Well I Picked Calais Campbell....

by Jimmy on Apr 8, 2008 8:12 PM CDT in News Comment 26 comments

....and then got punished by our blogger at Mocking the Draft. Ouch! I won't spend too much time on this. Last year I picked Robert Meachem, everyone thought it was a great pick, and then he turned out to be inactive pretty much all year. All I will say on the receiver front is that Devin Thomas may be Kiper's #1 receiver, but he only produced for one season in college. The Titans don't need another project there.

I think reading his analysis of the pick makes it pretty obvious that he hasn't watched the Titans play. Bryce Fisher may have been of Pro Bowl potential at one point in his career, but the fact that he couldn't get on the field last season ahead of Sean Conover tells me all I need to know about where he is now. Kearse may be able to play 50% of the snaps, who plays the other half?

Why would the Titans need to draft anyone to replace Randy Starks? The last time he was seen on the field was in Cinciannti when he spent the whole day getting knocked 8 yards off the line of scrimmage.

I also don't really see a scenario where the Titans spend this pick on a middle linebacker. They are happy with Ryan Fowler and Stephen Tulloch. Besides that, the middle linebacker isn't on the field much in the scheme they play.

That is my entire reasoning behind the pick. Also, I think Mr. Bennett, who I love as much as August does, will still be there when we pick again fingers crossed....

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Pardon my french...

That dude is a douche.

Is he a 49ers guy? That explains a lot.

by Kayne on Apr 8, 2008 8:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not gonna boo now

But I will be boing April 25th if the Titans take anyone who can't catch the football. Here's a bit of an interview with Anthony Gonzalez of the Colts on what it takes to be a starting WR.

Q: As for the football side, what did Manning expect of you?

A: I found out fairly easily, because I just asked him. There was a point in preseason where I said to him, 'I get the sense that I'm not doing what I have to do. What is it you're looking for me to do?' And he said, 'I need to know that you are going to get open every single time, and that you are going to catch everything I throw to you.'

I don't think we have anyone who could start for the Colts (or any other team for that matter). We need help.

Big WRs typically perform better in their first 3 yrs than mid-range guys. That's why I'm thinking Hardy, Thomas, Keller, anyone.

The only reason our D wasn't tops in every single category was because the offense went 3 and out so often because of those damned drops. Adding someone who can get open and catch the ball will help the D more than a washup DE.

by willchance on Apr 8, 2008 8:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Man I thought

what I had just said in the last post would maybe change your mind a bit. Guess not!

I don't really see how picking a D-Lineman for our team is an F. Its not my first choice, but definitely not an F.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Apr 8, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

the whole draft has been outta whack...

Thomas not going in the first round, but Kelly going no.11? There's no way, IMO, that the GMs get as ga-ga over this group of WRs as the bloggers are.

Also, even Matt's own list of the top 5 remaining prospects are guys we would never draft here, with the exception of no.5 Felix Jones perhaps.

DEAR M. REINFELDT: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD DRAFT EARL BENNETT!!!

by August West on Apr 9, 2008 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Argh, an F?

Does Matt even take into account the actual team management philosophy into this system of his?

Jeff Fisher is probably thinking: that so many WRs are busts it isn't worth it to draft one in round 1, especially not when Heimerdinger might be able to coach up the current WR corps and will rely more on TE in the 'Dinger system anyway.

As much as I love Earl Bennett, we would have gotten slammed for 'reaching' to take him and that all we did was make a 'fan pick.'

Jeff Fisher also loves RBs and the D-Line. How many times have you heard this phrase: "All we need to do is be able to run the ball and stop the run." Well, we spent high picks the last 2 years on RB, so he won't go there either.

So... stop the run.

I don't like this pick. I hate this pick. This pick makes me ill. - BUT: it is probably the most Titans-esque pick we could have made.

by hartley on Apr 8, 2008 8:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't

really dislike the pick, I just don't like it as much as WR.

