ESPN Blog Network 2011 NFL Mock Draft

The bloggers that make up the ESPN blog network put out a 2011 NFL mock draft earlier this week. Paul Kuharksy picked for the Titans, and in a shocking turn of events selected Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Kuharsky is more informed that most media people when it comes to the Titans, so this pick carries as much weight as any you will see out there. Here is the comment that was posted with the pick in the draft:

Analysis: A DT with Fairley's power and feet can impact the entire defense, and the Titans need a big transformation on that side of the ball. Still, the gaping hole at quarterback means they may look to maneuver. If they love Jake Locker, it's even possible they'd take him here.

PK had a little more to say on the pick in the post he did on his blog here:

I think the defensive rebuild has to go inside-out. I think the character concerns on Fairley are overblown or are something that line coach Tracy Rocker, who worked with him at Auburn, and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray can handle....

Tracy Rocker's future with this team and possibly in the league will be tied to Fairley's success if this is the pick.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28th and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare for it - NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it all out at SB Nation's NFL Draft Hub and our NFL Draft blog Mocking the Draft.