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The Top Ten Best Tennessee Titans Draft Picks of the Decade

Jimmy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:00:21 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

Cortland Finnegan celebrates being named by MCM as the Titans top draft pick of the decade. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With the decade coming to an end in a few weeks, we here at MCM decided it would be a good time to do a top 10 list or two- because who doesn't love a top 10 list?

Today we start with the top 10 draft picks of the decade. Here is how this list was compiled- August, gramsey and I all came up with our own list. They sent their lists to me, actually shared it with me via google docs (which are awesome), and I averaged the three lists together to come up with what I am posting here. After the jump I have added a link that lists all of the picks the Titans made in the decade.

So without further adieu I present the top 10 draft picks of the decade:

1. Cortland Finnegan, CB, Samford (2006, Round 7, pick #215 overall)

Obviously this pick came down to Finny and Chris Johnson, but when you look at the fact that the Titans were able to draft and franchise corner, or as gramsey puts it "The best corner to ever wear Titan blue, and that includes Samari Rolle," in the seventh round, Finnegan gets the nod.

2. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina (2008, Round 1, pick #24 overall)

He is the best running back in the league. ‘Nuff said.

3. Keith Bulluck, LB, Syracuse (2000, Round 1, pick #30 overall)

You obviously expect big things out of every first round pick, and KBull has provided those big things and so much more. He has been the heart and soul of this defense for a long time. Interesting story on this pick is that the Titans had planned on taking Deon Grant here because they never dreamed Bulluck would fall to them. Looks like they ended up on the better side of that one.

T-4. Robaire Smith, DE/DT, Michigan State (2000, Round 6, pick #197 overall)

August thinks Robaire is overrated. That may be the case, but the Titans got waaay more than they ever could have expected out of a guy they took at #197. This was another testament to pretty much the only thing Floyd Reese was good at besides backloading contracts and early round busts (more on that tomorrow), finding diamonds in the rough.

T-4. David Stewart, OT, Mississippi State (2005, Round 4, pick #113 overall)

The credit here goes to Mike Munchak as much as anyone, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans got book-end offensive tackles in the same draft. The only thing that gets Big Country the nod over the next guy on the list is that he was selected two rounds and 72 picks later.

6. Michael Roos, OT, Eastern Washigton (2005, Round 2, pick #41 overall)

Roos is a Pro Bowl left tackle. That is a win no matter where they are selected, but it is even more impressive to get one in the second round.

7. Bo Scaife, TE, Texas (2005, Round 6, pick #179 overall)

2005 was a good draft for the Titans. I have been critical of Scaife in the past, but that by no means takes away the successes he has had in this league after waiting until the 6^th round to come off the board. I wonder how many sixth round picks have ever been given the franchise tag..

8. Stephen Tulloch, LB, NC State (2006 Round 4, pick #116 overall)

The Titans drafted three linebackers in the 2006 draft, and Tulloch has been the only one to stick. Tulloch has proved to be a vital member of this defense as he is currently the starting middle linebacker but has also played both outside linebacker positions in his tenure with the Titans.

9. Eugene Amano, C, SE Missouri State (2004, Round 7, pick #239 overall)

We had a little trouble forgiving Pinoy's boy for his transgression on Sunday to add him to this list, but it is impossible to ignore a guy that is a starting offensive lineman selected in the seventh round. Amano highlights two things about the draft strengths of the Titans- 1. they are good at picking offensive lineman and 2. they are good at finding good players from small schools.

10. Vincent Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech (2005, Round 4, pick #108 overall)

Vinny is yet another gem from the 2005 class. Fuller has held down the nickel back job for a couple of years now, and we all saw how valuable he was when he missed a few weeks earlier this year with a broken forearm.

Others receiving votes: William Hayes (2008, round 4, #103), Albert Haynesworth (2002, round 1, #15), and Justin Hartwig (2002, round 6, #187).

Click here to see the complete list of draft picks.

And there you have it. We would love to hear your comments on our list, or even your own list in the comments.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Stumbling Around Drunk On Burgundy Wine Edition

August West — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:02:25 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

As long as you see this, you'll probably be seeing wins.

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Jim Wyatt takes a long look back at the play that defined the Titans in Nashville and gave this blog its namesake.

Speaking of namesakes, here's where I got mine: Wharf Rat by the Grateful Dead!