I think Campbell has tons of talent, and it was a position of need.

We have drafted so many WRs over the last few years in every round other than the 1st, I think its time to take a stab at it. I think VYs progression is the most important thing to this team, and nothing would help more than a WR with some good size and great speed like Devin Thomas.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Apr 8, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think so too.

I just don't think the team will actually do it.

I really will not be at all surprised to see a defensive lineman picked first.

by hartley on Apr 8, 2008 9:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jimmy,...

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. Deep breath, sigh....Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.

One of the reason why I love this forum is that in most cases I agree with you. Really, we see a lot of things so much alike that it is kind of creepy sometimes.

With that being said.....if the Titans select Campbell you will hear an upset yell from me all the way from St. Louis (where I'll be watching my Cardinals on draft day....another place we disagree).

Like BBB said,it's time to take a receiver in the first round. I am obviously biased towards Hardy (although I believe he will be an unbelievable pro), but at least select Thomas. We have to get a WR.....if we select a WR at this spot he may not be a stud this year, but we really need to take that chance. It's time to try to get VY some weapons. I don't think a DE is a good pick, however like someone said above...it seems like something our GM would do.

by gotitans27 on Apr 8, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

f is harsh

i agree with hartley. this is definitely a titanesque pick. would've liked to see an offensive playmaker here...
with that said, what a load of garbage by the analyst. not sure when linebacker became a need for the titans.

p.s. the more i see of devin thomas, the more i like. not more than earl, but i think i'd be good with him at 24 now.

by rolypoly32 on Apr 8, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

great rebuttal

i agree with your points....

by zackmann on Apr 8, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I think if you were trying to make the pick that the Titans would actually make then you did a great job.

I don't see them drafting a WR in the first round unless it's DeSean Jackson (because of his return ability)or maybe Sweed (The Texas connection)

They will not draft a MLB because we don't use one enough.

I would be surprised if they didn't go DL in the first round and all the 1st round DTs are off the board.

The only other position I could've seen us picking besides DE is RB. I wouldn't agree with it, but I could see them doing it. At that position in the first round RB might be the best value.

by theologic on Apr 8, 2008 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Miller is wrong

Assumming Kearse can effectively play half of the snaps. He didn't look at all capable of that last year. Maybe he can resurrect his career in TN, but I think depending on Kearse to start and play 50% of the snaps effectively could be a bit foolish.

Now, to be fair I'm not a big fan of Campbell... but I do think DE is a smart pick for you guys.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Apr 9, 2008 6:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For a guy who says...

"Pick for your scheme," he wanted us to pick a lot of guys who WERE NOT right for our scheme. And saying that DE isn't a need for the Titans is simply incorrect. DT might be a BIGGER need, but DE is definitely a need. What happens if Kearse gets hurt? Suddenly this pick looks BRILLIANT.

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Apr 9, 2008 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Campbell will never

look brilliant. Another DE, maybe, Campbell, nope. Long, Gholston, Merling, Derrick Harvey, and Quentin Groves all get first round grades. Campbell is probably a third round pick after Lawrence Jackson, Cliff Avril, Jason Jones, and Chris Ellis. Interesting to note that Cliff Avril visited Nashville this week. BUT the best way to help our defense is to keep them off the field. That means a WR.

by willchance on Apr 9, 2008 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot

Marcus Howard DE/OLB and Kendall Langford DE/DT. I'm huge on both guys and they are 3-4 rounders.

by willchance on Apr 9, 2008 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DannoE

Did you get my email yesterday?

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles

by Jimmy on Apr 9, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got it this morning...

...on the way out the door and haven't had any time to do anything with it. I'll get something to you, hopefully tonight when I get home.

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Apr 9, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Pick is the correct thing to do

at this time. The Titans are built with a defensive mindset. They will put to much better use a first round pick from the defensive side. The more pressure we can put on the QB the better the chance for a turnover. Javon Kearse is not going to be healthy for most games. We have to get an accurate passer to make a first round receiver worth the pick.

