FanPost

The Optimum Titan's Mock Draft 2.0

Hello MCMers!

I recent wrote a previous Mock to this one, but in light of a post Jimmy found about exactly what our compensatory picks could be, and when considering the Titans could have the great problem of having nine picks instead of the boring six got my mocking juices flowing again. Also considering the Senior Bowl is done and that new prospects have entered the fray. Its time.

So, here we go again:


The Optimum Titan's Mock Draft 2.0 Pre-Combine Edition

1st: Chance Warmack OG Alabama

Height: 6-2 Weight: 322

Alternates:

FS Kenny Vaccaro DT Star Lotulelei CB Dee Milliner

Warmack is the best guard in the draft, an obvious huge, glaring need for us, but at 10th he also is the BPA. I believe that the elite pass rushers will be long gone by the 10th pick, so why not?. Hopeful he becomes the second coming of Munchak.....player not coach, btw..

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

Warmack hasn't received the national attention that his linemates Barrett Jones and D.J. Fluker have generated, but he has very much caught the eyes of NFL talent evaluators.

Unlike Jones and Fluker, Warmack saw action immediately upon signing with Alabama, playing in five games as a true freshman and earning the starting nod at left guard for each of the 26 contests since.

Despite a relative lack of fanfare, Warmack earned second-team All-SEC acknowledgement from conference coaches in 2011, and on tape it was easy to see why. While shorter than scouts would prefer, Warmack uses his natural leverage and surprisingly long arms to his advantage to move defenders off the line of scrimmage as a drive blocker, clearing a path for Alabama's talented ballcarriers.

Warmack vaulted up the draft boards of many NFL talent evaluators with another excellent campaign in 2012, earning consensus All-American and All-SEC honors during Alabama's run to the national title.

As a veteran with 40 career starts and the ability to get to the second level, Warmack has developed himself into a likely top 10 selection in April.






STRENGTHS: Warmack is considerably lighter on his feet than one would expect given his stout frame, and is adept at meeting and eliminating linebackers at the second level.

In pass protection, Warmack does a nice job of supplying an initial punch and grasping hold of his opponent, showing good lateral agility to slide as well as the anchor to handle powerful bull-rushers.

Warmack is equally effective when asked to drive defensive tackles off the ball or beat linebackers to the action at the second level.

WEAKNESSES: Due to his lack of height, Warmack may lack the position versatility of his more recognizable linemates Barrett Jones and D.J. Fluker, but he is further along in his development than Fluker and, frankly, makes more eye-popping blocks than Jones. Size means that he'll be relegated strictly to interior blocking in the NFL.

-Rob Rang

2nd: Eric Reid FS/SS LSU

Height :6-2 Weight:208

Alternates:

OG Barrett Jones DE Alex Okafor WR Robert Woods

The Titans get a plug and play safety that can hopeful allow Micheal Griffin to step back into his Pro Bowl form. Now with Reid secure the Titans can address Jordan Babineax. He's due 1.6 million, and after grading dead last by the metric used by PFF, the Titans should cut him and get younger and better.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

As the "centerfielder" on a team blessed with such talent at pass rusher and cornerback, it would be easy to characterize Reid as simply a product of the system, but he is a terrific prospect.

He possesses the ideal build and athleticism for the position, shows excellent instincts and is a scrappy, tenacious defender whose big hits and ball skills make him a legitimate weapon in the deep patrol.

Scouts would like to see him wrap up a bit more securely rather than leading with his shoulder, but this is precisely the concern I had with Alabama's Mark Barron a year ago. Barron, who frankly, struggled more with his open-field tackling than Reid has thus far, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 7 overall pick. That's about where I anticipate Reid could end up should he enjoy another stellar season for the Tigers and elect to make himself eligible for the NFL a year early.

Reid is a fantastic downhill athlete with quick read-and-react ability to attack the play with steam spurting from his ears. But his biggest strength is also his greatest weakness, playing with nonstop aggressiveness and intensity, but he doesn't always control that hostility in a smart way on the football field.

He throws his body around and might be the most violent striker in the SEC, but if Reid doesn't learn how to play smarter and harness his fierce playing style then he'll have a tough time making a living in the NFL.

