2013 Titans Mock Draft Pre-Combine - Rounds 5 - 7

Round 5, Pick 135

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.

Kiko Alonso Draft Profile

 Alternative 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.

Christine Michael Draft Profile

****The Titans currently do not have a 6th round pick, having traded it to draft Scott Solomon in the 2012 draft.******

ROUND 7, PICK 200

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.)

Joseph Randall Draft Profile

ALTERNATIVE PICK 1:

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.

Zavier Gooden Draft Profile

ALTERNATIVE PICK 2:

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.

D.C. Jefferson Draft Profile

2013 Titans Mock Draft - PreCombine Rounds 1 - 4

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 National Championships. 

Chance Warmack Draft Profile

Alternative Pick:

 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.

Sheldon Richardson Draft Profile

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.

Barrett Jones Draft Profile

Bonus links:

Bruce Matthews Player Profile

Kevin Mawae Player Profile 

Alternative Pick:

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.

Sam Montgomery Draft Profile 

Round 3, Pick 70

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.

Shawn Williams Draft Profile

Alternative Pick:

BONUS TANK CARRADINE PICTURE FOR THE LADIES!!!

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.

Cornelius "Tank" Carradine Draft Profile 

Round 4, Pick 104

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.

Marcus Lattimore Draft Profile

ALTERNATIVE PICK:

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.

Sylvester Williams Draft Profile

There you have it my draft selections for rounds 1 through 4. What are your thoughts? Who would you pick and why?

Which Titan on Defense Will Step Up and Lead?

I addressed which Titan would step up on offense here Which Titan Will Step Up on Offense?. Now lets talk about which Titan will step up on defense. In my opinion, there are more likely candidates on this side of the ball than on offense. I'm not sure what that says about the Titans defense of 2012. Draw your own conclusions. I didn't really see anyone step up, in any major way at least, on the defensive side of the ball. So who are my prime choices? Here they are in alphabetical order.

Linebacker Akeem Ayers has really had two solid seasons since the Titans drafted him in the second round in 2011. Ayers has led the team in tackles since his rookie year, playing primarily at the linebacker position. A versatile young player, he can also line up as a pass rusher, and has 8 career sacks. He is an engaging guy with a great personality and seems a natural choice to be a leader on defense.

Rookie linebacker Zach Brown had an outstanding rookie campaign for the Titans. He was third on the team in tackles with 93 and added 5.5 sacks to boot. All this despite playing in limited packages until assuming the starting role in week 8. Need more evidence the rookie is poised to be a leader on this defense? Watch the last game of the season when he had a very serious coming out party. The team was lethargic and lifeless until Brown intercepted a Chad Henne pass late in the second quarter and returned it 79 yards for a pick six.

Jason McCourty is a guy I think the Titans need to step up especially in the defensive backfield. The Titans have sorely missed Chris Hope's leadership in that group, and while safety Michael Griffin has greatly improved in the leadership category, he has not proven to be the leader the Titans need in the secondary. McCourty had a very nice 2012 season and is poised in my opinion to be a really good cornerback in the National Football League. Can he step up and be a leader in the secondary? That is my only question about him.

Defensive end Derrick Morgan has finally recovered from the ACL injury he suffered in his rookie season in 2010. The 3rd year player had a very good 2012 season, leading the team in sacks with 6.5. Morgan carries a quiet confidence onto the field, doesn't talk much and came across as a guy who prefers to let his play speak on the field. Is Morgan capable of taking that demeanor and translating it into an effective leadership amongst his peers? I think he can.

Fellow defensive end Kamerion Wimbley is another good candidate to be a leader on the Titans defense. The Titans added the 7 year veteran in the 2011 offseason. Like Morgan, Wimbley projects a quiet business like confidence. Not to take anything away from any of the other defensive players, but Wimbley has a motor that never quits and while it took a while to adjust to his new role in the Titans defense, he finished the season with 6 sacks. He brings it every play and has exactly the kind of attitude this Titans defense needs.

Honorable Mentions:

I already mentioned Michael Griff and I would also add Jordan Babineaux to the list of possible candidates. Obviously, the problem is that safety was the weakest position on the Titans defense last season and neither guy is assured of a role in 2013. Still, both guys have shown leadership qualities.Sen'Derrick Marks is also a guy I think could step up and bring leadership qualities to the team. Unfortunately, he is a free agent and it is unclear whether he will return to the Titans in 2013.

Note:

I didn't put Colin McCarthy on this list simply because he has already been a leader on the defense. Unfortunately, his injuries have prevented him from being on the field and that void showed in the Titans defense last season.

Which Titan on Offense Will Step Up and Lead?

The Titans lack leadership and direction. This is hardly a surprise to anyone who follows the team or pays any attention to the NFL. Is this coaching? Is it personnel? Both? Yeah, I think I will have to go a bit with both. In my opinion it's pretty clear leadership on the field needs to be better. Who are the likely candidates? Let's take a look.

On offense, the clear choice has to be Jake Locker. Am I right? The starting quarterback is generally a leader, if not THE leader, on offense and Locker has already shown he has those attributes. The Titans are hopeful he will stay healthy in 2013 and if he can he should be the clear leader on offense.

Are there any other candidates? I think so.

