After seeing this story headline earlier today, my mind began wandering through some "what ifs" from last year.

Nick Fairley arrested for DUI, eluding police

I began to think of the possible horror that was avoided last year when the Titans chose not to draft Fairley at #8.

In light of the horrible decisions Fairley is making ... my thoughts turn a natural shade of pessimistic ...

By drafting Fairley to anchor our defensive line our fates would have domino-ed in this type of fashion:

A) Most likely not drafted Jurrell Casey or Karl Klug ... two of our shining stars on defense. Our ineffective defensive line play continues as Fairley misses a good portion of the season with a foot injury and he probably displays very little upside or production because he's playing next to Shaun Smith, not Suh.

B) We have no Jake Locker. After a big run on QB's in the first round the Titans possibly scratch the idea of trying to draft a franchise QB in 2011.

C) There is no QB competition as Hasselbeck has it wrapped up over our backup, Rusty Smith. Titans fans' hopes and excitement are incinerated as Rusty Smith plays poorly in relief of an injured Hasselbeck. We don't even sniff the 2011 playoffs, but manage to win enough to get stuck drafting between #10-15 in this year's draft.

D) Instead of being able to draft a stud WR or pass rusher in 2012, the Titans have to give up their 2nd round '12 pick to move up a couple of spots and draft Ryan Tannehill. We have no Kendall Wright and no Zach Brown. The Titans defense is ravaged in 2012 because we still have weak play on the defensive line and no one to cover tight ends over the middle. We still have no competition at QB as Tannehill develops and holds a clipboard in 2012.

Very speculative, but possible. Thank goodness we have avoided this grotesque alternate universe. Wowzers.