For the Tennessee Titans, replacing Albert Haynesworth will be anything but a small task. Shortly after Al’s departure to the Nation’s Capital, Jovan Haye was signed and as a result of his pass rushing ability and decent run-stuffing skills, he should emerge as a valuable contributor next season and beyond.
However, the Haye acquisition didn’t exactly address the team’s need for a big-bodied DT. Veteran Kevin Vickerson is currently on the roster, but the Titans lack a younger guy to groom as a run-stopping force for the future.
With that said, let’s take a look at five potential behemoths who could be ripe for the taking by the Titans on draft day.
Judging by this article, it’s pretty obvious that I’m hoping for Brace to become a Titan in less than two weeks. He’s a big body with some pass rushing ability who was overshadowed in college by B.J. Raji, who is projected to be the first DT taken in the draft.
Unfortunately for the Titans, Brace has emerged as a popular guy on the pre-draft circuit. If I were a betting man, I’d wager that a team such as Bill Parcells’ Miami Dolphins, who are desperately searching for a future NT anchor for their 3-4 defense, will insert the proverbial dagger into my hopes of Brace becoming a Titan.
Therefore, I’m “bracing” for Ron not being available when the Titans are on the clock in the 2nd round.
Judging by his recent entry in his personal draft diary, the Titans could wind up as Sen’Derrick’s NFL employer.
Marks was in town for a visit last week and according to the talented young DT, the Titans were very interested in possibly selecting him in late April:
“The Tennessee Titans flew me in for a visit. They didn’t spend much time making physical assessments, though, and seemed more interested in getting to know me as a person. I guess they wanted to see how I act around people, how well I can relate with people.”
“I really liked it there. Everyone from (head coach) Jeff Fisher on down acted like normal people the whole time, which was really cool.”
Marks has a world of talent but has been lacking in the consistency department. If drafted by the Titans, I’m pretty confident that Jim Washburn could whip Sen’Derrick into a mighty fine NFL player.
Playing for Jeff Fisher’s alma mater, Moala was a destructive force during his college career as a Trojan. Fili, who is also the cousin of the Ravens’ Haloti Ngota, is projected to go somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Moala has the physical ability to be a good player in this league. However, there are some minor concerns that Fili may be a tad bit overrated as a result of coming from the highly-successful Southern Cal program.
If his name sounds familar, it’s because it should. I mentioned Hill as a potential small-school diamond in the rough in this recent article.
Sammie has the size but lacks the pedigree of more highly regarded prospects such as the ones I’ve already mentioned. However, the Titans have displayed on more than one occasion their willingness to take a chance on guys hailing from smaller programs, so a raw talent such as Hill could easily end up on the Titans’ draft day radar.
On draft day, Miller will be looking to join the ranks of Vince Young, Michael Griffin, Bo Scaife and Ahmard Hall as yet another Texas Longhorn to make his way to Nashville.
Miller, who recently visited Baptist Sports Park, is one of those high-production, low-potential guys. His physical skills don’t overwhelm you, but nonetheless, he’s one of those players who always shows up on film making plays.
Roy, a great character-guy with a lot of intangibles, could emerge as a steal somewhere in the draft’s later rounds.
Your turn, audience: What DT would you like to see the Titans select on draft day?
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