Nick Harper was cleared for contact yesterday, but it's still unclear if he'll be active for Sunday's game since he hasn't hit anyone in a month and simply isn't as good as the guy he'll displace...

Follow us through the jump to find out about drops and more...

Paul K takes a look at the catch rates and drop rates around the league and finds that Justin Gage had the 10th worst catch rate (44.9%) among wide receivers who had been targeted at least 25 times.

This turn-around from the miserable early losses confirms that two things mean pretty much everything to a Jeff Fisher team: lots of sacks and winning the turnover battle.

David Stewart still hasn't practiced with his strained hamstring, which makes it more likely that Leroy Harris will get his second straight start at right tackle.

Gary Estwick talks to Justin Gage about his injury, and manages to not make it sound like it came from Teen People.

Having loosely watched last night's 49ers-Bears game on the NFL Network, I was struck by the unpredictability of Jay Cutler throwing 5 INTs to a team Vince Young just threw 0 INTs to the week before.

Good notes and quotes from the Titans Team Report on Yahoo!.

Chris Johnson is making Bills fans and analysts shake in their boots. I don't think CJ lights it up as much as some folks think this Sunday even if the Bills have the worst run defense in the NFL, but that's mostly just because the obvious things almost never work out in the NFL.

Every time you read a great Titans-related story on the web and don't share it with the MCM community through the fanposts, fanshots or by emailing me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com a Ravens (or Steelers) fan smiles. Is that what you want?!!!!?!?!

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: It's Just The Tale Of A Heart Attack Edition

August West — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:59:48 -0000

More photos » by Wade Payne - AP

Jeff Fisher has a lot to do to earn that smirk...

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The Titans are preparing for the always dangerous workhorse Frank Gore this Sunday. If they had trouble tackling MJD on a few plays, they'll need to focus twice as hard on the much stronger Gore. Wyatt also discuss the new questions surrounding the return game as no one knows if Chris Davis or Alvin Pearman will be returning kicks and/or punts.

Maybe after all those snaps the defense just Need(s) Some Air... by the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club!

The Sporting News breaks-down Vince Young on the cover, then pairs off the keys for the game as we prepare for San Francisco. the third one id no breakdowns in the secondary, and given how bad our breakdowns have been (more like meltdowns), I'd bump that puppy right up to number one.

Follow us through the jump for links on disappointments, injuries and a match made in football heaven...

The Titans are using a large defensive line rotation as expected, but the results from some guys just haven't been there. Off-season pick-up Jovan Haye has really been a letdown so far. He's been great against the run, but that isn't what we need right now, so he and his 4-year $16 million deal were inactive Sunday while second round pick Sen'Derrick Marks got his first meaningful playing time.

PFW takes a more in-depth look at Haye's struggles.

The match between the Titans and Rod Hood is going about as well as can be expected so far for a mid-season signing of a street free agent at a starting position on defense. Hood sounds absolutely euphoric about getting this shot and the early returns.

David Stewart injured his hammy at practice, but the injury doesn't appear to be much of a concern at this point. It's a little easier for an O-lineman to play through that than a WR or CB. the only thing that gets dicey about that is our only experienced depth there, OT Mike Otto, hasn't practiced in about two weeks. I've never seen then swing LeRoy Harris out there, so I'm guessing that would make Troy Kropog, who was active for his first game last week, the next in line should Stewart be a scratch on Sunday.

Paul Kuharsky takes a look at the strength of schedule for AFC South teams through the first half and second half of the year. We had the 3rd hardest schedule in the NFL through week 8, and like the other top 4 teams in that count we have a crap record to show for it.

Vince Young still has many tests yet to come this season, says David Climer.

The match-up between MLB Stephen Tulloch and Frank Gore on Sunday is a key one for the Titans, and it's a quite interesting one since the two men have been competing against each other since the earliest days of pee wee football. Think they haven't seen each other since? Wrong: they played at rival high schools, then both played in the ACC (though Gore's years at Miami were marred by two ACL injuries that limited his playing time).

Here, Stephen Tulloch blogs about the first win, and gives some heads-up about the charity work he'll be doing with Backfield in Motion to help feed the needy on Thanksgiving Day.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: This Is A Little Trickier With An Instrumental Friday Jam Edition

August West — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:50:33 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Looking forward to a much better dressed coach this week...

