AFC South: Four bold predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back David Cobb (23) runs against Atlanta Falcons safety Akeem King (28) in the third quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans finished last in the division, but much like the Jacksonville Jaguars, they had some real good draft picks that could pay dividends. Staying put at number two and selecting Marcus Mariota to play quarterback was the right move. Also the high-risk-high-reward selection of receiver Dorial Green-Beckham could make the team forget about the failures of receiver Justin Hunter.
Perhaps the best selection the team made though was in the fifth round when they snatched up Minnesota running back David Cobb. The move already looks good as the Golden Gopher is getting first team reps this early in camp.
Being able to keep linebacker Derrick Morgan and lure in pass rusher Brian Orakpo should benefit the defensive unit as a whole.
However, beyond Orakpo and Morgan I have a hard time naming anyone on defense for the Titans. That’s really a sad statement after knowing how feared this unit was when Jeff Fisher was roaming the sidelines as the head coach.
The offense is in the same predicament as draft picks like Justin Hunter and Bishop Sankey have massively disappointed. Receiver Hakeem Nicks has the most name recognition of the veteran players, but he is coming off a 38 reception season after recording zero touchdowns the year before.
With one of the least talented rosters in the league, Tennessee will have to hope three rookies come in and explode for them to have any chance of a successful season. Mariota, DGB and Cobb may all start for Tennessee and while that could be great for the long term success, it may spell disaster for the 2015 season.
My bold prediction for the Titans is that they will get the top overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and there may not be much hope for head coach Ken Whisenhunt to be there while that selection is made.