Archive for April 15th, 2009

30. Tennessee Titans

-Alphonso Smith (CB/Wake Forest)

Alphonso Smith (NFL.com)

Depth at cornerback is a great concern for the Titans now that Nick Harper is35 years old, and both Chris Carr and Eric King left during free agency. Unfortunately, this leaves Cortland Finnegan as the only long term starter on the roster.

According to MVN: Total Titans blog, GM Mike Reinfeldt wants a difference maker in the early rounds of the draft. Of the players available at the 30th pick, cornerback and wide receiver seem to be likely impact positions that could be addressed.

This logically points to a player like Alphonso Smith of Wake Forest.  Drexel Perry, writer for the Total Titans blog mentioned above says this about Smith:

Despite his lack of size, if it were up to me, Smith would be hearing his name called by the Titans with the 30th selection.

“Phonso” is a fearless force who has great ball skills and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty by making tackles in run support. An intense competitor, he isn’t going to back down from the challenge of covering bigger receivers.

I have mentioned before how much I like Alphonso Smith as a player. I think he is another one of those players that will pleasantly surprise the team he goes to because of his exceptional work ethic, sound fundamental ability, and ball-hawking instincts. What’s more, the Titans are more than willing to make use of small corners like 5’10 Cortland Finnegan, so long as they have the spunk to compensate for their lack of size.

-Brian Robiskie (WR/Ohio St)

Brian Robiskie (NFL.com)

You might have surmised that I am a big proponent of historical trends when analyzing future draft picks. And the Titans have not chosen a WR in the first round since 1998.

However, circumstances are another factor that should be heavily considered here. Ask yourself why Jeff Fisher is so averse to drafting WR so early in the draft?

Mainly because it so tough to pick a winner when so many factors come into play. Will the receiver absorb the playbook? Do they have the physical tools? How quickly will they adjust to the speed and physicality of the pro cornerbacks?

But, if you could find a player that obviously demonstrates such qualities, thus reducing the risk of failure, would Fisher feel comfortable using the 1st rounder on a receiver?  I say, yes, there is a very good chance.

The one player I am referring to is Brian Robiskie.  If the Colts don’t choose him, Robiskie is the model of consistency that the Titans offense would thrive under. Nothing about the offense is flashy or tricky. Tennessee wants a solid, accountable receiver who is can provide a stable target for Kerry Collins and eventually Vince Young.

-James Laurinaitis is a consideration based on value. The Titans could use more depth at LB.

Next on the clock: Arizona Cardinals

See entire Hybrid Mock Draft here

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