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Sunday's game in Jacksonville will be blacked out. A divisional game against what is apparently their most heated in-division rivalry, and they can't get sell it out. That's when you know things are rough, my friends.

Chris Johnson has the second worst percentage of plays that go for no gain or a loss this year, despite having the most total yards of any non-QB in the league so far. While on the surface it's a pretty ugly stat, you also have to put some of that blame on the O-line because not many RBs can do much when a nose tackle gets a clean paw on you in the backfield. Our guys are undeniably better at pass protection than the mauling, road clearing run-blocking style Johnson would excel the most with. If only we had a bigger back to loosen things up around the line...

Still, pound-for-pound we have one of the most talented O-lines in the business, which might make them the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones of the NFL. Heck they even both feature greatness named Big Country (the linked song, and right tackle David Stewart) Once you're done with the links, take an hour or so to watch some footage of Bela and Victor Wooten's solo stuff on there... these cats are absolutely unreal.

Follow us through the jump to see what difference make should be back for us this weekend...

Even if Jacksonville fans can't see it, Sunday should be Bo Scaife's return from his week one knee injury. Bo had the game-changing play last year on a brilliant little TE screen which he broke for a long gain.

Cortland Finnegan is almost certainly going to miss the game Sunday, and that ain't good news, but (like Jimmy said earlier in the week) this is the week for him to miss if it's going to happen in the first half of the schedule.

PFW takes a look at the Titans' propensity to play Young over Collins, and comes away pretty convinced it'll take a whole lot more before Fisher is ready to make a change there. The one caveat is Bud Adams, who could change all of that with a phone call. Direct all comments here, the official MCM home for Collins vs. VY arguments.

Hentrich will probably retire in the wake of the calf injury that put him on the IR, but he's not really ready to go that far just yet. How crazy is it that what may have well been Craig's last NFL punt was also the 1,150th of his career?

Here's a breakdown of Sunday's match-up from the Miami Herald.

Haterade clean-up in isle 3.

If there's anything you would like to share with the MCM community, please take advantage of the comments, fanshots and fanposts to do so! Or, you can always email me at mcmaugustwest@gmail.com.

New York Jets Pass Defense vs. Tennessee Titans Pass Offense

John B — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:30:52 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

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This is going to be the best offensive line the Jets have faced all season. From left to right respectively, Michael Roos, Eugene Amato, old friend Kevin Mawae, former Colt Jake Scott, and David Stewart are an elite front. Kerry Collins is one of the least mobile quarterbacks in football, but he was only sacked 8 times a season ago. He's gone down twice in 2 games this year. Rex Ryan's Ravens only sacked him once in 2 games in the 2008 season.

The injuries to Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland are some cause for concern. Tennessee does not have a vaunted passing attack, but they do have a pair of deep threats at the position, Nate Washington and Justin Gage. Darrelle Revis can take one of them away. If Sheppard and Strickland are out, there will be Cover 1 tilted to the side of the other side of the field. Rookie Kenny Britt from Rutgers had a big game against the Steelers in the opener. He's a more refined route runner than you would usually see as a rookie. I can see him taking Drew Coleman to class if they're in a one on one matchup.

The Titans have a trio of good receiving tight ends. Bo Scaife may sit this game out due to an injury, but Alge Crumpler had 4 catches in his place last week against the Texans. Jared Cook is a rookie from South Carolina. He was injured in Week 1 and did not make much of an impact in Week 2, but he does concern me. He might be faster and more athletic than Dustin Keller. The Jets might have to use Kerry Rhodes on him to contain him.

I'll finish where I started. It all comes down to getting heat on Kerry Collins. Collins is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game in my book. You never hear anything about him other than him being the weak link of the offense. He was a top 10 pick. He took a team to the Super Bowl. He took another to a Conference Championship Game, and the Titans to the top seed in the AFC last year. He makes good decisions. He has a solid set of receivers even if there is no Randy Moss or Andre Johnson. Against a potentially depleted secondary, one of them will eventually get open if he has time. Tackling will also be key as Collins can check down to Chris Johnson, a speedy back who had the game of his life last week.

Pittsburgh Steelers 13 Tennessee Titans 10: The Penalties

Jimmy — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:32:22 -0000

The Titans committed 6 penalties in this game for 60 yards. It was not David Stewart's best game as he committed 3 of the 6 penalties.

