The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

In only his fourth year in the league, the 26-year-old Vince Young has already reached a crossroads in his career. Many fans are wondering if he’ll ever get a chance to be that mobile franchise quarterback Tennessee’s front office envisioned when they made him the third overall pick in the 2006 Draft.

After a slow start last season, coach Jeff Fisher had no choice but to replace Young in the starting lineup with Kerry Collins following an incident where the two-time Rose Bowl MVP had to be convinced to re-enter a regular season game.

Despite his team’s successful 13-3 record season last season, Young never really accepted being a bench player and was often seen sulking alone on the bench, unwilling to communicate with Collins.

In a recent interview with Baltimore’s WMAR-TV, the unhappy camper made no attempt to conceal his disappointment with his relegation to back-up status.

“I definitely want to get back out there playing ball and picking up where I left off, winning games and having a good time with my teammates and with the fans,” Young said. “At the same time, if them [sic] guys don’t want me to be in there, it’s time for me to make a career change for myself. Because the fact is I’m ready to play ball. If they’re not ready for me to play ball, then somebody is.”
Regardless of Young’s feelings about the current pecking order in Tennessee, the organization has placed its chips on the steady hand of the 36-year-old Collins.

Part of the logic involved here stems from the fact that the Titans believe they have all the other pieces in place (running game, defense, etc.) to make a run for the Super Bowl before being forced to deal with a number of possible free agent defections in 2010, as the contracts of veterans LenDale White, Bo Sacife, Michael Roos, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Keith Bulluck, Nick Harper, and others are all due to expire.

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks: Kerry Collins proved he can still be an effective starter in the league when given airtight pass protection. Last season the Penn State product was only sacked eight times on his way to 2,676 yards and 12 passing touchdowns. While the stats are far from gaudy, Collins completed several clutch throws in key moments. Blessed with a potent arm, the elder statesman can still make just about any throw from the pocket, although his accuracy may wane on longer pass attempts. There’s no reason why Collins can’t add 500 yards and six or seven scores to his 2008 totals. The key will be keeping him between the tackles since the journeyman is practically useless on the run. Vince Young, on the other hand, will never make it until he learns how to complete passes from the pocket. His breathtaking ability to make plays on the run gives him an added dimension, but you can’t get by on scrambling alone. The 6’5” quarterback must improve his decision making as he enters a contract year. Third-stringer Patrick Ramsey is very familiar with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger’s system from their days together in Denver. In short stretches, Ramsey has provided solid relief work, displaying a good pocket presence and quick release.

Running Backs: Thought by many to be a one-dimensional outside runner, Chris Johnson ended up being much more than that, wasting little time in taking over as Tennessee’s lead man in the backfield. Johnson put his world-class speed to good use in his rookie campaign by using his vision to dart through narrow creases and explode for huge gains. The second-year pro was somewhat underutilized as a pass catcher due in part to some egregious drops on some of the most basic screen passes. Look for Johnson to build on his 1,228 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. The only concern is whether his 200-pound frame can withstand another season of 300 or so touches over 16 games. The beefy LenDale White was smash to Johnson’s dash, as he went on to hit pay dirt 15 times on the ground. White is your classic between-the-tackles power runner. Tennessee heavily relied on him near the end zone, handing him the ball 18 times inside the three-yard line. The bruiser is, however, an excruciatingly slow runner who doesn’t perform well against defenses that are strong up the middle. To his credit, White recently showed up 20-pounds lighter during spring practices. The Titans’ front office has already prepared for the former Trojan’s possible departure as he approaches his walk year, drafting Javon Ringer out of Michigan State. Despite his small stature Ringer is a hard runner who churns his legs and runs through tackles, but he shouldn’t be confused for an explosive or elusive back. The underwhelming Chris Henry could be on his way out. The veteran speedster has zero running instincts. Ahmard Hall is an athletic blocking back who averaged over 10 yards per reception, while the 250-pound Casey Cramer is a special-teams type who can line up at H-back.

