As the layers of ice melt and spring is around the corner, the off-season phases are clicking by, one at a time.
NFL Combine, check. Next on the docket, NFL Free Agency. That’s right, March 10th marks the beginning of the new fiscal year and teams like the Titans have a pocket fill of cash to sign the next crop of “free agent” Titans. So who could be available? Per NFL.com, here’s 10 of the Top 25 Free Agents that could be available. Keep in mind that at this time some of these guys could be franchise tagged, reach a new agreement with their current team, etc.
1.Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle, Detroit Lions
2. Justin Houston, pass rusher, Kansas City
3. Dez Bryant, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys
4. Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver, Denver Broncos
5. Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end, New York Giants
6. Julius Thomas, tight end, Denver Broncos
7. Mike Iupati, guard, San Francisco 49ers
8. Randall Cobb, wide receiver, Green Bay Packers
9. Devin McCourty, safety, New England Patriots
10. DeMarco Murray, running back, Dallas Cowboys
Some have called this 2015 free agent class to be one of the best of all time. Whoever the Titans target, you have to admit, it’s pretty interesting. With Titans projected cap room in the $35 million range, the Titans should be active in this window of time that’s coming up.
Titans president/CEO Tommy Smith, in his letter to season ticket holders, gave his vow to “continue to build a winning team you can be proud of.” Smith went on to say “I know last year was difficult, but you have my word that we are doing everything we can to improve all aspects of our organization.” That sounds like he’s ready to spend. As for who is courted in this next phase of the offseason, only time will tell.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Devin McCourty come play ball with his twin brother Jason. The two siblings did just that in college at Rutgers, under Coach Greg Schiano.
Speaking of defense, no doubt that the new assistant head coach/defense Dick Lebeau will make his mark on how the 3-4 in two-toned blue look this fall.
It’s hard to argue the experience that Lebeau brings aboard.
Fourteen years a hall of fame DB for the Detroit Lions (played alongside two fellow hall of famers in Dick “Night Train” Lane and Lem Barney).
Fourty-two years as an assistant or head coach.
Fifty-six years of total NFL experience. Wow. Couldn’t think of anyone who would have more than that!
Now, for the date many have had circled on their calendars since the 2014 season came to a close:
April 30th, 2015: the “Prime Time” First Round of the NFL Draft.
The draft is being half outside of New York City for the first time in 51 years. It takes place in Downtown Chicago and Titans Radio will have lots of coverage.
The Titans have the 2nd overall pick for the first time in 31 years. The Oilers selected Nebraska offensive lineman Dean Steinkuhler 2nd overall back in 1984.
So the bate continues: keep the pick, or trade it.
When mock drafts began surfacing in early January, the consensus was Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariotta (one of the top two QB’s).
As the weeks have rolled by, there has been a shift in the many different opinions of the draft pundits.
From the QB’s to Nebraska DE/OLB Randy Gregory, USC De Leonard Williams, Alabama WR Amari Cooper, or one draft blog that had the Eagles trading their entire 2015 selection of picks and a 1st rounder in 2016 for the Titans #2 spot.
That last scenario would be in a perfect world, of course. If that type of trade would ever materialize, the Titans would have to pounce on it.
The smart play is to trade the #2 selection for a bunch of picks this year and continue to build. However, this draft may not be the ideal year for a mega deal like St. Louis pulled off with Washington three years ago.
If a trade partner isn’t in the cards, the safe pick would be USC De Leonard Williams. At 6’5’’ and 300 lbs, he’s a monster with speed. Williams ran a 4.97 40 yard dash at the combine. To put it in perspective, Florida State QB Jameis Winston (unofficial) 40 time 4.97.
Between now and then, there will be much speculation and varying predictions. Titans Radio will be ready to follow the many roster moves that will come with this time of year.
Rhett Bryan
Gameday Host, Titans Radio