--Rob Rang & Dane Brugler


3rd: Brian Schwenke OC California

Height :6'3 Weight: 305

Alternates:

OT Dallas Thomas CB David Amerson

He's one of guys the Titans were talking to at the Senior Bowl practices but if you look closer it makes since. The Titans don't want another big OG contract on their books ,so they draft ole Schwenke here and leave Fernando Velasco at guard. Schwenke can play all interior offense line positions, but only has one season a Center.

Highlights Video

What they're saying about him:

STRENGTHS: Possesses a compact build well-suited to interior line play. Has a naturally low center of gravity and uses it, along with a wide base and excellent use of leverage to anchor against bigger, more powerful bull-rushers. Possesses an exceptional initial burst off the snap to turn and seal off defenders. Quick, active hands and shows an explosive pop on contact. Keeps his legs driving through the play to finish blocks. Alert, competitive blocker who looks to help his teammates and blocks to the whistle. Very good burst to the second level, showing improved awareness as he gained experience at the position. Made all of the line calls for Cal despite his inexperience at the position. Durable. Played in 48 of 50 possible games for Cal, including 36 starts.

WEAKNESSES: Has only one season at center. Struggled at times with low shotgun snaps in 2012 (Ohio State). While possessing very good quickness to the second level, shows only average change-of-direction and awareness in re-directing to make effective downfield blocks. Must improve in his sustaining of downfield blocks.

COMPARES TO: Max Unger, C, Seattle Seahawks -- Like the former Oregon Duck standout, Schwenke's value lies not only his versatility but in his short-area quickness, reliability and smarts.

Rob Rang

3rd: Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina

Height :6'0 Weight: 218

MCMers rejoice as the Titans find not just a situational back, but a feature back in Lattimore. The knock on Lattimore is that he was hurt in October of last year and we know that ligament injuries take at least a year ,unless your Adrian Peterson, to heal. Lattimore before his injury was on pace for career numbers.

Highlights 1

Highlights 2

What they're saying about him:

When healthy, Lattimore has shown all of the characteristics scouts are looking for in a running back other than elite breakaway speed. Despite his lanky frame, Lattimore is a gliding, powerful runner who is just as likely to elude defenders with his subtle weaving as he is to simply bowl them over.

He's also a pro's pro when it comes to the "little" things that many highly touted running backs fail to work on, as he secures the football tightly when heading into the pile, is among the more physical and consistent pass blockers among running backs in the entire country and shows natural pass receiving skills, including the ability to extend and pluck the ball while keeping his body moving toward positive yardage.

If there is a concern with Lattimore it is that he's taken an awful lot of punishment already. Consider that in just the second college game of his career, Spurrier rushed him 37 times against Georgia. Lattimore finished the 2010 season with an eye-popping 412 attempts and rushed for 6,374 yards as a South Carolina prep.

When you're the hammer rather than the nail as Lattimore typically is, the punishment isn't as taxing on the body but before Lattimore earns the first round selection that he seems to so clearly deserve, NFL doctors will have to take a long look at him.

--Rob Rang

4th: Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU

Height: 5-9 Weight: 176

After having sitting out the game for a year and his drug incident, the Honey Badger's stock has dropped to UDFA levels. He 's a great value pick here if he can leave the green stuff alone and return to Honey Badger form. Tyrann will be the prefect press cover nickel back if the Titans start dialing up the blitzes ala Greg Williams.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

Positives: Plays bigger than his size. Doesn't back from the physical challenge of lining up opposite taller wideouts and is actually more effective the closer he is to the line of scrimmage, demonstrating stellar instincts and awareness to avoid blocks and make plays in close quarters. Possesses excellent lateral agility and acceleration which gives him the ability to close quickly on the ball. Is a tenacious defender with strong, active hands to rip the ball away. Excellent ball skills. Minimizes his natural height disadvantage by timing his leap well in jump-ball situations and competing throughout the catch process, ripping away at the ball as he and the intended receiver are descending. Naturally plucks the ball out of the air and secures it quickly. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Quick feet, fluid hips and a legitimate second gear make him very effective in coverage, especially on shorter routes. Dynamic returner with a flair for the dramatic. Has demonstrated the ability to play well on the big stage against elite competition.