Nate Washington has proven he can be a dependable veteran and go to guy for the Titans. Was he a leader last year? I think its debatable. Can he be a better leader? I think without question he can be a better leader both on the field and in the locker room. I would like to see him be more vocal with the young receivers.

This may seem an unlikely choice because offensive lineman AND he is super quiet. I am not of the opinion you have to be a loudmouth to be a leader. Roos is the best offensive lineman on the Titans roster and one of the best left tackles in the game. He comes across as intelligent and his knowledge of the game particularly the offensive aspect is unquestionable.

This might seem another unlikely candidate since it is rare you would find a backup player, much less the backup quarterback, a leader on the team. Hasselbeck can pull this off. His accomplishments in the game speak volumes and he has a proven track record as a leader. Finally, Hasselbeck is a smart guy who is not afraid to voice his opinions. He has embraced whatever role the Titans have asked of him and been all class about it.

Honorable Mentions:

The Titans offensive line was in disarray in 2012 but Fernando Velasco was a bright spot. Unfortunately,  he is a free agent and there has been no information on whether the Titans will bring him back. Rookie wide receiver Kendall Wright was also a bright spot and is also a likely candidate to be a leader on offense.

Those are my choices. What say you? Who would you choose and why?

Manti Te'o - The Michigan Pep Rally in Gifs

Someone tweeted a link from Darren Rovell into my timeline, and I couldn't resist giffing this Michigan Pep Rally he was talking about. Pay close attention to the guy standing on the right side, in front, beside Brian Kelly. In fact, all the expressions on the guys faces are pretty hysterical. Classic.

Kenny Britt - Here's Your Sign

As you probably know by now, Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt is once again in the crosshairs of a police investigation. The facts remain sketchy but what remains clear is that Britt is once again wanted for questioning in a police investigation originating in New Jersey in the wake of a stabbing that led Britt to drop the currently unidentified person off at the hospital. Add a shooting and possible other side issues and the issue appears as seedy as it sounds.

Britt's lengthy troubles in Jersey are well known, and well documented but you won't find them here. Mostly because I don't care to look back at the litany of issues he has brought to the Titans and I don't feel compelled to be ticked off at the moment. If you feel compelled to do so, I would suggest checking www.ProFootballTalk.com or www.Tennessean.com where I am certain you can find them. Just knowing about this one is enough to bring me to this conclusion. Enough is enough.

As frustrating as it seems, this might just be a blessing in disguise for the Titans. Britt clearly has nothing between his ears and I don't see that changing any time soon. His talent has been enough to make the Titans overlook the laundry list of incidents where involving late nights, sirens, police, and uber stupidity. This latest incident might be the nail in the coffin of this incredible waste of god given talent.

Significant 2013 NFL Dates

 

2013 NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE IMPORTANT DATES

– DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE –

January 5-6 January 6	-- --	Wild Card Playoffs Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that have byes in the Wild Card weekend may
		be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of the Wild Card games.
January 12-13	--	Divisional Playoffs.
January 13	--	Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that won their Wild Card games may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of Divisional Playoff games.
January 15	--	Deadline for underclassmen to petition for special eligibility for the 2013 NFL Draft.
January 19	--	East-West Shrine Game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.
January 20	--	AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 24-25	--	Regional Combine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
January 26	--	Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
January 27	--	AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii.
January 27	--	An assistant coach, whose team is participating in the Super Bowl, who has previously interviewed for another club’s head coaching job may have a second interview with such club no later than the Sunday preceding the Super Bowl.
February 2	--	Texas vs. Nation College All-Star Game, Eagle Stadium, Allen, Texas.
February 3	--	Super Bowl XLVII, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
February 9-10	--	Regional Combine, Orange Coast College-Lebard Stadium, Los Angeles, California
February 16	--	Regional Combine, Methodist Training Center (Texans), Houston, Texas
February 17	--	Regional Combine, Cleveland Browns Training Facility, Cleveland, Ohio
February 20-26	--	Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 2-3	--	Regional Combine, Atlantic Health Jets Training Facility, New York/New Jersey
March 9	--	Regional Combine, One Buccaneer Place, Tampa, Florida
March 10	--	Regional Combine, Halas Hall (Bears), Chicago, Illinois
March 9-11	--	Clubs are permitted to enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the current League Year.

March 12	--	Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2013 on all players who have option clauses in their 2012 contracts.
March 12	--	Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit Qualifying Offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.
March 12	--	Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a minimum salary offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2012 contracts and who have fewer than three seasons of free agency credit.
March 12	--	All 2012 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 12	--	Top-51 Begins. All clubs must be under the Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 12	--	The 2013 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
March 12	--	Trading period begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, for 2013 after expiration of all 2012 contracts.
March 16-17	--	Regional Combine, Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Atlanta, Georgia
March 17-20	--	Annual League Meeting, The Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona.
March 23-24	--	Regional Combine, Virginia Mason Athletic Center (Seahawks), Seattle, Washington
March 23-24	--	Regional Combine, Baltimore Ravens Training Facility, Baltimore, Maryland
April 7-8	--	Super Regional Combine, Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, Texas
April 25-27	--	NFL Draft, New York City, New York.
May 20-22	--	NFL Spring League Meeting, Hyatt-Harborside, Boston, Massachusetts.
September 5, 8-9	--	NFL Kickoff 2013