The pick was right on and you did the right thing. Good Work.

by VY on Apr 9, 2008 7:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Love that he mentioned Earl...

but Matt's logic falls apart in his own explination: the only 2 defensive guys he names that are better will play MLB in the NFL. WE DON'T USE A MIDDLE LINEBACKER IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR SNAPS! We never have. That's why we let Godfrey walk all those years ago, and that's why we haven't ever tried to replace him except for guys who weren't starters on other teams and late round picks (plus, I still love Tulloch).

Our division is WR heavy and will be for years. We could use a lock-down nickleback to much more effect than a MLB who only plays 30% of the time.

Campbell was the best defender on the board IMO, and it is a definite position of need. He's a bit of a risk, but who isn't at this point in the draft [other than Earl, and I understand that not everyone is a gung-ho on him as they should be ;-p ].

I give our pick a B because we don't even have warm bodies behind the starters at DE.

DEAR M. REINFELDT: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD DRAFT EARL BENNETT!!!

by August West on Apr 9, 2008 8:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

He lost all credibility with me when he said he would have been OK with a Linebacker. A D-Lineman was the best bet.

We're a run-first team, anyway, and with Crumpler, Gage and Williams, we'll be fine in the receiver department. We won't be throwing many bombs, but that's OK.

Besides, who knows what will shake loose after the draft?

by Rustmeister on Apr 9, 2008 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Perfect Draft Choices

My perfect, but also possible draft is:
1.- DE Campbell (Merling if still available)
2.- WR Earl Bennet (Maybe Hardy will still be available)
3.- DT Red Bryant or Ahtyba Rubin or Trevor Laws
Maybe a G like Greco, Rachal or Young

But unfortunately as I was reviewing the comments of the picks made by our new GM made last year I found a frequent DANGEROUS phrase "He is a better athlete than a player" "He needs to give a 100% on every snap,an inconsistent player". I'm speaking of WR Paul Williams and RB Chis Henry and S Griffin (who turned out to be a very good pick)

So I'm worried our GM will try to gamble on Kentwam Balmer or Frank Okam and more probably if they fall until our 2nd round pick.

by Mexican Fan on Apr 9, 2008 11:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty convinced

that Fisher is heading the draft and free-agent calls in terms of who we go after, while Mike is managing the cap, negotiations and contracts.

Fisher had to have won a lot of power with Bud when he and Reese came to a head a few years ago...

Griffin reeked of a 'Fisher' type guy to me (and that's a good thing, believe me)... it's a big reason I think we'll end up with another defensive first round pick, with O-Line as another spot Fisher loves.

DEAR M. REINFELDT: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD DRAFT EARL BENNETT!!!

by August West on Apr 9, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Griffin Rules!

Proud Member of the Michael Griffin Man-Crush Club.

by gramsey712 on Apr 9, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The cause

I couldn't found a "new" reason for our poor choice in last year draft, than our new GM. For what I've heard in his interviews Fisher doesn't seem to be blinded by athleticism, but to me that was a common factor among our picks last year.

I have and excelent impression of Fisher, more interested in effort and those famous "untangibles". Remember all those Undrafted FA that made the team in recent years like Drew Bennett.

by Mexican Fan on Apr 9, 2008 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

Jimmy. I like the pick. And I would be surprised if we didn't take a DL with our first pick. And here's why. It has been said that this year's draft seems to be full of WR and thin at DL. When it becomes to pick we need a DE first. I would rather get a good DE than an average DE later. Why not a DT? Because we are putting up big money for Hanesworth, that's why. Fisher is a Defense guy. That's why we didn't get a great WR last year and instead went for Griffen. As far as WR goes. Get one 2nd round. You can still get a great wr here, but you might not be so lucky on DE. And when you play some of the best QB's this year. A DE is a must.

by jmac1383 on Apr 10, 2008 2:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs