins and Vikings picking at 10 and 12. (Shanahan reportedly thought highly of Locker last year and could be playing games with the media when comparing him to Plummer).

    Either way, I think that Locker is a perfect fit for the Titans and their current personnel. Locker has Tebow intangibles with serious physical, passing talent (cannon arm, mobility, quick/smooth release). Hopefully they get their guy.

    In regards to Kaepernick, I'm just not buying that stock. The guy has a slow motion and slow/average release. He can throw with accuracy on some short to intermediate routes, but his ball placement suffers greatly beyond 10-15 yards and he's a liability at this point throwing in a vertical system. I'm not doubting his ability to be a starting QB for one of the 32 teams in time, but this guy absolutely needs to be a #2 for several years.

    What little I know of Kaepernick, he seems to be a project. The thing I keep hearing about Locker is that he is a coachable version of Jay Cutler. A strong arm guy who had a terrible supporting cast like Cutler did at Vandy. But he also doesn't have the sheepish shrug that Cutler carries around. He's more like Tebow in work ethic. Truthfully, I don't know what's not to like. I keep going back to the Dwight Freeney pick by the Colts. If he's your guy, who cares if you pick him eighth when people think he should be picked 28th. The Colts took Freeney years ago and have never regretted it for a minute. If Locker fits what you do and what you need and he's available, I say take him and don't worry about it at all.

    TitanInsider: Any closer and you'd be in the huddle.

    TerryMc13

  • Do all the Titans fan a favor Terry and remind the guys in Baptist Sports Park that getting your "guy" (especially at QB) is far more important than "perceived" draft value. I've been looking into the quarterbacks for a while (months), and the deeper I dig the more evidence I find that the supporting cast was more the issue, not really Locker (Receiving TE his junior year gets kicked off the team for drug issues - they had virtually no TE his senior year, WR Kearse has a serious case of the dropsies and can't separate against talented CBs, offensive line is just plain bad). The comparison to Cutler at Vandy is accurate in my opinion.

    My belief is that the improvement from the Senior Bowl to Combine to ProDay will show scouts that Locker is very coachable and has the ability to improve. He should also be the most impressive QB in interviews at BSP when he eventually visits. Hopefully it's enough for the Titans to pull the trigger, because Locker will be a Top 10 QB in the NFL someday soon. With all the character concerns around some of the top defensive talent, I hope they don't risk passing up a quarterback.

    Cyrus

  • Cyrus said...

    Do all the Titans fan a favor Terry and remind the guys in Baptist Sports Park that getting your "guy" (especially at QB) is far more important than "perceived" draft value. I've been looking into the quarterbacks for a while (months), and the deeper I dig the more evidence I find that the supporting cast was more the issue, not really Locker (Receiving TE his junior year gets kicked off the team for drug issues - they had virtually no TE his senior year, WR Kearse has a serious case of the dropsies and can't separate against talented CBs, offensive line is just plain bad). The comparison to Cutler at Vandy is accurate in my opinion.

    My belief is that the improvement from the Senior Bowl to Combine to ProDay will show scouts that Locker is very coachable and has the ability to improve. He should also be the most impressive QB in interviews at BSP when he eventually visits. Hopefully it's enough for the Titans to pull the trigger, because Locker will be a Top 10 QB in the NFL someday soon. With all the character concerns around some of the top defensive talent, I hope they don't risk passing up a quarterback.

    Agree completely, Cyrus. I think Locker needs to be the guy, and if they wait till 39, I can almost assure you he will not be there. Easily a quarter of the league needs help at QB, and if you give every team at least one and some two shots at drafting one, there is no way you will end up with a guy who is regarded as the second or third best guy available at the position.

    TitanInsider: Any closer and you'd be in the huddle.

    TerryMc13

  • TerryMc13 said...

    Agree completely, Cyrus. I think Locker needs to be the guy, and if they wait till 39, I can almost assure you he will not be there. Easily a quarter of the league needs help at QB, and if you give every team at least one and some two shots at drafting one, there is no way you will end up with a guy who is regarded as the second or third best guy available at the position.