The first penalty of the game came with 4:27 left in the first quarter and was Stewart's first illegal formation penalty of the game. It wiped out a 12-yard first down pass to Justin Gage. This seemed like a ticky tack call to me. When they showed the replay he appeared to be pretty much right in line with right guard Jake Scott.
The second penalty of the game was another illegal formation call, this time against Nate Washington, with 5:19 left in the first half. The bad thing about this penalty was that it wiped out a pass interference call against Troy Polamalu (which was a bad call).
The third penalty was Stewart's second illegal formation violation. This one wiped out an 11 yard pass to Craig Stevens that would have converted at 3rd down. The Titans ended up punting on the drive.
The fourth penalty of the night was when Kyle Vanden Bosch jumped offsides. It was the only defensive penalty of the night. The Titans tend to get a few of these because of how aggresively the defensive line gets after it.
The fifth penalty might have been the most costly of the night. It was a holding call on Gerald McRath during a kickoff return. It wiped out Javon Ringer's 19 yard return and made the Titans start their drive at their own 18. It also gave the Steelers even more momentum coming off the field goal that tied the game.
The sixth and final penalty of the night was a false start against Stewart. It came on the drive where the Titans were just trying to run the clock out to get to overtime, so it didn't really hurt anything.

Six penalties is a pretty good number, but at least 4 of the penalties came at crucial times. I don't expect to see Stewart have another game this bad ever again.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Getting Healthier By The Day Edition

August West — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:57:53 -0000

More photos » by David Richard - AP

In Fisher speak, this means good job. Not great, but good. Great gets the kick dance and the fist pump all at once!

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PRAISE WHOMEVER IT IS YOU PRAISE IN TIMES LIKE THIS because Jason Jones returned to practice yesterday!!! It's his first practice in over a month, and makes me feel so much better about the D-Line being ready for opening night against the Steelers.

What's the best news we could here after that? David Stewart is back at practice as well!!! Those are the two injuries I've been most worried about this preseason, because as much as we need Nate Washington and Nick Harper, we can win without them. If we can't absolutely dominate both lines, though, we would struggle against any team.

The Titans have already made a fan out of Mike Silver, and now Pete Prisco is on board with our boys! Check out his camp wrap, where he rates the Titans as the best team he saw. Now, unfortunately he didn't get to 'see' the Patriots camp because of low visibility from across the river Styx in Hades. (h/t to smashville)

Follow us through the jump to find out that there are no Vince Young links, which will drastically effect my over/under on today's comments...

Is there an ethnicity that gets a more awesome response from people than telling them you're a Native American? I submit that there is not. Either way, Tuff Harris would know, because he grew up on the Crow reservation in Montana. Here John Glennon retells the amazing story of how Tuff got his name (no clues on the Tarintino-style spelling), and details his work to use his success to uplift his community and inspire native american children everywhere.

The jokers at T-Rac's Posse put on their serious cap for some preseason thoughts and impressions. If you don't get a kick out of their work, then it's probably your fault, not theirs.

A belated tip of the cap to whomever sent me this gem from Paul Kuharsky (mbh2x?): if you listened to the latest edition of MCM Radio you heard Jimmy and I gush about Ganther's ability to help a little in a lot of ways for this team, and Paul K is here to agree.

Mark Jones is going to get another chance to make this roster as the return specialist, but if you read the Jason Jones link above, you know that his struggles last Saturday have been par for the course in his short time with the Titans.

From the mind of Mike Florio: Officer Taylor's new assignment? Ninja Patrol!1111!!1!!11!!!1!

Lets hope our D has a little better first series in this game than they did in the meeting last year.

I was all set to make fun of an Eagles fan pretending to know about the Titans, but I must say, this is a pretty good season preview. Bravo, sir.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: The Years Just Flow By Like A Broken Down Damn Edition

August West — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:47:46 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Mark Jones and Kenny Britt get deep on guessing exactly how wide Alge Crumpler's waistline is this year.

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Expect the first-string offense to see more playing time tomorrow night, perhaps more than the first half, despite earlier indications that this may not be the case. That means next week's contest will probably feature heavy doses of Vince young, the back-ups and a special emphasis on guys fighting for those final roster spots.

Jim Wyatt has a list of the latest injuries and updates on the re-hab progress of others. The highlights: David Stewart and Jason Jones are still out, but rookie Ryan Mouton is already out of his walking boot and down to a brace as he is rehabbing a high ankle sprain.

