2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Draft Needs

The Titans have got a steady dose of busts over the last five drafts so their back-to-back solid seasons have truly been amazing. The 2003 draft class didn't even produce one starter on the 2007 team. Vince Young looked like a miracle worker in his rookie season, but teams have figured him out, and the Titans know that they must put more talent around him if they want to develop into an elite team in a tough division. The defense was superb last season, finishing fifth as the fifth best in the league, so now it's time for the team to devote some more attention to the offense. Find out which position the Titans could use the most in this 2008 Tennessee Titans NFL Draft needs preview.

#1 Wide Receiver

The Titans lack a downfield threat to spread the field so that Vince Young can continue to make plays with his legs. Justin Gage turned out to be a pleasant surprise, but he is no number one. The Titans are expected to make a run at a solid veteran receiver through free agency, but they will also look to add one through the draft. Florida's Andre Caldwell or LSU's Early Doucet would provide the big play threat that the Titans have been living without.

#2 Tight End

Bo Scaife was dependable last season, and he will still be a part of this offense, but the Titans could use a tight end like Indy's Dallas Clark or San Diego's Antonio Gates to add more playmaking ability to a lackluster offense. USC's Fred Davis has superb hands but may not have the speed the Titans are looking for. I think Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett could turn out to be this season's tight end gem.

#3 Running Back

With Tennessee deciding that Chris Brown is not their guy, shipping him to Texas, the Titans need to add a nice change-of-pace back to compliment LenDale White. East Carolina's Chris Johnson and Georgia's Thomas Brown appear to be great options.

#4 Offensive Guard

The Titans would like to add depth to their offensive line by coming away with a solid guard prospect. With the possibility of losing two starters, they need to address this spot. Maryland's Andrew Crummey and Pitt's Mike McGlynn are intriguing options.

#5 Return Man

Every time Chris Davis went back to return a kick last season, I watched knowing that he could cough it up at any time. The Titans' offense struggled immensely last season and adding a homerun threat to improve field position and to make defenses waste time planning on the kicking game, the way they do for Chicago's Hester, would be a huge help.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 8th, 2008