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Mike Williams is Making the Most of "Last Chance"

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:39:00 PST

Mike Williams, who was the 10th selection of the 2005 draft, has already been released by the Lions and the Raiders. When he signed with the Titans, he weighed 270 and was out-of-shape. As the season ended, he was told by Coach Jeff Fisher to get in shape or he'd be released again. As OTAs began this week, Williams reported in at 240 and hopes to start training camp at his college weight of 230. OC Mike Heimerdinger likes the potential Williams has. "He’s an amazing talent. For a big man to run like he runs," Heimerdinger said. "He’s got great hands and he’s run real good. The problem with Mike is he’s got to be able to do it more than two days in a row. He’s got to get in shape and make sure that he’s here. Talent-wise, he’s very talented and can do a lot of good things."

Fisher Pleased with Participation of Titans OTAs

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:44:29 PST

Titans coach Jeff Fisher discussed today's OTA sessions and the level of participation from the players. "We’ve had some real good work," said Fisher. "This is our third, or actually our fourth, OTA (Organized Team Activities), and I’m very, very pleased overall with the participation, with the attendance and with the hard work that’s going on. It’s a very well-conditioned team, and they’re having a lot of fun." Fisher went on to discuss TE Alge Crumpler who the Titans signed as a free agent in March. "He has really worked hard since arriving here six to eight weeks ago," said Fisher. "He has gotten himself in real good shape. His weight is down and his knees feel good. He has very soft hands and understands the game. He has been a really good addition to our offense.

Titans Want to Use Cap Room on Own Players

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:16:46 PST

The Titans have been criticized heavily over the past year for having lots of salary cap space and not using it on big-name free agents. But the Titans are hoping to use their remaining 2008 salary cap on many of their own players according to GM Mike Reinfeldt. "The good thing is we're in a position now where we essentially have all of our guys counting under the cap," Reinfeldt said. "There's two guys not signed in Albert (Haynesworth) and David (Stewart). We still have a lot of room we can use to get a head start for next year. That would be important to us." The Titans recently reached a six-year, $43 million deal with Michael Roos.

White Comments on Newest Titans RB

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:23:04 PST

Titans RB Lendale White was present at yesterday's OTA session but limited due to recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. White said he's been "rehabbing like crazy'" and the decision to hold him back during minicamp practices was made more for precautionary reasons. He also said he was 5 to 10 pounds from his weight goal. White also seemed excited for what first-round pick Chris Johnson brings to the Titans backfield. "It gives us a one-two punch," White said. "After I bang 'em up for so long, you get him in there and he can run by them. At USC, Reggie ran by them and I ran through them. It was a good one-two combination because you had defenses having to prepare for two different style backs. It was like that with me and Reggie and it can be like that with me and Chris — I feel like with me and him in the backfield, we can get it done."

Bironas Signs Tender

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:15:00 PST

Titans K Rob Bironas has signed his one-year tender offer worth $1.47 million. The team remains interested in signing him to a long-term deal. Bironas was named to the Pro Bowl last season after making 35 of 39 field goal attempts. He also set the NFL single-game FGs record with eight (52, 25, 21, 30, 28, 43, 29 and 29 yards) against the Texans. T David Stewart remains the only player who has yet to sign his tender offer.

Haynesworth Will Not Participate in Titans OTAs

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:37:14 PST

Titans DT Albert Haynesworth decided he will not participate in the team's OTA beginning this Thursday at Baptist Sports Park. Haynesworth was given the franchise tag this off-season but has yet to sign his one-year tender offer. The Titans have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal with Haynesworth, who has said he wants to remain a Titan. "I'm not really worried about it, I guess I'll have a job next year," Haynesworth said. "Hopefully we can work something out long-term so I can stay here." Haynesworth was selected as an All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl after last season, in which he was a key cog in the Titans’ No. 5-ranked defense. WR Roydell Williams will not participate in OTAs as he is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered in Janauary.

DT Johnson Making Return Thursday

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:30:43 PST

Titans DT Antonio Johnson has been cleared to be part of Thursday's OTA after rehabbing a torn ACL in his left knee. "Everything is going fine," Johnson said. "For OTAs I’m cleared to do everything and I will be doing everything. I’ll be running with the first group, that’s what my coach told me, and we’ll see how that works out. … It’s very exciting." A fifth-round pick out of Mississippi State last year, Johnson has dropped down from 335 to 320 without any loss of power according to team trainers. "You don’t want to get too high on anybody, but it’s exciting to watch Mookie (Johnson's nickname," DL coach Jim Washburn said. "He’s a big, powerful man. He’s like Robaire Smith when he was new. Remember how it wasn’t really anything to do with the weight room? He was just strong."

