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2007 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

Henry, Williams and Harris were slight reaches, Otto was a steal.  Of the college street free agents signed by the Titans, I like the signing of Brandon Sharp the best.

I love Griffin as a player.  However, that is at safety, not corner.  His best position is strong safety where he could be special but Chris Hope is in his way.  At free safety, where he is a better option than Lamont Thompson, he will be solid.  But the Titans have him penciled in at cornerback and that will be a mistake.  Not that he won't be acceptable there, but that is all he will be.  His speed, quickness and athleticism are top notch for a safety, but only good for a cornerback.  Henry had one of the best workouts of all running backs in the draft.  His strength, speed, and quickness numbers (26, 4.40, 4.14) coupled with limited college production hasn't been seen since ...... Justin Fargas (27, 4.31, 4.10).  Hey, I was all over Fargas as a prospect; I'm was not going to fall for that again.  Fargas went in round three not round one where I had him graded.  Now Henry goes in round two, not round three where I had him graded.  In this draft I would have taken a shot on Jackie Battle late in day two rather than Henry here.  Battle had excellent workout numbers as well, is a big back, and had much better college production.  If the Titans did that they could have drafted wide receiver Steve Smith or Jason Hill at this spot.  All that said, Henry possess the tools to be a good NFL running back.   The Titans reached a bit for Paul Williams who has good speed both in workouts and on the football field, but is inconsistent and will need to work hard become anything more than a #3 receiver.  If the Titans' followed my strategy a receiver would not have been needed here.  Since they did not, I like Clowney and Allison a lot more than Williams.  Especially, Clowney who could have been an option on returns replacing Pacman Jones.  Harris in round four was another slight reach but on day two I cannot find much fault with it.  He is an ideal backup center but will probably never be a top starter and will need to bulk up to backup at guard as well.  Davis is a better fit for the Titans than Williams.  He is very quick, makes sharp cuts and could emerge as an excellent slot receiver and solid return man.  Johnson is very quick for a 300 pound defensive tackle.  However, he lacks football instincts.  He could help as a nickel rusher initially and if he can learn to read and react better could be a find.  However, I think he will end up as a nickel and backup tackle.  Filani is another receiver whose upside is probably as a #3.  He can get open in short zones and has reliable hands.  He lacks speed, but is quick.  He could also help as a returner.  Ford is a potential pass rush specialist who needs to hit the weight room.  He could be a development squad candidate.  His size and speed could make him a candidate for outside linebacker in a 3-4 if the Titans ever decide to employ that defense.  Smith was a great pick in round six.  He followed coach Urban Meyer to Florida from Utah and led the SEC in interceptions.  Despite a very slight build, he a tough kid who doesn't shy away from contact.  He is more quick than fast so covering slot receivers should be fine.  Smith will have to either show he can take the pounding at his weight, or will have to put on 20 to 25 pounds of muscle and maintain his quickness to be a factor in the NFL.  If he proves he can take the pounding at his weight, the Titans will have a good nickel corner.  If he can add 20 to 25 pounds of muscle and keep his quickness and speed, the Titans will have a solid starting-caliber corner.  If neither happens, Smith will be out of the league.  With three sixth round picks, this is an excellent gamble.  I liked Otto more than most.  He looked very good during Senior Bowl one-on-one drills and is plain and simple, a football player.  He does need to hit the weight room, but could be a starter down the line.  I had a fourth round grade on Otto.

The Titans' college street free agents of note include: Ealy, a wide receiver with a good size and straight line speed who could stick on the development squad.  He is an excellent athlete so if he develops as a receiver he is an ideal candidate as a #5 receiver who excels on special team coverage units.  McElveen is a rare light defensive end who plays the run well.  He has the frame to add 20 to 25 pounds and become a two-down end.  Sharp was an excellent signing.  The kid is undersized, but he he is smart, athletic, strong for his size, fast and quick.  I predict he will make the team and if the opportunity presents itself, could push for serious playing time.  Think poor-man's Bob Sanders (same type of player, but good not great measureables, and slighter build).  Worst case he will be a top special teams player.

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