    I like Locker too but do they trade down to the middle of the round (if they can) and take Locker then and get maybe an extra 2nd for trading or do they trade, take a DL with the 1st round, another QB in the 2nd and maybe a CB (or LB) with the extra 2nd they get from the trade? This would mean they would need to sign Alex Smith ir Hasselbeck which I think will both be available.

    bjacoway

  • I know this may come off crazy but their defense needs A LOT of help! This ship isn't getting turned around in a season. Why not reload on defense and shoot for Andrew Luck in the 2012 draft? I've talked to enough scouts and they seem to ALL think he is a NO-BRAINER franchise QB. I realize this methodology means finishing with the worst record in 2011 but if you're not going to make the playoffs anyway......why not? What's the difference between the 8th pick and the 1st pick, other than the obvious?

    TitanInsider: "Any closer and you'd be in the huddle."

    DarrenMcFarland

  • I'm a fan of locker and if I was calling the shots and had security from the owner that is what I would do. That being said I don't believe that will be the stance taken at baptist sports park having a owner with more than a foot in the grave and craving a championship. But once again I would load up the d and tank it for luck.

    sgtfoley

  • Bud would certainly endorse Luck, considering his dad was a backup QB for the Oilers!

    TitanInsider: Any closer and you'd be in the huddle.

    TerryMc13

  • Why don't they just restructure VY's contract since he says he wants to stay, and keep him for the last year on his contract. If we do this, we would be able to get a beat d-lineman in the first and trade up to get locker, kaepernick, or select ponder or dalton in 2nd. That way any qb we take won't have to be thrown in to start right off the bat. Who cars what they said about trading/releasing vy? They can change their minds. It really is the smarter choice. No one says keep him for tge next 5 yrs or anythinf, but we need a decent vet. All I'm saying is just for next year, why not vy?

    Jeffers

  • Why not VY?? B/c Munchak is trying to instill a new attitude and work ethic.. you don't bring back a player with a "historically poor" work ethic , period..

    Centurycycler

  • Jeffers said...

    Why don't they just restructure VY's contract since he says he wants to stay, and keep him for the last year on his contract. If we do this, we would be able to get a beat d-lineman in the first and trade up to get locker, kaepernick, or select ponder or dalton in 2nd. That way any qb we take won't have to be thrown in to start right off the bat. Who cars what they said about trading/releasing vy? They can change their minds. It really is the smarter choice. No one says keep him for tge next 5 yrs or anythinf, but we need a decent vet. All I'm saying is just for next year, why not vy?

    I just think that horse has left the barn. Plus, once the Mural is taken down at LP Field, I don't think there's any going back. Don't forget Munchak saw the episode in the locker room after the Washington game. If VY will do that to Fisher, he certainly is capable of doing that to Munchak or someone on his staff.

    TitanInsider: "Any closer and you'd be in the huddle."

    DarrenMcFarland

  • It took vy 5 seasons to blow up on fisher like he did. I think no matter what munch does vy will keep quiet. I mean look back to all the times fisher piled vy in favor for kerry. It took losing 6 games in a row and the intervention of bud adams to get fisher to sit kerry. I just want to see vince play under someone else now that fish is gone.

    Jeffers

  • Jeffers said...

    It took vy 5 seasons to blow up on fisher like he did. I think no matter what munch does vy will keep quiet. I mean look back to all the times fisher piled vy in favor for kerry. It took losing 6 games in a row and the intervention of bud adams to get fisher to sit kerry. I just want to see vince play under someone else now that fish is gone.

    Your point is taken, but I think that whole incident against Washington soured the whole organization on VY. Young needs a fresh start elsewhere as much as the Titans need a fresh start away from him. Maybe a few players still have his back, but no one in the front office or on the coaching staff that remains has any real respect for Young after that blowup.

    TitanInsider: Any closer and you'd be in the huddle.