Hawkins Reminds Fisher of DMase

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:56:00 PST

Rookie WR Lavelle Hawkins makes Titans coach Jeff Fisher think about the team's most successful WR this past decade – Derrick Mason. Both players have similar builds and both were fourth-round picks by Tennessee. "I drew that analogy. Obviously, you’re comparing him to a great player and he’s got a ways to close that gap, but you can see some similarities," Fisher said. "He probably has some Mase tendencies from what you saw on film," said offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger. "He’s got quick feet and real good hands. When we watched film, he could shake people and get open, a little bit like Mase in size and quick feet and all that stuff. We’ll see what he can handle."

Washburn Excited About Defensive Line Rookies

Sun, 04 May 2008 07:47:16 PST

Titans Defensive line coach Jim Washburn liked the enthusiasm he saw at the rookie practive this weekend. "I'm really excited because they're real eager, they're fun, small-school guys and they're really into it right now," Washburn said. "Of course this is day one, practice one." Washburn believes second-round pick Jason Jones will stay at DT though can also work outside. "He can be OK out there, but what he is is an inside player," Washburn said. "He weighs 273 or something like that and that hasn't been an issue because he was strong against the run. He was sort of unusually strong. I'm not sure, I've just got to see." As for fourth-rounder William Hayes, Washburn things he'll be special. "I just like him," Washburn said. "He can fly. Really strong. … He's going to be overwhelmed. This isn't FAMU. But you know something, he's got unique physical qualities. Everybody thought, 'Wow, what a reach.' They had no clue."

OC Plans on Making Top Pick Multi-Purpose Weapon

Sat, 03 May 2008 10:53:21 PST

Rookie RB Chris Johnson showed in his first OTA some of the speed which landed him as pick #24 of the first round. "He’s an amazing athlete and he’s got amazing speed. I can probably say he’s the fastest person I’ve ever lined up again," said rookie LB Stanford Keglar, who played in the Big Ten. "It’s great to be on his team and to have that guy on my team instead of him being on the other sideline." Titans OC Mike Heimerdinger plans on using Johnson as much as possible in his offense this season as he was used in East Carolina. Johnson was the fastest player at the NFL Combine with a 4.24 time in the 40-yard dash.

Titans Staff Unified on Draft Picks

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:26:43 PST

According to Tennessee Titans scout Blake Beddingfield, the Titans draft room was unified on each of the team's selections. "Usually when you go into those meetings, you want everybody to be on the same page, but there’s almost always disagreements. The coaches want one player, the scouts recommend another," Beddingfield said. "This was actually the first time since I’ve been here that everybody was actually in agreement. And it was that way on every pick, which is rare. There were really no arguments on any of the seven choices." Beddingfield feels they took care of much of the Titans needs with the draft but didn't rule out bringing in another pro free agents or two.

Titans Sign 10 Undrafted Free Agents

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:27:45 PST

The Titans have agreed to terms with 10 undrafted free agents. They are: Rafael Little (RB, Kentucky), Omar Cuff (RB, Delaware), Jason Rivers (WR, Hawaii), Eric Scott (G/C Kentucky), Fernando Velasco (C, Georgia), Tony Joiner (S, Florida), Barry Booker (DT, Virginia Tech), Jerrell Freeman (LB, Mary-Hardin Baylor), Brock Pasteur (T, Stephen F. Austin), Edward Williams (WR, Lane College). Little rushed for 2,996 yards for the Wildcats, but he underwent surgery in March to repair a torn ACL he suffered in Senior Bowl practices. He won’t be ready for the 2008 season, but will be under contract to the Titans for a possible return to action in 2009.

According to the “Experts”, Titans Draft Grade "D+"

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:20:51 PST

It happens every year.

The draft “experts” second guess every NFL general manager and grade their drafts knowing it’ll be three seasons before the truth will be known.

Remember the high grades the Titans received in ‘03? Woolfolk was a steal, Calico a stud and Chris Brown looked like a huge value in the third round.
So take these grades for what they’re worth which ain’t much.

2008 Tennessee Titans Draft Analysis

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:18:22 PST

On Monday, the "experts" will give the Titans a grade on their draft even though everyone knows it'll be 2011 before enough time has passed to truly evaluate this weekend's selections. But that won't keep anyone from passing judgement on Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt including us. So let's look at the Titans draft picks along with the pros and cons of each selection.

Pick #229: Cary Williams, CB, Washburn

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:53:28 PST

With the 229th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Cary Williams, CB, Washburn. The 6'-1", 185 pounder has 4.43 speed and is the only NCAA Division II player to be ranked in the top 10 in the nation in interceptions and kickoff-return average in 2007.

NFL.com: Has a very lean frame, but added over 10 pounds to his physique after the season and the added bulk did not affect his impressive timed speed... Has a tall, angular frame that can carry even more bulk, but needs to dedicate considerable hours to the weight room to improve his poor strength... Durable athlete who never missed a game due to an injury... Uses his quickness well to get downfield on the punt-coverage unit and is one of the better gunners in the draft... Has good arm length and leaping ability to compete for the jump ball, but needs to show more courage (consistently shied away from contact and had zero pass deflections in 2007)... When he is able to locate the ball, he closes with no hesitation, but lacks great instincts to read and react instantly... Has a good break on the ball in front of him and can run with most receivers, but must do a better job of staying on the outside shoulder of his man, especially on climbing drags and slants...