Wide Receivers: Tennessee’s wide receivers were little more than fancy hood ornaments attached to a Sherman Tank last season. In fact, no Titan wide out had more than 41 receptions. Part of that was by design due to the team’s run-first tendencies, but the lack of a deep threat was also a factor in the passing game’s meager totals. Justin Gage was the closest thing Tennessee had to a big-play receiver. Despite playing in only 12 games, Gage caught six touchdowns and averaged 19.1 yards per reception. The 6’4” playmaker often served as the go-to guy in clutch situations. Expect him to once again be the number-one option despite his rather ordinary straight-line speed. Speed is what the Titans had in mind when enlisting the services of Nate Washington. The ex-Steeler can certainly stretch the field, but also has shaky hands and is somewhat limited in terms of running routes. How the 185-pound Washington will fare as an option over the middle is also concerning along with the fact that he failed to score a touchdown in his previous 14 regular-season and postseason games. Rookie Kenny Britt will be brought along slowly this summer after missing a good chunk of practice time during OTAs with a lingering hamstring injury. The Rutgers product is a tall receiver who can line up on the outside or in the slot and make plays after the catch. Much like Washington, Britt has a history of dropping passes. Second-year man Lavelle Hawkins needs to regain the trust of his coaches after a forgettable rookie season in which he routinely lined up in the wrong spot and missed assignments. Chris Davis has never developed as a slot receiver, but is a fine kick returner who works hard at his craft. The 6’2” Dominique Edison is small-school project who quickly breaks in and out of his routes.

Tight Ends: The Titans have outstanding depth at this position. Bo Scaife is the headliner who led the team with 58 receptions. The fifth-year tight end is a sure-handed target and a master at finding openings in coverage. Alge Crumpler, on the other hand, is a slow, overweight option with bad knees. His best days are way behind him. Craig Stevens is an excellent blocker who’ll rarely see the ball. Rookie Jared Cook is a 6’5” physical freak with wide receiver speed. His long arms and big hands allow him to make catches outside of his frame. Look for the potential game breaker to use his speed and elusiveness after the catch once he begins getting acclimated to Tennessee’s offense.

Offensive Line: He may not be a household name, but left tackle Michael Roos was almost flawless in pass protection last season, allowing only one sack with the stationary Collins at the helm. He was no slouch in the running game either. The Estonia native makes great use of his long arms and quick reach to neutralize the competition. Left guard Eugene Amano took over for the recently-retired Benji Olson and proved to be a worthy starter thanks to his tremendous physical strength. Stout backup center Leroy Harris will be waiting in the wings for 38-year-old Kevin Mawae to relinquish his starting position. The long-time veteran’s play, however, continues to belie his age. The future Hall-of-Fame candidate still ranks among the most athletic centers that can make his way downfield on traps and pulls. Indianapolis import Jake Scott handles defenders of all sizes as an athletic pass-blocking component at right guard. Right tackle David Stewart is a bruiser in the running game, but to needs to polish up his technique versus speed rushers. At 6’6” 309 pounds, rookie Troy Kropog may need to add some more muscle to his upper body and shed some flab from his mid-section if he aims to be a starter one day. Moreover, Kropog needs to show more aggressiveness against the rush. The one thing he has going for him is his lateral agility. The Tulane product also has the burst to advance to the second level. In reserve, the Titans have Mike Otto, Ryan Durand, and Fernando Velasco. Otto is a veteran who’s well-versed in offensive line coach Mike Munchak’s scheme, Velasco is an athletically limited guard with strong hands and an impressive motor, while rookie Ryan Durand is a seventh-round project with the intelligence and toughness that the team is looking for at the interior line positions.