Negatives: Lacks ideal height for the position and is quicker than he is fast, making him susceptible on longer throws. Highly aggressive and will bite on underneath routes. Possesses the suddenness to make up for a miss-step but does not have the elite straight-line speed to recover against a well-executed double-move and accurate pass. Trusts his instincts too much and can put his teammates in difficult positions by drifting to where he anticipates the quarterback will be going with the football. As such, cerebral NFL quarterbacks will be able to manipulate him with their eyes and potentially beat him over the top with accurate deep passes. Has a well-documented history of poor decisions off the field that could result in even more struggles given the money and notoriety he'll receive as an NFL player.

Compares To: Antoine Winfield, CB, Minnesota Vikings -- Like the 5-09, 180 pound Winfield, Mathieu has Pro Bowl potential due to his tenacity, instincts and physicality.

--Rob Rang

5th: Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

Height: 6-8 Weight: 267

Let me start by saying that every year there is one or two prospects that seem to have near limitless potential. Devin is that prospect. He plays in the same system; scheme,coaching,rotation,formation, that has produced Jadeveon Clowney, and Melvin Ingram. But he plays on the left side because Clowney is on the right. He has played in 39 games over the past three seasons making 32 starts... credited with 116 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hurries. Nothing eye popping, but move him to RE. Let him sit a year and grow NFL legs, and be coached up by Millard and 10+ sacks could be in his future.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

Taylor is going to be an interesting grade for NFL clubs due to the fact that he offers a unique combination of size and overall athleticism. He shows an explosive burst off the snap and is a naturally smooth accelerator.

Unfortunately, due to his high-cut frame, he's also stiff, struggling with the flexibility necessary to turn the corner efficiently when he does cross the line. His terrific speed allows him to chase down ball-carriers and make flashy plays but too often Taylor is eluded in short spaces.

The fact that Taylor plays a physical brand of football and has such long, powerful arms, however, help him make tackles when, frankly, the rest of his body remains in poor position to do so.

With Clowney operating at the RDE position, Taylor should be able to feast upon the generally slower-footed right tackles and enjoy a nice statline this season. He certainly looks the part but he could prove more of a second or third round prospect come April than the top 10 prospect that his success as a prospective three year standout in the SEC would seemingly warrant.

--Rob Rang

5th: JJ Wilcox SS Georgia Southern

Height: 5-11 Weight: 214

A good value pick , that creates competition and depth in struggling Safety core. Got good reviews from Mike Mayock during Senior Bowl week. This small school kid could be a steal in the 5th and solidify our secondary.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

Josh Norris of Rotoworld/NBC Sports chatted with Kevin Thomas, Matt Osborne and BJ Bennett on ESPN Savannah 104.3 & 1400 yesterday and stated that he has Georgia Southern Eagles Football J.J. Wilcox ranked ahead of Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams from UGA at safety. He went on to say that Wilcox could possibly end up as a top five safety prospect. Norris mentioned being impressed with Wilcox’s versatility and tackling ability. High praise from a leading draft analyst for the former SoCon star.

J.J. Wilcox, Georgia Southern, 6-0, 215. This sleeper has come on strong this season and has scouts buzzing. If he acquits himself well in the Senior Bowl, he can probably lock himself in as a second round pick. He is physical, fast, tough and aggressive, and he has a nose for the football. He just has to show he can play with the big boys.

-Dan Pompei

(Traded the 6th pick to move up 5th round pick DE Scott Solomon)


7th: Marcus Davis WR VT

Height: 6-3 Weight: 230

With Kenny Britt's on and off production, Marcus Davis could provide some depth. In 2013 if issues arise with Kenny we'll have some protection with Damien Williams but after that we have nothing.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

STRENGTHS: Athletic-looking frame with prototypical length and thickness. Deceptively quick feet and suddenness to evade press at the line. Gets up to speed quickly from a stop. Displays hip flexibility to sink and burst on sharp routes. Quick, active hands at the line to shed the jam and release. Hands catcher who attacks the ball in the air. Locates the ball and adjusts his body to position for the catch. Good timing when asked to high-point the ball. Exhibits suddenness to break and separate on slants at full speed. Displays strong hands to secure high-velocity throws off his frame. Can break down in space after the catch, and make defenders miss.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks aggression and urgency when asked to run block. Isn't always as sharp as he's capable of being on his routes, and will round them off too frequently. Needs to fight for position better and display willingness to get physical with defenders when asked to compete for the ball in the air. Doesn't seem to always be on the same page with his QB - will break routes off or cut in the wrong direction. Occasional concentration lapses - will turn his head upfield before securing the ball and drop the easy one. Needs to become craftier at getting separation by utilizing hesitation, jab-step, etc. Chest-traps the ball too frequently despite possessing soft enough hands to routinely pluck. Doesn't seem to have a second gear to really pull away at the safety level.

