Draft Grade: Tennessee Titans
Notable Picks
11th Overall: OT Tyler Lewan (Michigan)
This was a terrible pick. There were players that were not only more talented than Lewan available, but also ones who filled a bigger need: DT Aaron Donald, FS Calvin Pryor, and OLB Ryan Shazier all fit this description. The Titans already have a talent pair of starting tackles and one pro-bowl guard and the other guard drafted in the first round last year, so where does Lewan fit? Lewan also has some disturbing character issues, namely his taunting of a rape victim.
54th Overall: RB Bishop Sankey (Washington)
This was a great pick. Few ranked Sankey higher than Carlos Hyde, who ended up being selected by the 49ers 5 picks later. While Hyde does run with more power, Sankey is a more complete back who should be able to contribute in the passing game and as a blocker, as well as being an excellent runner.
112th Overall: DT DaQuan Jones (Penn State)
Jones could have easily been selected in the second round, so the Titans got as steal here in the fourth with a solid nose tackle for their new 3 – 4 scheme.
178th Overall: QB Zach Mettenberger (LSU)
Mettenberger has first round arm talent, but his injury and off-the-field issues dropped him to the sixth round. On-the-field wise, he has a big arm and can make all the throws, but his mobility and decision-making could use some work. Off-the-field, Mettenberger is banned from stepping foot in the city of Valdosta, Georgia, after pleading guilty to sexual battery after groping a bar worker there. This was a few years ago, but his maturity is still a concern moving forward.
Even with all of his concerns, the Titans got a bargain with Mettenberger, who should make a serviceable backup for a long time, and may even challenge Locker for the starting quarterback position.
Final Grade: C+
The Titans did pick up a lot of talented players, namely Sankey, Jones, and Mettenberger, but using their most valuable pick on Lewan leaves a sour taste in the mouth. I could understand taking a tackle if Jake Matthews of Texas A&M fell to 11th overall, but Lewan just doesn’t fill a dire need or have the talent necessary to justify a ‘Best Player Available’ pick.
But, ignoring Lewan, the Titans did a great job finding value by picking players who were projected to be selected much higher than where the Titans got them. If Jake Locker can stay healthy and continue to improve his play, and if these rookie players can manage not to repeat their past mistakes, the Titans just might turn things around in 2014.
Leave a Reply