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The Titans are going to have a top 5 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and it is imperative that they get this one right. The Titans have had 4 top ten picks since they moved to Nashville. Three of those picks, Pacman Jones, Vince Young and Jake Locker, have all been busts. The 4th, Chance Warmack, is arguably serviceable, but sure hasn't played like a top 10 pick to this point. Blowing those picks is exactly how you find yourself as a bottom for team in the league.
That brings us to the Amari Cooper discussion. Look, I love Amari Cooper as much as anyone reading these words. He has single-handedly carried Alabama to the SEC Championship game. Blake Sims, the Alabama quarterback, is terrible if he cannot get the ball to Cooper.
With all of that being said, the idea of taking him in the top 5 scares me. Here is what John Middlekauff of the The Sideline View had to say about Coop:
Not everyone I have talked believes he is the no brainer first WR off the board. Some scouts I know believe West Virginia Kevin White might be the best WR prospect in the country. Most people I talk with liked last years top guys ( Sammy Watkins and Odell Beckham Jr) more as a prospects. His 40 time will obviously be big. His tape speaks for itself, but he doesn’t return and his body type/frame will be important when picked apart. Media may like this guy more than the NFL right now. Top 15 pick, just not sure about top 5.
I cannot disagree with any of that. I think Cooper has the chance to be a really good receiver in the NFL, but I don't see a top 5 pick when I watch him play. A.J. Green and Julio Jones were guys that were clearly top 5 guys coming out. Defenses could not take them away. That is not the case with Amari, and again, I love the guy.
The player the Titans pick, whatever position that ends up being, needs to come in and be a difference maker right away. Like I said, Cooper has the chance to be a really good pro, but I don't think he dominates the game from the minute he steps on the field.
Plus, the Titans need help at every position on defense. That is where they should be looking with their first pick.
Thoughts?
