Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No.24
If you liked debating about backfield committee's, you'll love this pick
The chatter you will hear when the Titans are on the clock will be the inevitable cries for a WR. I can already see Kiper pontificating about how the Titans need to add some weapons to aid in Vince Young’s development. I am even convinced that after watching Lendale plod for just over 1000yds and his receivers lumber through their routes, that smash mouth Jeff Fisher realizes he needs to add some speed and playmakers as well.
I totally agree. The problem is, I just don’t see a WR at this spot that isn’t loaded with question marks….and due to a string of recent disappointments and the hit or miss nature of WR’s taken in the first round, I think the Titans are a little gun shy about selecting one so high.
The Fish loves defense, so I turned my attention to a DL that was peppered with FA departures and has the looming cloud of Haynesworth playing under a one year franchise tag. I was leaning toward Phillip Merling, but the Skins snatched him up. Then I was considering the safe guy in the trenches Kentwan Balmer. Eh, there’s nothing special about Balmer and my gut tells me I can get that DL help in the 2nd..
So, as I’m sure happens in many war rooms on draft day, I am doing another 180 and zeroing in on adding a gamebreaker…..someone that can offer an array of options to an anemic offense. I wouldn’t be shocked if Chris Johnson is the surprise pick come draft day…but I question the level of competition he faced and it might be a little too early for him. So I am going with the player that did it against the top football conference in the nation…..with the #24th pick in the first round the Tennessee Titans select Felix Jones RB, Arkansas. Lightning to Lendale’s thunder, adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, devastating on reverses/gadget plays and even shortens the field with his return ability.
2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinnati Bengals (Jacob C.) - Ryan Clady
10. New Orleans Saints (Scott K.) - Keith Rivers
11. Buffalo Bills (James N.) - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
12. Denver Broncos (Taylor C.) - Chris Williams
13. Carolina Panthers (Matthew W.) - Derrick Harvey
14. Chicago Bears (Zone) - Branden Albert
15. Detroit Lions (Adam P.) - Rashard Mendenhall
16. Arizona Cardinals (Scott C.) - Aquib Talib
17. Minnesota Vikings (Tim L.) - Jeff Otah
18. Houston Texans (Jimmy) - Mike Jenkins
19. Philadelphia Eagles (Andy G.) - Devin Thomas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs (Robert O.) - Antoine Cason
21. Washington Redskins (James M.) - Philip Merling
22. Dallas Cowboys (Marv) - Jonathan Stewart
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Matt G.) - Gosder Cherilus
24. Tennessee Titans (Stephen S.) - Felix Jones
Comments
I'm really not going to argue too much about this pick. I mean if the Vikings could do it last year, why not the Titans this year?
Despite some good arguments by Chad Ferguson though, I still think everyone is missing the boat on Limas Sweed. The guy seems to have high character and the genuine desire to improve himself at the NFL level. I'm sorry but that's rare in a top flight WR. The guy can make big plays down the field to take advantage of VY's strong arm and also, as Chad pointed out, he can be a good red zone threat.
Limas can I be your agent? you know I've got yer back buddy.
Posted by: Robert O. | April 18, 2008 05:14 PM
I can't say that I like this pick. I'm not sold that Felix is any better than Kevin Smith, Ray Rice, et al. and either way you slice it a reach for a non-RB is better than a reach for a RB. Particularly when they've spent a high pick on the other Chris Henry and have big needs on the D-Line and at WR.
If it was me, I'd have taken Balmer or Trevor Law, which could double as Haynesworth insurance. However, I'd also be cool with a WR like Sweed or DeSean(sp?) Jackson (thanks for the shout-out, Robert) because, lets face it, none of the Titans WR's can hang onto the ball. Despite my doubts about Sweed (really more about why I like Thomas better), the guy has good enough hands to catch the ones that hit him in the numbers, which would be a big improvement.
Posted by: Chad Ferguson | April 18, 2008 06:40 PM
Valid points by Chad and Robert....but when do you think these receivers (Sweed, DJax or anyone else) are going to substantially contribute and make a difference? As rookies? Not even going to go into the odds on that. Second/Third year....? Hopefully... So realistically it will be two to three years before I can see a return on my invesmtent. I agree FJones is somewhat of a luxury but between Lendale and CHenry how much cap room do you think they take up? Not much. Balmer would have worked but I think you can get Laws, Simms, Harrison in the 2nd round. Jones is only 20 yrs old, can get stronger and has upside. Go to Youtube and watch his highlight reel. He just loses people all over the field.
Trust me I have my doubts that the Titans would make this move and I would be ecstatic if they selected Sweed and he had a Bowe, Colston type rookie season....but as someone that wants to see something happen on the field next year....he's the most dynamic player left on the board. I like Rice as a player but he's not what they need....and Felix Jones is light years ahead of Kevin Smith as a playmamker.
Posted by: Swanson | April 18, 2008 07:33 PM
Eh, I really think Vince Young wants a big WR to target this year. I think they go WR 1st rd & RB 2nd or 3rd.
Posted by: Ryan | April 18, 2008 09:02 PM
A good RB isnt going to help when theres always 8 in the box because no one respects the pass
Posted by: Matt | April 18, 2008 10:23 PM
Fair enough Ryan and Matt....I think a COP back like CJohnson, Jamaal Charles and SSlaton could be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.....who should the Titans take w/their #1 pick in this years draft? Name me a WR who would solve the 8 in the box dilemma?
Posted by: Swanson | April 19, 2008 12:55 AM
Limas Sweed. His knock is a broken wrist he had and his stock has fallen some, but he is still good value here for a team that is starved for a playmaker at WR.
Posted by: Matt | April 19, 2008 11:24 AM