COMPARES TO: Stephen Hill, WR, New York Jets - Like Hill, Davis possesses some eye-popping measurables, and will probably rise up draft boards on his pre-draft workouts alone. A close look at game tape, however, shows a receiver who, although tremendously gifted, lacks fundamental consistency and tends to coast at times with his effort. He'll have to convince scouts that he's hungry to improve if he's to go any higher than the fifth round, despite having elite talent.

--Derek Stephens

7th Aaron Mellette WR Elon

Height: 6-4 Weight: 214

Truly a man amongst boys in college, putting up crazy stats. He had 113 recs for 1639 yards and 12 TDs in 2011. Then put up 95 recs for 1408 yards and 18 TDs in 2012 . Hopeful he takes off immediately like Colston or if not we stash him till he's ready like Preston. Note: In 2012 Aaron beat the hell out of Appalachian State 13 recs 247 yards and 3 TDs.

Highlights

What they're saying about him:

Against Vandy last season in the season opener, Mellette had a game-best 11 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown reception. Although a small sample, he wasn't overmatched against the Commodores' pass defense, which ranked 18th in the FBS last season. Despite not facing elite defenses each week, NFL teams and pro scouts are well aware of Mellette and his remarkable production.

"Flip on the Elon-Appalachian State game from last season," said one pro scout. "Quick was good, but that Elon kid (Mellette) was the most impressive receiver on the field that day. If you're looking for flash and sizzle - Mellette isn't your guy. But if you want production, I think he can be a reliable player at the pro level."

-??

He has size, hands and instincts. He is compared frequently to last year’s small school phenom at the position Brian Quick. But he is not as fast. Mellette has had some production against high caliber competition.

-Dan Pompei

Undrafted Free Agents:

Alex Hurst OT LSU

Height: 6-6 Weight 330

STRENGTHS: Ideal height, Long arms and powerful lower half. Exhibits impressive lower body strength when asked to drive block ends or guards off the line. Gains leverage quickly when asked to seal off the outside edge. Establishes consistent inside hand-placement as a run blocker, and is extremely tough to shake once he gets a hold of his opponent. Despite lacking top athleticism for the position, appears to be adequately quick in a short area and can get to the 2nd level consistently. Flashes good blocking angles downfield against smaller, quicker defenders. Relentless, high-effort player who doesn't let up, and exhibits an "attack" mentality.

WEANKESSES: Mysteriously disappeared from action (and from campus) toward the latter part of his senior campaign, leading many to suspect he may have quit football altogether. Lacks fluidity and suddenness in space, which manifests when he's asked to mirror quick rushers laterally. Slow to establish position and get set off the snap in pass protection, putting him in "recovery" mode at times almost immediately against speedy edge rushers. Gets over-extended and folds at the waist in pass protection, often reaching off the snap instead of sitting back and punching. Heavy feet make him susceptible to inside and change-of-direction moves. Needs to get his hands up and initiate more violent contact when punching, as his foot quickness is not sufficient to simply mirror without contact. Seems to lock onto his opponent early from a concentration standpoint, and will miss the occasional B-gap blitzer. Appears overwhelmed with blitzes to his side at times and lacks decisiveness when multiple rushers are in his vicinity.

COMPARIES TO: Tyler Polumbus, OT, Washington Redskins - Like Polumbus, Hurst plays with instincts and toughness that help to compensate for what he lacks in natural athleticism. However, his "plus" raw power and superior size make him a better guard option than the former UDFA, which had me grading him out as a consideration in the latter 2 rounds midway through his senior campaign. Right now he projects as a UDFA in light of his late-season disappearing act.

--Derek Stephens

Knile Davis RB Arkansas

Height 6-0 Weight: 226

Highlights

Overview

While Bobby Petrino's offense has typically led to gaudy statistics for its quarterbacks and receivers, Davis proved in 2010 that running backs can certainly enjoy success in his scheme, pacing the SEC with 1,322 yards and chipping in 13 touchdowns despite only starting eight of 13 games.

