Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams’ off-season needs. Up next is the team with the nineteenth overall pick in the draft, the Tennessee Titans.
2006 Results: 8-8
2007 Projected Cap Status: $73,000,000 or $36,000,000 under the cap
2006 Season Recap:
The Tennessee Titans opened the 2006 campaign with five consecutive losses and appeared as though they would struggle all season. However, beginning with a 25-22 victory over the Redskins, the team went 8-3 the remainder of the season. Titans rookie quarterback Vince Young defied expectations, assuming the starting role in week 4. He threw for more than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Despite Young’s solid play, the team struggled to move the football through the air, finishing 30th in overall passing. The team ran the ball effectively, finishing with the league’s fifth best ground game. The team’s defense finished last, allowing a league-worst 369.7 yards per game, and they were penalized more than 100 times.
Team Needs:
1. Cornerback – New GM Mike Reinfeldt is faced with the unfortunate prospect of having to cut starter Pacman Jones whose questionable off-the-field behavior has become a serious issue. The team finished 27th in the league is passing defense, surrendering 3,600 yards while allowing teams to complete 63% of their passes.
2. Defensive End – Opposing teams rushed for more than 144 yards per game against the Titans last year, scoring 20 rushing touchdowns. Kyle Vanden Bosch had another solid season but was frequently double teamed. The rest of the unit struggled the entire season and the team lacks any real depth at this position.
3. Wide Receiver – The team holds the 19th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and may use that pick to address its woeful receiving corps. The unit finished 30th in receptions, yardage and touchdowns. Drew Bennett, who lead the team in receptions, has decided to test the free agent waters. Given the relatively weak crop of free agent wideouts, the team will probably look to the draft.
2007 Draft Picks:
1st Round — 19th Overall
2nd Round — 50th Overall
3rd Round — 80th Overall
4th Round — 111th, 124th Overall
5th Round — 129th Overall
6th Round — 142nd Overall
7th Round — 173rd, 189th, 191st
Free agency status:
UFA:
WR Drew Bennett
RB Chris Brown
QB Kerry Collins
DT Rien Long
S Donnie Nickey
LB Peter Sirmon
DT Robaire Smith
WR Bobby Wade
RFA:
C Eugene Amano
OG Jacob Bell
LB Colby Bockwoldt
TE Casey Cramer
TE Ben Hartsock
LB Robert Reynolds
DT Randy Starks
EFRA:
DT Tony Brown
C Justin Geisinger
LB Terna Nande
Check out more at THN’s exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Stephen Zorio