:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10721761/153100240.0.jpg)
On Saturday, The good folks at MtD hosted another live draft. Dan Kadar was the commissioner and did a great job with it as usual. Originally scheduled for two rounds, the draft stretched into a third round with me reprising my role as Commissioner. As for the Titans, we had a "War Room" going with Deaconbrodie and a couple of others joining in. There were several surprise picks. The most surprising pick had to be the Jaguars taking Ziggy Ansah with the second pick. Tavon Austin going to the Bills at 8 had to be second most surprising. The annual seven round live draft will be held at Turf Show Times on April 23-24 as they graciously accepted the hosting duties. Deacon and I are still negotiating the finer details on that effort but once it's finalized, we'll let you know. Onward to the picks!
1.10 - Johnathan Cooper G/C North Carolina
Analysis - The tenth pick came down to Chance Warmack, Cooper, Keke Mingo, and Dion Jordan (who went 7th to the Cardinals). Once Warmack got picked by the Jets with the ninth selection, it was a fairly open and shut case for Cooper. My plan was to further rebuild the line with Cooper then focus on upgrading the skill positions.
2.40 - Justin Hunter WR Tennessee
Analysis - The idea here was to grab a receiver regardless. My thought process was that I'd be selecting from a pool that didn't include Hunter but when he kept on falling, I had to jump on it. Hunter is exactly the big body receiver the Titans need to take the pressure off of Kendall Wright having to carry the team and insurance for Kenny Britt getting hurt or doing something stupid again. Also in consideration: WR Quinton Patton (La Tech), WR Robert Woods (USC), WR Stedman Bailey (West Va) CB Jamar Taylor (Boise State), CB Darius Slay (Miss State)
3.70 - Blidi Wreh-Wilson CB UCONN
Analysis - I wanted to grab a big corner that could send ATV into the nickel role where he's better suited. Wreh-Wilson is a fast riser up the boards and I couldn't believe no one took him any earlier than I did. The run on corners started shortly after this pick. Wreh-Wilson had a great Senior Bowl and Combine, cementing himself as a second day pick. He's an ideal Jerry Gray/Gregg Williams corner that plays well in zone coverage. Also in consideration: CB Robert Alford (SE Louisiana) and CB Leon McFadden (SDSU)
3.97 - Johnathan Bostic ILB Florida
Analysis - I felt that ILB was more of a pressing need than DE thanks to Colin McCarthy's increasingly worrisome injury history. Selecting Bostic would help alleviate those concerns and allow recent free agent acquisition Moise Fokou to primarily focus on backing up the outside linebackers. Bostic is another high riser up the boards after a good draft process. Also in consideration: ILB Kiko Alonso (Oregon), DE Wes Horton (USC), and ILB AJ Klein (Iowa State)