Maybe our guys could stay healthier if they had a guardian angel... like maybe an Angel from Montgomery, by one of our greatest living songwriters, John Prine.

Follow us through the jump to find out which former Titan reserve QB may be starting on week 1...

It's good to see the WR corps, and specifically newcomer Nate Washington, taking rookie Kenny Britt under their wing and really pushing him to get ready enough to contribute this year.

Somebody gave PFW a rather interesting note about a former Titans QB who may finally get the shot he's been working for:

• "How you think Josh McDaniels feels about getting rid of Jay Cutler right now (after Kyle Orton tossed three interceptions in the preseason opener against San Francisco)? (Chris) Simms will be their starter. Just watch."

Eric Edholm, PFW's fantasy guy, says beware of the injury factor when it comes to Chris Johnson... because you can never take into account how a running back will react to three guys jumping on his ankle well after the whistle.

There haven't been nearly as many of these columns this year, but the point remains the same: A 4 GAME PRESEASON IS RIDICULOUS, UNNECESSARY AND OFTEN IN THE END HARMFUL.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Put 'em Through The Ringer Edition

August West — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:13:46 -0000

More photos » by Sharon Ellman - AP

Cowboys fans realize that their screen is so big and so clear it's like the FAIL is happening in the seat in front of you.

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The one thing to really take away from Friday's preseason game was that Javon Ringer has the 3rd running back spot pretty well locked down. Adding some specials teams value with his big kick return just sealed the deal. That man looks better and better every time he gets the ball, and he has the variety of skills you want in a running back who is there to provide depth.

Finally, after weeks of lingering injuries kept him confined to the training room, return specialist Mark Jones will be practicing. Lets not forget that he has had some pretty solid success with the Panthers, and most importantly, has a very solid history of protecting he ball. If all goes well we should some quieting down of the panic over the return game.

Jim Wyatt says Dominique Edison is a serious threat to bump the recently booked Chris Davis off the 53 man roster. If that happens then you obviously have to look at the DUI as a part of that formula, but it'll still be a good story for an undrafted free agent a sixth round pick to make the roster over several more heralded prospects.

Follow us through the jump to find-out who is calling Jeff Fisher a liar from a safe distance....

Tony Brown got fined $7,500 for tackling Byron Leftwich to the ground. That may be one of the worst penalties and fines I can remember in a long time. All Brown did was wrap him up and finish the tackle. If the league is going to be even more protective of QBs then they better start making them carry those play charts in purses.

Ringer has impressed Smash and Dash, but he's still got a good ways to go before they'll just drop a nickname on the rookie.

SoCal Titan points us towards a recent radio interview Jeff Fisher did with ESPN Radio in Dallas. There's good stuff in here about replacing Albert, coaching Vince Young and much more.

Sunday was apparently a very good day for VY throwing the ball out at Baptist Sports Park, which is nice because Friday sure wasn't much to shake a stick at.

David Stewart sounds like a bowl full of laughs. Who cares as long as he's mauling anything in his path at right tackle.

Mike Florio called Jeff Fisher a liar, then offered no evidence or reporting to back it up. Sounds about right for the NFL's resident insult to brainpower journalism.

Tennessee Titans Morning Links: Big Country's Big Knee Question Edition

August West — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:41:23 -0000

More photos » by John Russell - AP

Jared Cook looks like a giant next to Ringer...

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David Stewart isn't saying much about his knee other than it's no big deal, but if he isn't back at 100% pretty soon it will be a super-big deal.

Ditto for Jason Jones.

Adam Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown last night that the Titans have talked with Marvin Harrison (No word yet on if Marvin has shot at anyone else in the past few weeks), but Jim Wyatt says that's news to him.

Follow us through the jump to see who is worrying me in camp....

Notes from yesterday's practice session. Memo to LeRoy Harris: You better start getting the snap right or they'll shift you back to guard and get someone who will do it like clockwork in no time.

Oh look, Paul K says not to get too worked-up about Vince Young's big night. Glad you fine readers had to wait until this morning to hear that advice.

Vince Young's performance has lots of people talking.

NFL.com scribe Steve Wyche has a great preview of the Titans' upcoming season.

Jim Wyatt has 5 Things he knows about the Titans this week.