Tennessee Titans 2009 NFL Draft Needs

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 8, 2009

titans draft 4809 Some experts speculated that the Tennessee Titans would come back down to earth in 2008 after sneaking into the playoffs the previous season. That wasn’t the case at all as their 13-3 regular season record was the best in the NFL last year. The Titans were disappointed by an early postseason exit, however, as their lack of playmakers on the offensive side of the football was exposed in the playoffs.

Biggest Draft Needs – While the Titans do need some offensive playmakers at the wide receiver position, losing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins leaves a big hole at a key defensive spot as well. In the later rounds, they could look to add depth at cornerback – someone who could learn from and then later replace the aging Nick Harper.

Likely Day 1 Targets – The Titans have not had a playmaking wide receiver since Derrick Mason left. A guy like Florida’s Percy Harvin could be a great fit that should be available late in round one. He doesn’t have the size that Michael Crabtree and Darrius Heyward-Bey have, but there are plenty of very good smaller number one receivers in the NFL. Harvin is a game-breaker and this was put on full display in the BCS Championship Game last winter when he wasn’t even at 100 percent. He looked like the most talented player on the field by far in that contest. The Titans need to be able to stretch the field and Harvin gives them a guy who could help them do it. Plus, he has the ability to turn short routes into big plays. There is a question mark surrounding his durability, but Florida used him as a runner quite a bit in college and the Titans would be playing him almost exclusively on the outside.

If the team decides they want to address the defensive tackle hole first, they can look at Mississippi’s Peria Jerry, Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks, and USC’s Fili Moala. Jerry (6′2”, 290) is not the monster that Haynesworth is but he makes up for his lack of size with a tireless motor and great quickness. He has the best range of any tackle in the draft and has shown the ability to chase plays down from behind. If the Titans decide to address the defensive tackle spot in round two, they could get their hands on USC’s Fili Moala. He has been described as a “freak” because of his combination of size and agility (6′5”, 298). Some think he peaked as a sophomore in college and is on the decline, but the talent is there if he wants to make it happen and could end up being a quality steal late in round two.

Recent Draft Track Record – The Tennessee Titans had a very successful 2008 draft, led by speedster Chris Johnson who burst onto the scene with over 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns. Jason Jones was a solid contributor on the defensive line with 31 stops and five sacks. Tight end Craig Stevens proved valuable as a primary blocker. Defensive end William Hayes saw an increasing role as the season went on and wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins shows potential as a kick returner.

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