Today, the Titans agreed on a 2 year deal for kicker Rob Bironas. Jim Wyatt reports the deal worth roughly 6.7 million. I asked Wyatt if he had contract details but heard no response. The Titans have not released any contract details.
I have repeatedly wrote that I thought the Titans should tag Bironas but it appeared the emphasis was on Jared Cook instead. When the Titans elected not to wage a battle over whether the franchise tag definition for Cook would be at wide receiver or tight end, I looked for them to tag Bironas. They didn't.
The franchise tag for place kickers was set at 2,977,000.00 while the transition tag was set at 2,700,000.00. I got my tag numbers from this excellent article NFL Franchise Tag 2013. Rob Bironas is 35 years old and while kickers generally have a longer shelf life it has been reported the Titans were considering a kicker in the draft. A backup plan is certainly not a bad option. Given the numbers involved, on the surface it appears the franchise tag would have been the wiser move.
UPDATE: According to Tom Gower the tag would have been the greater of the two franchise tags, or 120 percent of the player's salary, which would be $4.4 million. You can find Tom Gower's blog on that topic here Total Titans Franchise Tag Analysis.
At
6'4" and 242, Kiko Alonso is my favorite linebacker in this draft. A
versatile defender, he will help bolster a position of strength on the
Titans that clearly needs better depth at the position.I like him so
much I might take him earlier, but if he is still here he is a lock to be my pick.
The Titans need another running back to compliment Chris Johnson, and Christine Michael has the speed and power I want to see in a running back. Michael impressed with his athleticism during the Shrine Game and went immediately on my radar.
****The Titans currently do not have a 6th round pick, having traded it to draft Scott Solomon in the 2012 draft.******
ROUND 7, PICK200
Frankly, I don't expect Joseph Randall to be here in the 7th and if I gain a 6th round pick he would be on my radar (assuming I haven't already filled this spot earlier.)
A bit undersized at 6' 2" and 230, I love how Zavier Gooden plays bigger than his size. He caught my eye when I was scouting Sheldon Richardson, and if I get a chance to draft this guy I will gladly do so as I think he will add much needed depth at the outside linebacker position.
D.C. Jefferson has been pegged as simply a blocking tight end but that is a misconception. At 6' 6" and 258, Jefferson has the ability to make moves in the passing game when given the chance. He simply didn't get a lot of opportunity to do so while at Rutgers.
Here you go Titans fans. As promised, my first full mock draft of the 2013 offseason, 7 rounds of Titans draft prognostication. Acting as the Titans GM, I pick your new 2013 Tennessee Titans. Let me know what you think!
Round 1, Pick #10
With my first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, I choose to shore up a position of need as well as pick one of the best offensive linemen in the 2013 draft. At 6' and 3" and 320 pounds, Alabama OG Warmack helped anchor one of the best offensive lines in college football during the 2012 college football season.
Warmack earned playing time as a true freshman and assumed the starting role the next season. He played left guard his entire career and helped lead the Crimson Tide's rushing attack and helping them win 3 college football NationalChampionships.
At 6' 4" and 295, Missouri Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson fits exactly what the Titans have traditionally liked to do and with former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams assisting the defense again, this pick may be even more likely than ever before. A 3 tech DT, Sheldon is an explosive guy who can shed off blockers and wreak havoc in the backfield he is exactly what the Titans need to fix their defensive woes.
NOTE: My draft philosophy is to scout players I think will fit the
system and not necessarily focus on what the draft experts think or
where most people think a player will get drafted. If a guy is the best
player on your board and fits what you do you take him when you get the chance.
Round 2, Pick 40
I will gladly snag offensive lineman Barrett Jones with my second pick of the 2013 draft and be thrilled this special player fell to me. A Bruce Matthews clone, Jones has played, and excelled at, every single position on the offensive line. I know my offensive line has suffered the loss of the veteran leadership, and All Pro skills, that it lost when the Titans opted to let Kevin Mawae walk. Jones is not only a good player but he is exactly what the offensive line needs at its center position.
The Titans haven't drafted two starting offensive linemen since the 2005 draft when we drafted our two bookend tackles. We took Michael Roos in the 2nd round, and Dave "Big Country" Stewart in the 4th round. Now its time to add two more marque players and 1st round pick Chance Warmack and Jones fit the bill. At 6' 5" and 302, Jones and fellow Tide draftee Warmack led a rushing attack that allowed Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon to both eclipse 1000 yards in the 2012 season. Collectively, the Tide rushed for 3185 yards.
At 6'4" and 260, Montgomery is an all down defensive end who can power his way into the backfield. A fairly polished player, he lies more on strength than speed and with the proper coaching could play both strongside defensive end and weakside.
With the 70th pick in the draft, I now turn my attention to another area that needs addressing and pick former Georgia Bulldog strongside safety Shawn Williams. At 6'1" and 220 pounds, Williams has the speed, physicality and tackling ability I want to see from my secondary players.
If he is there I gladly snag Tank Carradine at this spot, assuming I haven't already taken Montgomery, and know that I have added an impact player on the defensive line. A bit raw, but Carradine could easily work his way into the rotation early on.
Marcus Lattimore is a steal here and while I draft him here if he is ready to play in the 2013 season. Lattimore is exactly the running back I think can compliment Chris Johnson and improve the Titans running game. Durability is an issue but I will have him checked out thoroughly and if he passes medical testing he will be an impact player on the offense.
At 6'3" and 320, Sylvester Williams is a perfect defensive tackle for the 4-3 system the Titans run. Issues regarding his technique and conditioning allow him to drop to later rounds where the Titans jump on the opportunity to add this potential game changer.
