Barring an unlikely trade, the Tennessee Titans are the proud owners of the 30th pick in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.
Hopefully, the Titans can attain the same amount of success they had the last time they picked at the #30 spot. In 2000, the Titans chose a young LB out of Syracuse by the name of Keith Bulluck, who as we all know, has become quite a player in the NFL.
With important draft-related dates such as the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine still down the road, there’s a lot that can happen between now and draft day that will impact what the Titans will do when they’re officially on the clock.
However, since we’re all suffering from the doldrums of the offseason, let’s take an early, early look at the type of players the Titans could be looking at with their first-round selection.
Outside Linebacker
Both starting OLBs Keith Bulluck and David Thornton are at/over the age of 30, so it might be a great time for the Titans to think about the future at that position. At this point, it’s hard to say whether or not Stanford Keglar will emerge as a future starter at OLB, so the Titans might be wise to bring in some additional young talent at the position.
Potential candidates
Clint Sintim (Virginia) a good athlete with great size (6’3″, 254lbs).
Brian Cushing (USC) Has some durability issues, but is a very instinctive player who produces. Solid all-around LB.
Cornerback
Nick Harper (34) isn’t getting any younger, so the Titans could be tempted to go cornerback with their first-round pick. Also, 5 of their 14 unrestricted free agents are corners (Carr, Fuller, King, Poole, Hill) so the decisions the Titans make regarding those FA’s will undoubtedly play a role in their course of action on draft day.
Potential candidates
D.J. Moore (Vanderbilt) the local kid from Vandy is explosive and fast. Can also chip in at KR/PR if for some strange reason the Titans don’t re-sign Chris Carr.
Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest) At 5’9 190lbs, he’s built along the lines of current Titan corner Cortland Finnegan. Smith intercepted a combined 15 passes in his last two seasons at Wake and like Moore, he is also a playmaker on special teams.
Defensive Tackle
The well-documented Albert Haynesworth decision will loom large in whether or not the Titans go DT in the first round. If Big Al departs for financially greener pastures, the Titans may decide to beef up the DT spot at pick #30.
Potential candidates
B.J. Maji (Boston College) has Haynesworth-like bulk (325 lbs) and is very quick for his size. Washburn could do wonders with Maji’s natural talent.
Sen’Derrick Marks (Auburn) An SEC guy who ironically, patterns his game after Haynesworth.
Wide Receiver
I know, I know: the Titans haven’t drafted a WR in the first round since Kevin Dyson in 1998.
The Titans could use the services of a playmaker opposite of Justin Gage. Given the team’s recent history of not taking a wide receiver in the first round, I highly doubt that the outcome of pick #30 in 2009 will be any different.
However, one can dream…
Potential candidates
Jeremy Maclin (Mizzou) A dynamic playmaker with the speed to take it to the house on any given play. He probably won’t be a Titan, but since I’m dreaming…why not dream big?
Percy Harvin (Florida) Injuries could be an issue, but no one can doubt his ability to make plays.
What are your early thoughts on what the Tennessee Titans should do with pick #30?
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