Recently, I took a look at some potential draft candidates who could possibly fill the Tennessee Titans’ huge void at kick/punt returner. If the Titans aren’t satisfied with spending a mid-to-late rounder on a potential return man, maybe they’d be willing to give up a similar draft choice to acquire a recently-made-available proven commodity at the position.
The guy who was just put on the trading block that I’m referring to is Miami’s Ted Ginn Jr., who, according to reports, has drawn the ire of the “Big Tuna” and could be on his way out of South Beach on/before draft day.
Ginn Jr. is an explosive returner who hasn’t quite lived up to his talent level at the position he was drafted to play: Wide receiver. Constant drops and concentration lapses have consistently been a thorn in Ginn Jr.’s side as he’s failed to develop into the #1 WR that the Dolphins envisioned him of becoming one day. His stone hands make Nate Washington look like Fred Biletnikoff.
Despite his struggles at WR, he’s been more than adequate on returns. Last year, he returned two kickoffs for scores while averaging nearly 25 yards per return. He hasn’t been the team’s primary punt returner since his rookie season, when he did a solid job, averaging 9.6 yards per punt return with one of the 24 punts he fielded turning into an 87-yard touchdown.
If the Titans were to acquire him, it would be more for his special teams’ abilities than his potential contributions at WR. However, it would be icing on the cake if Ginn was able to develop as a threat in a Titans’ offense that could always use the presence of another playmaker.
Ultimately, whether or not the team decides to pursue Ginn Jr. comes down to one question: Should they spend a mid-to-late draft pick on a guy in the draft who could come in and contribute on returns, or should a similar draft selection be sent to Miami to pick up a player who will be a bit more expensive, but has already established himself as one of the game’s better returners?
What’s your answer, guys? Should the Titans acquire a veteran like Ginn Jr. to handle the team’s return responsibilities or draft a guy to fill that role?
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