DEPTH CHART

DEFENSE

Defensive Line: The departure of all-world defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is bound to have an effect on the defense, but it may not be as catastrophic as some anticipate. First off, the Titans have become accustomed to playing without Haynesworth’s services due to the fact that he hasn’t played a full 16-game season since his second year in the league. The other factor working in Tennessee’s favor is defensive line coach Jim Washburn. The demanding taskmaster has always been able to get the best out of his players, whose level of play typically deteriorates after signing with another team (see Kearse, Javon). The soon-to-be 33-year-old Kearse, interestingly, made his way back to Tennessee after an uneventful stay in Philadelphia. He’s the no longer the menacing athletic freak of yesteryear, but the Florida product was a useful contributor last season. While his consistency isn’t where it once was, he found a way to make key plays when it counted, including 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Jacob Ford may give Kearse a run for his money for the starting right end job. The Memphis native provides good speed off the edge and posted seven sacks in 2008. Oft-injured Kyle Vanden Bosch brings astounding physical strength, drive, and quickness off the snap. Dave Ball filled in for a hobbled Vanden Bosch and prospered in his first year in Music City. The ex-Jet is a very mobile and athletic defender who returned an interception for a touchdown against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Fellow end William Hayes is a promising, but raw youngster. Jason Jones, Jovan Haye, and Tony Brown should see most of the action at defensive tackle. The versatile Jones exhibited his immense upside with a 3.5 sack performance versus Pittsburgh. He’s a disruptive force that can maintain his balance. Haye, on the other hand, is a quick and penetrating lineman, who wears down if overused. Brown is a tireless worker with surprising quickness. Rookie tackle Sen’Derrick Marks will probably be brought along slowly, but he has super leg drive to hold up versus the run and strong hands to disengage from blockers.

Linebackers: Weakside linebacker Keith Bulluck is a paragon of durability. The 10th year pro has yet to sit out a game in his career and despite his age (32), he remains a defensive jack of all trades. Not only is Bulluck an instinctive tackling machine, but he can still drop back in pass coverage. Similarly, David Thornton is also adept at tracking down ball carriers on the strong side. His assiduous work in the film room has resulted in consistent production on the field. Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch is physical and has the hand skills to wade his way through traffic. Backing him up is the rugged two-down run specialist Ryan Fowler. Youngsters Stanford Keglar and Gerald McGrath both come with loads of ability. Keglar excels in coverage while McGrath, a 2009 fourth-round pick, has shown the potential to read what’s in front of him and be a sideline-to-sideline terror in pursuit. Collin Allred and Josh Stamer are special teams contributors.

Secondary: As arguably the top starting defensive backfield in the league, Tennessee’s four horsemen (Michael Griffin, Chris Hope, Cortland Finnegan, and Nick Harper) were constantly making plays in the secondary last season, racking up 18 interceptions and two touchdowns between them. Finnegan is an elite corner who combines cat-like quickness, aggressiveness, smarts, and superior ball skills. If that weren’t enough, the 5’10” 188-pound difference maker is also a punishing tackler. Soon-to-be 35-year-old Nick Harper isn’t the athlete Finnegan is, but he remains a cagey and fearless competitor. Griffin is an immensely talented free safety who runs like a corner. The rising star excels at closing in on receivers and making plays on the ball with his leaping ability. Strong safety Chris Hope is an in-the-box intimidator who racked up 78 tackles last year. The physically gifted, but overaggressive Ryan Mouton and the smart, but slow-footed DeMarcus Faggins are among the reserve cornerbacks. Lightening-fast rookie Jason McCourty may win a job as the fourth or fifth-corner. Vincent Fuller is the first safety off the bench and has some range. Donnie Nickey is a hard-nosed special teams option, and rookie Nick Schommer should help there as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Rob Bironas is money in the bank. Not only has he converted 89 and 90-percent of his field goals over the past two seasons, but he’s connected on six of seven of his attempts from 50 yards and beyond over the same stretch. In addition, the veteran kicker gets excellent distance on his kickoffs. Punter Craig Hentrich just keeps on truckin’, averaging 42 to 43 yards on his punts season after season. The 5’9” 185-pound Mark Jones replaces Chris Carr on kickoff and punt returns. Ryan Mouton, Jason McCourty, Chris Henry, and Chris Davis may also be used as return men.

PROJECTION

In addition to being strong and deep in the trenches, the Titans have a nice mix of youth, veteran leadership, and solid coaching which will get them into the playoffs. Keeping Kerry Collins upright and out of harm’s way will be the key factor in determining the team’s course as a true Super Bowl contender. If the Black and Blue build off last season’s success and open it up a bit more in the passing game, they should be primed for an 11-5 record and a first-place finish in the AFC South.

Photo Credit: Todd J. Van Emst (Auburn University Athletic Dept. Photographer), College Press Box (Rutgers)

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