    TerryMc13

  • A few things:

    1. Unless you have the #1 overall pick in 2012, there's no way you're getting Luck. Doesn't matter what you want to trade.
    2. There's no way you can tank a season. Players and coaches have too much pride and are too emotionally invested to let themselves lose on purpose.

    I also don't think there's any defensive player in the Top 10-15 that's impossible to pass up (except for Patrick Peterson). Dareus (overrated) and Fairley aren't even the best DTs in the last two years (Suh). Plus they both have intelligence / character concerns. Dareus has some issues controlling his weight and is more of a run stopper and Fairley is only a one year wonder who also has character / JUCO concerns. If anything, they're better off drafting an Aldon Smith (DE) than a DT if they feel forced to address the defensive line.

    Plus you have to consider that there's a lot of very solid defensive line options in the top of the second round. Paea, Nevis, Austin (more talent than Dareus, but work ethic concerns) should all be available at #39th overall. Add in the fact that there's some decent rotational free agent DTs available (Tommie Harris, Barry Cofield) who could hold down the fort while a 2nd round guy develops. There's also a lot of defensive ends who could be available at 39th or early third who could develop into starters (Sheard, Romeus, Brooks Reed, Justin Houston).

    I just don't see why the Titans should be forced into a defensive player. There's no Safety worth picking in the first two rounds (awful awful class), there's no linebacker that's impossible to pass up at MLB or OLB in the second. (There's no real projected first year starting MLB in the draft, in fact, there likely won't be one picked in the first. Martez Wilson is a workout guy. Not great on tape). Then there's a plethora of good OLBs who should be available in the third round (or at least graded out as such).

    Your best value is at quarterback because once you get out of the first round, the talent falls off significantly, especially for a team with a vertical system. (they're mostly West Coast QBs and Mallett has serious character concerns). Munchak is a first year coach with no quarterback. He has to find his guy who reflects his personality and can be a leader on the field.

    In my opinion their best strategy for the first four rounds would be this:

    1st Round: Draft QB Locker.
    2nd Round: Draft best defensive lineman available (Paea, Nevis, Justin Houston, or other).
    3rd Round: Draft another defensive lineman, or best rated / valued linebacker. (Highly rated WR/TE who slipped into third is also a dark horse pick).
    4th Round: Add depth at Safety or Linebacker. (Highly rated WR/TE who slipped into fourth is also a dark horse pick).

    Edit: I posted this on TitansCentral, but it's pertinent here too. Assuming Fairley drops:

    "Let's count all the "stud" defensive line players in the last few years who busted or have failed to live up to their expectations so far:

    2009 #3 Overall DE Tyson Jackson
    2008 #5 Overall DT Glenn Dorsey
    2008 #6 Overall DT Vernon Gholston
    2008 #8 Overall DE Derrick Harvey
    2007 #4 Overall DE Gaines Adams
    2007 #8 Overall DE Jamaal Anderson

    Even players like Chris Long, Amobi Okoye and Sedrick Ellis have failed to live up to their draft status. That's virtually almost every defensive line player drafted Top 10 in the last several years. And now we have Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley dropping because of character concerns and everyone thinks it's the most blessed circumstance.

    Look at the list, would anyone trade a high ceiling, strong work ethic, high intangibles, athletically gifted, potential face of the franchise quarterback for any of those picks? The Titans need a quarterback more than any other position. If Locker busts it's not going to be from lack of effort and work ethic. Besides why do a strong majority of quarterbacks bust in the first place anyways? Work ethic, attitude, mental toughness. Not an issue for Locker. Pick him at 8th overall and don't worry about perceived draft "value"."

    I for one don't necessarily feel that Fairley dropping is a good thing. It highlights the fact that there's a character issue that seriously impacts his ability to realize his talent. Picking a defensive lineman his hardly a "sure thing". I'd much rather risk a pick on Locker than Fairley.

    This post has been edited 3 times, most recently by Cyrus on 3/9/2011 at 3:03 PM

    Cyrus

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