Draft Grades: Titans

I am almost always against drafting a wide receiver in the 1st round, and the Titans situation is no exception. The Titans have a very small window of opportunity with Kerry Collins as their quarterback and Kenny Britt is unlikely to make an instant impact. It almost always takes receivers two full years before they live up to expectations. The Anquan Boldin's of the world only come along every so often. Britt could end being an elite receiver, but odds are it won't be with Kerry Collins as his quarterback. There were other players available that could have make a more immediate need in Tennessee.

Sen'Derrick Marks was a decent late 2nd-round selection. The Titans clearly needed someone to at least attempt to fill the very large shoes left behind by Albert Haynesworth. Marks won't live up to the standard set by Haynesworth, but he could win the starting job.

Jared Cood was a steal in the 3rd round. His blocking ability is well below average, which hurts his abilty to be an every down player. However, with Bo Scaife already on the roster, the Titans only need Cook to be a situational player. He'll give them exactly what they're looking for.

Ryan Mouton was one of the bigger reaches of the draft. He easily could have gone undrafted. Cornerback was a need, but there were plenty of others on the board that would have been a better fit.

Gerald McRath is very raw, but has a ton of upside. He's the best athlete in this year's crop of linebackers and was a tackle machine at Southern Miss. He'll be a standout on special teams right away and could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker. Then again, he could completely flame out in a year or two. He's a boom-or-bust prospect.

Javon Ringer was a safe 5th-round selection. He makes Chris Henry expendable and someone is likely to want to overpay for the former 2nd-round pick.

Jason McCourty has experience at safety and cornerback and that type of versatility always increases a player's value in the late rounds. He's likely to make the team and should be an adequate backup and special teams player.

Dominique Edison is a good developmental prospect. He has impressive size and speed and could develop into a quality receiver. He won't make an impact immediately however.

Ryan Durand and Nick Schommer were both selections purely based on adding depth. With as many picks as the Titans had, and as few holes to fill, its unlikely that either player spends much time on the active roster.

Overall this was a decent draft for the Titans, but they failed to add the type of immediate impact player that could put them over the top in 2009. A cornerback, defensive tackle or inside linebacker would all have been smart 1st-round picks. As I said, Britt could develop into an elite receiver, but the Titans are within reach of a Championship and a rookie receiver is unlikely to play a significant role in that.

Grade: B

Draft Visit Tracker: Andre Brown

One of the hottest prospects in recent weeks has been N.C. State's Andre Brown. Despite a disappointing career with the Wolfpack, he's impressed teams in his workouts and now looks like a 2nd-round lock.

He's a big back (6'0", 224) and has the ability to be a workhorse at the next level. Its rare to find a guy with his size and athleticism, which is why so many teams are showing an interest despite his very mediocre collegiate numbers.

At least 12 teams have reportedly met with Brown, so here's the list:

Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Cardinals, Chargers, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots and Chiefs.

I currently have Brown going to the Cleveland with the 50th pick in the draft. He would the ideal running back for the Browns to groom behind Jamal Lewis for the next year before he takes over the starting job.

Draft Visit Tracker: Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt has steadily risen up the draft boards this offseason and he appears to have locked up a place in the 1st round. Britt has visited with the Jets, Giants, Vikings and Titans this offseason - all of which are potential landing places for him in the 1st round.

In my latest mock draft I have Britt going to the Vikings with the 23rd pick. The Vikings top need is a right tackle, but if neither Andre Smith nor Michael Oher falls to them they may decide Britt has more value than Eben Britton or Max Unger.