Tennessee had an up and down season in 2012, but showed signs that they could be a very good team in the not-too-distant future. In my opinion, the Titans had one of the best drafts this year and have put themselves in great position to compete for a division title in a wide open AFC South. Their first round selection, Alabama guard Chance Warmack, is the best run blocker to come into the league in years. Tennessee WR Justin Hunter adds another playmaker to their roster and deepens perhaps the team’s strongest unit. With their two third round picks the Titans addressed needs on defense with Connecticut CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Missouri LB Zavier Gooden. Fourth round pick Brian Schwenke, a center from California, is a good prospect that should challenge for a starting spot. LSU DE Lavar Edwards was also a great pick in the fifth round and should be able to help improve their pass rush. The Titans finished out the draft by adding some depth to their secondary
Fantasy Impact
If Chris Johnson is ever going to become CJ2K again this is the year. The additions made to the offensive line in free agency along with Warmack and Schwenke give the Titans one of the best run blocking lines in the league. Johnson perpetually complained about the lack of support from the boys up front, but in 2013, Johnson have very few excuses to make if he does not preform.
Justin Hunter is an explosive deep threat that will compliment Kenny Britt nicely on the outside and open up the underneath for Kendall Wright. Add Nate Washington and this is one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. Hunter is worth taking a shot on in late rounds of the draft, because if Jake Locker can’t get him the ball then Ryan Fitzpack will step in and we all know how much he loves to sling it (just not always to the right team).
The defense is going to be much improved from a year ago, not that they could get much worse. Wreh-Wilson has a chance to step into a starting spot and at the very least will be a great nickel corner. Gooden is raw but has some of the most upside of any LB from this draft. Edwards was a steal in the 5th round and should work into the rotation to add some extra energy and pass rushing ability to the defensive line.
Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | Chance Warmack | G | Alabama |
2 | 34 | Justin Hunter | WR | Tennessee |
3 | 70 | Blidi Wreh-Wilson | CB | Connecticut |
3 | 97 | Zaviar Gooden | LB | Missouri |
4 | 107 | Brian Schwenke | C | California |
5 | 142 | Lavar Edwards | DE | LSU |
6 | 202 | Khalid Wooten | CB | Nevada |
7 | 248 | Daimion Stafford | S | Nebraska |