| Jeff Risdon. 22nd May, 2007 - 2:41 pm
 The picks:
1st round, #19 overall--Michael Griffin, S, Texas
2nd round, #50--Chris Henry, RB, Arizona
3rd round, #80--Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State
4th round, #115--Leroy Harris, C/G, NC State
4th round, #128--Chris Davis, WR, Florida State
5th round, #152--Antonio Johnson, DT, Mississippi State
6th round, #188--Joel Filani, WR, Texas Tech
6th round, #204--Jacob Ford, DE, Central Arkansas
6th round, #206--Ryan Smith, CB, Florida
7th round, #223--Mike Otto, T, Purdue
Best pick: Harris
Worst pick: Henry
Analysis:
This draft class is a major head-scratcher. Griffin is a great tackler at safety, a very good athlete with excellent closing speed who can play some CB in a pinch. He doesn’t feel blocks very well and isn’t an instinctive play reader, though. He will provide a bonus on special teams, where he is an extraordinary punt and kick blocker. It appears the Titans will use him as their nickel back right away, which begs the question: why not just draft a CB, and Griffin’s Longhorn teammate Aaron Ross was still on the board? Puzzling indeed considering their current safeties are far more talented than their current CBs.
Henry is one of the most impressive physical specimens I’ve ever seen, and his value soared after his 40 times and agility drills at the Combine. But if he is so talented a runner, he probably would have more than 7 starts and around 800 rushing yards in his 3 years at Arizona. Consider that almost one quarter of his collegiate production came in one game, and that he couldn’t consistently win the job against competition that will never sniff an NFL training camp. He’s got great potential, but the Titans already have a big, developmental-type RB in LenDale White, last year’s 2nd rounder. Other backs with more proven production and a more divergent style from White’s were available much later in the draft.
Williams is much like Henry, a physical marvel who didn’t always meet the expectations on the field. He’s great in open space and has the ability to reach poorly thrown balls, and with Vince Young as a QB he figures to see a lot of both of those. His hands and desire are questionable. Harris could be a real steal in the 4th round. He’s a fierce competitor with great technique and understanding of the game.
Harris can play either G or C and could start right away.
Davis and Filani are both needed roster fillers at WR, though I do think Filani could develop into a pretty reliable possession receiver and blocker. Davis is a better athlete and route runner but several teams had him pegged as a 7th rounder or undrafted free agent.
Antonio Johnson fits in with the earlier picks of Henry, Williams, and Davis; a physical marvel who is invisible on the field as often as he dominates it.
Smith is a smart pickup in the 6th round, an experienced starter who is much better in coverage than run support, which is an asset on this defense.
Otto is a good mirror-type blocker who could make a quality backup.
Grade: D
The Titans drafted a lot of great athletes that they hope to mold into good football players. I believe Jeff Fisher is the best coach in the NFL, but he’s not a miracle worker, and it will be miraculous if more than half these guys work out. They put off urgent needs at CB, DL, and OL in favor of risky choices at positions of lesser need. Still, Griffin and Harris will make them significantly better at those positions. |