Pick #134: Stanford Keglar, OLB, Purdue

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:39:52 PST

With the 134th pick of the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Stanford Keglar, OLB from Purdue. The 6'-2", 239 pounder runs a 4.58 40. He has good size and bulk with great athleticism. He has very good timed speed with a big motor. Keglar is said to have excellent instincts with great sideline-to-sideline range. A hard worker with solid intangibles.

NFL.com: Has an impressive looking, thick upper body, with good muscle tone, large hands, good arm length and well-developed calf and thigh muscles...Best when playing on the move, for despite some upper body tightness he has the quick feet, change of direction agility and lateral movements to close on the plays along the opposite perimeter...Good moving around and flowing to the ball in space...Shows good balance in his stride and plays with good body control (rare to see him out-run a play)...Has the weight room strength to generate good pop on contact, but just needs to get confidence in that strength to use it with better consistency...Makes good decisions in his initial charge when reacting to screens and draws...Does a good job of sinking his hips and staying on his feet while flowing down the line...Very effective at making his reads and has a good feel for block pressure...

Pick #126: Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:36:26 PST

With the 126th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California. The 5'-11", 187 pounder runs a 4.52 40. A great athlete with good body control and ball skills who plays tough and will work the middle of the field. He plays faster than he times and can separate with his explosiveness. He is also elusive and runs well after the catch.

NFL.com: Has an athletic, slender physique with lean muscle tone, a bit high-cut, but shows tapered thighs and calves...Has large, soft hands to extend for the ball away from his frame, compensating for shorter-than-ideal arms... Had good production in several games as a senior, when his athletic ability took over, but still needs to develop better football skills (timing on leaps, blocking, concentration)... Has the valid timed speed, body control and hand-eye coordination to run under most throws, but does need to refine his route-running... When his head is in the game and he gets a clean release, he is quick to get into his patterns... Better working in the zone, as he does an efficient job of settling into the soft area... Does a nice job of keeping his feet inbounds when working along the sideline...Runs with pitter-patter steps, showing good change-of-direction agility...

Pick #103: William Hayes, DE/LB, Winston-Salem State

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:34:03 PST

With the 103rd pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Williams Hayes, DE/LB from Winston-Salem State. Hayes is a bit of a hybrid at the DE/SAM LB position. The 6'-2", 272 pounder turned heads at the NFL Combine after running a 4.6 40. That is the same time that Ohio State standout Vernon Gholston ran at the combine. When interviewed recently, Hayes says he prefers to play DE in the NFL though many project him to be a SAM in a 3-4 defense. “I definitely want to play defensive end. I have been playing it longer and I am more comfortable there," said Hayes. Hayes led WSSU with 8.5 sacks and was second on the team in total tackles with 78. He also broke up three passes and recovered four fumbles, two of which he returned for touchdowns for the Rams. The Titans traded pick #124 and their fifth-round pick (157) to the Redskins to move up for Hayes.

Pick #85: Craig Stevens, TE, California

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:23:19 PST

With the 85th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected TE Craig Stevens from California. Stevens is 6'-3", 254 pounds with a 4.59 40. He has adequate size and bulk to go with decent timed speed. Stevens is strong, tough and physical as a blocker. Last season, he had 204 receiving yards and three TDs for Cal.

NFL.com: Has a solidly built frame with ideal hand size for his position...Added more bulk and muscle mass to his frame prior to his senior year, but is probably at maximum growth potential without any more bulk impacting his good timed speed (also must play up to that speed, as he needs to refine his start off the snap)...Has a big chest, wide back and thick thighs and calves...Quick to get into position as a blocker, but is mechanical in his initial burst off the ball when trying to get into his patterns...Has the hand punch to defeat a strong press, but also knows how to weave and use head fakes to escape...Has a good swim move to get a clean release...Shows good patience working his way into the zone, but is better served as a receiver on underneath and tight end-delay patterns...Cuts better in the short area (will drift on long routes) and is a good target in the crowd...

Schwartz Comments on DE Jones

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 05:26:00 PST

Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz commented on the choice of DE Jason Jones taken in the second round. "He uses his arms and his hands extremely well," said Schwartz. "This is a guy that played inside. You talk about a school like Eastern Michigan, you don’t think of it as major competition, but they played Michigan, Northwestern and Vanderbilt. He played at the Senior Bowl and he was effective playing down inside against all of those people because of the long arms and leverage. It’s not a guy who doesn’t have some of the things you’re looking at. He has everything that you’re looking for. Just because he weight 273 didn’t mean he couldn’t compete inside. He did extremely well in those areas."