Tennessee Titans 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Taylor Lewan (77) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
6’7″, 309
The Player
Lewan is a freak of a player. He has every tool you’d want from a tackle and not only that, his on field mentality is nasty, which I love in offensive linemen. However, he has some maddening mechanical inconsistencies that will drive a coach crazy, but if a team can develop him and have him nail down some consistency, they have their franchise tackle.
The Pick
This is a bit of a reach, but I love the mentality behind it. The Titans are really putting together a nasty offensive line and if that is what they want to do, the pick makes sense. Take the nasty athlete and hope you can develop him. There is a slight character concern that needs to be addressed, but if things checked out, they went with the talent.
The Fit
Taylor Lewan, Chance Warmack, Brian Schwenke, Andy Levitre and Michael Oher… That is a nasty offensive line. I hope that the new coaching staff is trying to build around a talented Jake Locker because adding Lewan is just creating a gigantic wall around their QB.
Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington
Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Bishop Sankey (25) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. The touchdown by Sankey set a new personal career record for rushing touchdowns at Washington. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
5’9″, 209 lbs.
The Player
Sankey is awesome. He has great vision, change of direction ability and leg drive. He is also a polished pass catcher who can make an impact on every down. People worry about his lack of athletic ability, but he is just a damn good football player.
The Pick
Not my top back, but perfect for this offense. Love the pick.
The Fit
Great vision like Sankey’s, combined with the monsters the Titans have up front could put Sankey in the conversation for offensive rookie of the year conversation. He is going to be a stud.
Daquan Jones, DT, Penn St.
6’4″, 322 lbs.
The Player
Jones is a monster in the middle of a defense. He has good quickness for his monstrous size and has insane strength. He needs to have more consistent pad level, but he is a big time disruptor.
The Pick
Jones was a top 15 player for m and the Titans got him in the third. That’s not fair.
The Fit
Jones could be a nose tackle in three man fronts, but if they do four man fronts with Jones next to Casey….. Oh my.
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (91) during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Marqueston Huff, FS, Wyoming
5’11”, 196
The Player
Huff is a very athletic and rangy safety who is tough and willing to come up against the run. He can play corner and free safety, but needs to add a little bit of bulk and needs to improve tackling consistency.
The Pick
I like this pick. Huff has a lot of upside and this is a good spot for him.
The Fit
Ray Horton wants his players to be versatile and Huff can do exactly that. I expect a lot of snaps for him in the slot and maybe opportunities at free safety.
Avery Williamson, LB, Kentucky
6’1″, 246 lbs.
The Player
Williamson is a rangy, intelligent linebacker who can fly all over the field in coverage and against the run. He needs to be kept clean because he has issues shedding, but he has a translatable skill set.
The Pick
Good value. Good pick.
The Fit
With Wesley Woodyard, Colin McCarthy, Zach Brown and Akeem Ayers, Williamson is going to have issues seeing the field, but he could start down the line at 3-4 ILB.
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU
6’5″, 224 lbs.
The Player
Mettenberger is a big bodied, big armed passer who can threaten all levels of the field while standing strong in the pocket. He is a statue and his heavy feet really hurt him as a passer and also when trying to move the pocket. Mettenberger has significant character issues and is and is recovering from an ACL injury, but he has very intriguing upside.
The Pick
This is perfect value for a guy with Mettenberger’s upside and risks.
The Fit
This gives the Titans Jake Locker insurance and possibly a long term answer at quarterback. Locker could be the guy if he proves to be healthy, but I trust Whisenhunt with a talent like Mettenberger.
Nov 29, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) passes the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports