SBNation.com User Blog: Shad O'Zimmerman

The Case for Drafting Mingo in the First and Hunt in the Second

Shad O'Zimmerman — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:20:34 -0000

So, for those of you who missed out on today's Turf Show Times mock draft, I'd recommend checking out the action a little bit. Although the trades and such to begin the two-hour pre-draft made the mock a bit fantastical, I think the way it churned out was fascinating. In the end, we ended up trading back our first three-round picks. After the first two rounds, we wound up with:

Round 1: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Round 2: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

During this process, I really got to thinking about our choices in this year's draft. After Chance Warmack was taken at pick 6, I began reaching for other first-round possibilities. Now I've been very high on the possibility of a Warmack/Hunt one/two punch to solidify both our offense and defense for quite some time, so I was still hoping for Hunt in the second; and then I realized that Mingo and Hunt would be the perfect defensive gasoline for next year's nasty, blitzing, figurative-head-hunting Greg Williams defense. Ultimately, Mingo fell far too early and he was replaced by Jarvis Jones on our boards. However, I think a great option for our FO on Thursday and Friday is to grab Mingo in the first and Hunt in the second.

It all starts with Mingo's freak athleticism. When you watch this guy's highlight reel, you see a total predator. And his Sports Science proves that he's a pressure machine -- and that he looks good in blue. So, basically, Mingo's a faster, sleeker, more deadly, more male version of Christine -- a next-gen, football-playing RoboCop. In summary, Mingo's play looks a little bit like this: fresh off the snap, Mingo rockets off the line of scrimmage, puncturing through the offensive line almost immediately; from there, his non-stop motor fires up and pursues his target relentlessly, buzzing around until the play is done and at least one person is on the ground. He's threatening. He's menacing. And I think he'll give offenses hell next year. However, he's not perfect. Also shown in the video is Mingo's occasional tendency to get beat badly. He fires in with such a high motor that he can be off-target at times. And for now he's not necessarily an every-down kind of guy.

However, when an offense gets a hang of his movements or he gets tired, as the QB is looking about, trying to find our buzzing Mingo, the QB gets crushed from the side by an Estonian missile. It's Margus Hunt, SMU's compliment to Mingo in a fast-pace, bruising and smashing defense. The DE and once-teammate of Taylor Thompson provides a similar huge-upside talent as our FO's up-and-coming TE golden boy. Where Mingo serves the role of a buzzing, wrecking, frenzied pass rusher, Hunt fires off the line like a bullet. This one/two punch provides an excellent little knife for Gregg Williams to cut through O-lines. Pair them with the big beefy other members of our D-line like Poitua and Hill, and we've got a massive, threatening body of a line that will attack offenses. And, best of all, all that height means tipped passes and swatted balls, making the job of our secondary much easier. Adding these two players is the perfect way to make guys like Pollard and Verner look even better and make Griffin look like a serviceable player for once.

But certainly, even so the presence of Warmack will be missed. But there is a glue to tie together these defense-heavy early rounds: Brian Winters, OG, Kent State. In the third round, our mock-FO for MCM in the draft selected Brian Winters. Winters is a projected sleeper that could be an absolute steal for the Titans next week. He's had a productive, lengthy career, and he's just the type of blue-collar, versatile, hard-working project Munchak would like to take on. Although he's dropped off draft boards lately due to a poor Combine performance, Winters could make a great addition to our O-line, battling in training camp alongside Turner and Spencer for the starting spot, or at least a rotational gig. While he's nowhere near the certain-HOF talent that Warmack is, he could wind up to be a Pro Bowler with us. Guys like Alvin Bailey could be another option, but it's evident our FO has an interest in Winters.

Add in a WR like Swope in the third, and a CB like Hawthorne in the fourth, and we've got a suddenly well-rounded, young and talented team going into next year. Add in our relatively easy schedule, and I have no reason to think a 10-6 season and a little playoff run is out of the question. We could be a great team next year. Now, naturally, I'd love to see Warmack with our Titans this year, especially if we grab a guy like Lemonier or Washington in third alongside Swope; but I think today has shown that there is a reason for hope even if Warmack is gone at pick 10.

Round 1: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Round 2: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

Poll

Who would you like to see at 10 if Warmack is gone?

Mingo, or some other OLB

6 votes

Cooper, or some other OG

11 votes

Milliner, or some other CB

7 votes

The best DE available

7 votes

31 votes | Poll has closed

Some very exciting tight end news...

Shad O'Zimmerman — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:28:12 -0000

So, in my nightly news search, I happened to find a very intriguing article in the Tennessean. It mentions the Titans intention of using the TE's more to increase Jake Locker's options and accuracy. I'm really happy with the news (and to see CJ or some good drafted RB getting some better short passes), but it likely means the FO is planning to hold onto Jared Cook, regardless of his new desire to be tagged as a hugely expensive WR... Will the FO try to sign him to a long-term deal in order to drop his price and tag someone like Marks?

But, the thought of two-TE routes with Cook and Thompson blocking and picking up short yards and bruising through defenders makes me feel that the Titans have a LOT of great ideas heading into 2013.

But it might just be coachspeak...

A Brighter Take on Yesterday's Game

Shad O'Zimmerman — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:40:01 -0000

Here we are, Titans fans. Nearly finished with an oft-called disappointing season and fresh off the ugliest win of the 2012 season on prime-time national television. And I just read Jake1010's take over at this link. It's easy to feel down right now. But for all those of us, freezing in the dead of winter and dismally watching our Titans attempt to crash-land into the end of the season, I offer this video.

That is Jake Locker's final 10-play drive during his star-studded Junior year at the University of Washington. The ten final plays that would lift Jake Locker and the Huskies over the third-seed USC Trojans, seven-time consecutive winner of the PAC 10 Championship -- only two games after becoming only the second team in modern NCAA history go winless: 0-12.

I began following UW athletics two games into that winless season, after beginning to consider applying to the Graduate School there and desiring a D-1 school to sate my desire for NCAA sports at a D-3 alma mater. And, as I watched Jake Locker "overly celebrate" that winning touchdown at BYU and the Huskies begin to fall into oblivion, I was struck with this odd warmth -- this overwhelming sense of hope: a light in the darkness. This fresh QB is a monster: a star waiting to burst into the spotlight. My dreams came true that next season. With Locker as a Sophomore, they were able to get their first win in fifteen games that second week against Idaho. It was an unexciting game, but my spirits were so high tasting a win. I donned my #10 purple jersey the following Saturday night and joined many of my friends in one of our dorm's TV rooms. While many of my friends were splitting time with other games and with duties such as home, my eyes were glued to the big flat-screen TV I had brought into the room for this very purpose. I was waiting for this team to prove themselves to be just as great as I saw them. With the game tied at 13 and very little time left, I watched those plays, my heart racing, and my throat burning through the screams, and my body endlessly energetic. After that dramatic drive, when Erik Folk tripped, my heart plummeted into my stomach as my eyes watched that ball rise through the uprights. My soul burst. I couldn't sleep for hours that night.

I got to watch Jake Locker and my newly loved Huskies succeed like I had never known, only to stall at 5-7. When Jake Locker came into Sark's office and announced his decision to stay his senior year (with his dog Ten, of course), my heart was unbelievably warmed. And I had excitement like never before. His senior year, Jake managed to defeat the much more highly ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers in an unbelievably epic rematch at the Alamo Bowl. A few months later, Jake was draft by the Tennessee Titans. And I was so excited for the possibility. And here I am as a fresh, but devoted, Titans fan. And I am similarly excited for this team.

And I'd like to bring up a set of stats the intrigued me endlessly about last night:

Jake Locker played better against the Jets last night than every rookie or second-year QB this season except Russell Wilson and the amazingly talented Seattle Seahawks. In two meetings with the Jets, Ryan Tannehill managed a whopping QB rating of 50.2 and 50.4 in his respective games. With a combined zero touchdowns and one interception and by going 18 of 41 for a total 214 yards, he had a completion percentage of 43.9% and QBR's of 43.0 and 5.8. Even the godsend hallowed ROY candidate Andrew Luck had a disappointing outing against the surprisingly-potent Jets defense. He managed a QB rating of only 51.3, going 22 of 44 (50%) for 280 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions and a QBR of 40.4. Jake Locker, on the other hand, the young QB who many people are beginning to doubt at only eight starts and thirteen games, racked up a significantly-more-impressive 79.5 rating and 61.5 QBR while completing 13 of 22 (59.1%) passes. Granted it was only for 149 yards and no touchdowns, but it was clean. It was a bit like Alex Smith. A big, muscular Alex Smith, not afraid to push through some defenders when necessary. Locker made some passing errors and had some missed judgments, but at his worst, he would run for a couple of yards or no gain instead of risking interceptions or sacks.

All this belittling talk about Jake Locker isn't entirely correct, and it doesn't quite get the whole picture. Jake Locker wasn't too terrible last night. And comparing his outing against Luck's a couple weeks ago only makes me more certain. Jake Locker is already better than the majority of first- and second-year QB's and will only continue to grow as his coaching get itself figured out, we draft a good bit of defensive talent, and we stop being plagued by injuries. So relax, everyone. Despite our record, we're in good shape. And our young QB has nowhere to go but up after these promising showings. And, most importantly, we have plenty of reasons to feel hopeful and warm while the season ends and throughout the offseason.

Draft Questions for Some Loyal Fans

Shad O'Zimmerman — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:16:27 -0000

Hi there, everyone! With Todd McShay releasing his first official Mock Draft for ESPN, it's officially draft season. If you're anything like me, you've been examining the draft since September (or last May), and I must admit I'm getting a bit excited. But, since contemplating the draft in silence in your apartment is only half the fun, I'd like to make it a social experience and ask you guys and gals some questions I find myself curious over.

First off: Todd McShay has Star going with the first draft pick. I was surprised; I had expected Star to drop at least to the Raiders or Panthers (and hopefully even to us; he's my dream first round pick). Do you honestly think the Chiefs will pass up Geno Smith? And the Jaguars will stick with Gabbert and Henne? Basically, what I'm asking is: [b]Is there any way we can get Star at the 6th pick? [/b]

Secondly, I read an article on Bleacher Report today (here) that stated that Elam may fall to the second round. I didn't know a thing about the guy before hovering on MCM (a site that I'm absolutely falling in love with, btw!) and now I have to say that I am in LOVE with his as our second round pick. Do you think he falls, or will someone scoop him up in the first (or, devilishly in the second right before us)? Star and Elam as a one-two punch would instantly make our defense something to fear.

Thirdly: I wanna see some 7-round Titans Mock Drafts. The interwebz only go so far for me. Walter Football drops off after the 3rd, and B/R doesn't update their predictions nearly often enough. Here's what I'd love to see from the Titans in April (assuming these undergrads declare):

Round 1: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
- A big, scary DE to drastically improve our sack count and bolster both our pass and run defenses

Round 2: Matt Elam, S, Florida
- A safety that we can use in a variety of ways: by himself deep, as a blitzer, or in combination with other defenders

Round 3: Jordan Reed, TE, Florida
- This is where many people are likely to disagree with me; but I believe we should trade Cook while his value is relatively high and bring in a young, moldable replacement. Cook spends too much of his time complaining. Let's get some value out of his trade, bring in a pass-heavy OC, and toss it to a big, talented TE and save money while we do it.

Round 4: Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida
- I love Chris Johnson to death. But I think ultimately he's not the style of RB we want perennially in the back field. He's a beast, yes; but he's rude, prone to complaining, and a very different style of player from Locker and Munchak, the two new leaders of this team. I don't know if we need to trade him this year, but I think he ought to leave soon. And, best of all, with a pass-heavy playing style, we won't need a superstar-caliber RB like Johnson; we could easily make due with a talented, young and cheap RB. When defenses drop a bit too far back, Jake can audible into a hand off and let his speedy young RB poke holes in the defense. And, best of all, Gillislee is a great blitz blocker: he could spend much of his time as an additional offensive lineman.

Round 5: Jonotthan Harrison, C, Florida
- Yeah, yeah, yeah... ANOTHER Gator. I understand I may get a lot of naysayers here. But I see this as a great way to keep building our team. Harrison is a young, talented C and has built a great connection with Gillislee over the years. By bringing in comfortable members of a high-octane offense like Florida's, I believe we can transplant them under new leadership and bring some sense of identity and unity to our squad. I think Harrison could be a HUGE 5th round steal.

Round 6: A. J. Francis, DT, Maryland
- I wanted Star in the first round, but Francis is a GREAT steal later in the draft. With some monster stats, this guy could be a great late-round addition to our defense, either right away or exceptionally soon, as a pass or run rusher/blocker.

Round 7: Prentiss Waggner, CB/SS, Tennessee
- A little home state talent to round off the draft. Waggner is possibly the greatest sleeper of all these picks and has 3rd round talent, but may be left until the 7th round, with all the bigger-name players ahead of him on the list of top CB. And, best of all, he could easily play either CB or SS.

I think we are a team that needs some rebuilding and reunifying. It's become terribly clear to me over that past weeks that egotistical and sometimes-immature players like Britt, Johnson, and Cook are tearing our offense apart with their selfish motivation and approach. I think we ought to bring in some young, unassuming players, and rear them in our offense to be the kind of player Mike Munchak works well with. I don't think Munch is the problem, ultimately; some of our marquee players aren't playing nice enough with the rest of the players on the field. I'm sick of hearing Britt/Cook/CJ2K drama, and I'm sick of paying them for under-performing. We have the option this year to bolster our team with young talent and really take the league by storm under some well-mannered and successful vets. And, best of all, this method is cheap (allowing for a splash in the free agency) and the draft picks or players we receive from trading big-name players like Cook and Johnson can be used to reinforce our offensive and defensive lines.

These are my thoughts. Let me know what you think. Any changes you'd recommend? Am I completely off-base? Most importantly, feel free to share your 7-round predictions and hopes below!

Round 1: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
- A big, scary DE to drastically improve our sack count and bolster both our pass and run defenses

Round 2: Matt Elam, S, Florida
- A safety that we can use in a variety of ways: by himself deep, as a blitzer, or in combination with other defenders

Poll

Do you believe we ought to trade Johnson or Cook?

YES, bothl of them!

2 votes

Yes, but only Johnson

1 votes

Yes, but only Cook

3 votes

NO! We need to keep our talent!

9 votes

15 votes | Poll has closed