Blessed with a similar combination of size and speed that helped former Hog Darren McFadden earn the No. 4 overall pick of the 2008 draft, Davis' 6.48 yards per attempt led the NCAA among running backs who logged at least 200 carries. Perhaps most exciting, Davis seemed to get stronger as the season went on, posting 100-plus yards in each of his final five games.

With a talented supporting cast around him, Davis looked poised to build upon his impressive 2010 campaign last season but suffered a broken ankle during a fall scrimmage, ending his junior campaign before it even really started.

He returned in 2012, but whether it was due to Petrino's departure and the struggles of the entire team or if Davis wasn't back to 100 percent health, he averaged just 3.4 yards on 112 carries with two touchdowns.

Davis was eligible to play another season due to his 2011 injury, but opted to entire the NFL Draft.

Davis worked his tail off to return from injury, but he ran too hesitant and indecisive this past season, including issues with ball security. He was caught stopping his feet too much, routinely looking to bounce runs outside and not running with much conviction. But NFL scouts are hopeful he can return to his 2010 form.

A physical freak with the upside to warrant early round consideration, Davis' NFL draft stock ultimately will hinge on the medical grade he's given by team doctors.

Analysis

Strengths: Scouts like Davis' size, breakaway speed and soft hands out of the backfield. He's worked hard to become a reliable pass blocker and is highly respected by his teammates and the coaching staff, earning the captain role as both a junior (2011) and senior (2012).

Weaknesses: He is a bit stiff, especially in his upper body, and has struggled with ankle injuries throughout his football career, dating back to high school.

Compares To: Darren McFadden, Raiders - Like McFadden, Davis has good size and speed - at least pre-injury. But he also runs with a relatively high-center of gravity, which causes him to run a bit upright and absorb big hits from defenders.

--Rob Rang

Quanterus Smith DE Western Kentucky

Height: 6-5 Weight: 248

Fanpost with Highlights


Matt Summers-Gavin OT California

Height: 6-4 Weight: 300

Overview

The Cleveland Browns surprised many back in April with the selection of offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz out of Cal with the fifth pick of the second round when several more recognizable offensive tackles were still available. Anonymity often comes with the territory as an offensive linemen, but nowhere more than at Cal where high profile skill position prospects normally get most of the attention.

The same lack of celebrity that made Schwartz a draft-day surprise could occur again in 2013 with Summers-Gavin, who in starting all 13 games a season ago at right tackle served as the blindside protection for southpaw quarterback Zach Maynard. Summers-Gavin was recognized by the conference coaches with honorable mention accolades last season in what was his first season at the position after playing in 19 games (starting 12 of them) at left guard over the 2009-10 seasons.

Analysis

Possessing the long, well-proportioned frame of an offensive tackle, Summers-Gavin may be able to remain on the outside at the next level, though he'd have to stay on the right side. His lack of top-notch agility in pass protection, as well as his comfort as a combination blocker could earn him consideration for a move back inside for an NFL club, as well.

--Rob Rang

Rod Sweeting CB Georgia Tech

Height: 5-11 Weight: 182

Overview

The more experienced cornerback on the Georgia Tech depth chart, Sweeting leads the team with 39 career games under his belt.

The senior is one of the top leaders on the team and is only one of three ACC defensive backs who defended at least 12 passes last season. Sweeting was one of the top recruits out Georgia four years ago, choosing in-state Georgia Tech over Ohio State and Auburn.

He didn't start as a freshman or sophomore, but he played in every game as a valuable member of the secondary. Sweeting started all 13 games last season at cornerback, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors as he tied for the team-lead with three interceptions.

Analysis

He has good length for the position, but needs to add more muscle and bulk to his lean frame to match up better at the next level. Sweeting plays fast with smooth body control and natural instincts to read/react in a flash while staying under control. He currently projects as a mid-round draft pick, but is definitely in the conversation of being the top senior cornerback in the conference.

--Dane Brugler

Recap:

1st: Chance Warmack OG Alabama

2nd: Eric Reid FS/SS LSU

3rd: Brian Schwenke OC California

3rd: Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina

4th: Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU

5th: Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

5th: JJ Wilcox SS Georgia Southern


7th: Marcus Davis WR VT

7th Aaron Mellette WR Elon

UDFA:

Alex Hurst OT LSU

Knile Davis RB Arkansas

Quanterus Smith DE Western Kentucky

Matt Summers-Gavin OT California

Rod Sweeting CB Georgia Tech