Last week, we took a stab at projecting the performances of the Tennessee Titans’ 2010 draft class as they approach the beginning of their second seasons in the NFL.
Today, we’ll participate in a similar exercise involving the expectations surrounding the Titans’ 2009 draft class as they enter season number three of their professional careers.
With two years in the league already under their belts, let’s take a look at what’s in store for the likes of Kenny Britt, Jared Cook and the other members of the team’s ’09 draft class.
Kenny Britt
Similar to his rookie campaign, Britt showed flashes of his enormous potential during his second season in the league. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury caused Britt to miss several games and prevented him from surpassing his rookie season production of 42 receptions.
As he begins year three of his promising NFL career, the sky is still the limit for Kenny Britt. If he’s able to stay healthy and avoid some of the offseason drama that’s plagued him as of late, there’s no reason why he can’t become one of the premier receivers in this league while providing the Titans with over 1,000 receiving yards on a perennial basis.
Sen’Derrick Marks
In 2011, on paper, Marks appears to be in line for a starting job at defensive tackle, thanks to the release of Tony Brown and the team’s decision to move Jason Jones to DE. However, offseason shoulder surgery has kept Marks from practicing and when he returns, he’s facing some competition as rookies Karl Klug and Jurrell Casey make their marks (pun intended) in training camp.
After competing for playing time during his first two seasons, the time is certainly now for Marks to seize his opportunity to start and run with it. We’ll see if he’s up to the task.
Jared Cook
Entering his third season, Cook appears to be finally poised for a breakout season where his immense potential is finally transformed into regular season production.
New offensive coordinator Chris Palmer is enamored with Cook’s ability and has made it a focus to get him involved in the team’s passing attack. As a result, you’re seeing a much more confident Cook who has the belief of his coaching staff. In last week’s preseason opener, Cook only snagged two receptions, but one of them was a catch where he seemingly scaled the heavens to grab a high Jake Locker pass.
Hopefully, that impressive display of God-given talent is what we’ll see on a regular basis from Cook as he embarks upon year #3 of his NFL career.
Ryan Mouton
Unfortunately, bad has turned into worse for Mouton. After failing to make much of a mark outside of special teams’ during his first two seasons in the NFL, Mouton’s third season has ended before it started, courtesy of a torn achilles tendon suffered at the beginning of training camp.
Gerald McRath
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for McRath so far during his NFL career.
As a rookie, McRath imposed his wrath upon the competition, stepping up as a surprise contributor. His sophomore season got off to a bad start, thanks to being suspended for the team’s first four games.
As he approaches year #3, he’s been demoted from the starting lineup and now serving as one of the team’s linebackers in nickel situations.
Troy Kropog
Despite his mammoth size, Kropog has failed to distinguish himself as the team’s primary backup at offensive tackle. In last week’s preseason opener, his whiff on one particular play led to Jake Locker’s “Welcome to the NFL” moment as he was pummeled by a Viking defender.
To make matters worse, Kropog will miss the next two weeks after having knee surgery.
Don’t be surprised if Kropog doesn’t make the team in 2011.
Javon Ringer
Playing behind Chris Johnson, Ringer has played well in limited opportunities. With CJ currently holding out, opportunity is something that Ringer will have plenty of as he’s now serving as the team’s primary ball-carrier in #28’s absence.
If the Johnson holdout continues well into the regular season, I’m expecting Ringer to perform well. He has a career average of 4.9 yards per carry and if he’s able to stay healthy, he’s certainly more than capable of being at least a solid back in this league.
Granted, he’s no CJ, but if he continue to average close to five yards a carry, the Titans will be ok in the running game with or without CJ (of course, I’m hoping like heck that CJ is signed soon).
Jason McCourty
Arriving as a lowly sixth-round draft selection in 2009, McCourty has stepped up as a contributor on the Titans defense. As the case in 2010, McCourty is involved in a highly competitive battle for a starting CB spot with Alterraun Verner.
Whether he starts or not, McCourty has done well and will continue to see plenty of playing time.
Ryan Durand
Like Troy Kropog, Durand is competing for a backup spot on the Titans’ offensive line.
Nick Schommer
Schommer is facing an uphill climb to earn a roster spot thanks to alot of guys competing for spots at the safety positions. To make matters worse, he’s been limited by a hamstring injury.
As a wise NFL man once said, “You can’t make the club from the tub” so it’s paramount that Schommer can get healthy in time so he can compete for a spot on the roster.
Any thoughts/predictions for the Titans’ 2009 draft class as they enter year three of their careers? Feel free to provide your always welcomed commentary below.
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