An interesting read this morning from Climer:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060113/COLUMNIST0202/601130415/1106/SPORTS01

The main theme of it is that the Titans need to trade out of the #3 pick to get more picks and use them to fill more holes. Taking a QB means you don't get a return on investment for a couple of seasons and both Fisher and Reese have contracts which end before a Leinart or Young pick becomes productive for the Titans.

Thoughts?

the radio boys were dicusssing this the other day and concluded that aquiring more draft picks (ie, recruiting more YOUTH) wasn't quite the prudent thing to do; but trading back to aquire veteran FA help would be.

I don't believe an onslaught of rookies will save either Jeff or Floyd's jobs
they need to get over the hump, and I bet that don't expect their 1st Round pick to be much of a factor in that for the '06 season
no QB, RB, OL, or LB will do it,.... but better coaching will

I'll take Reggie Bush or Vince Young at #3
if it's Matt ,then shop the pick (just a gut feeling)
but I still want DeAngelo Williams / LenDale White / Jay Cutler Round 1
aquiring either of those guys + extra picks / Vet help would be good

I'd kinda like to see the team start winning sooner too, so a guy that can have an impact sooner would be nice. OTOH, I like the thought of Young or Leinart being a future QB.

Hawk, Bush, DeAngelo, Fergy, Kiwi....lots of guys could come in and have an immediate impact on this team, and could be had after a trade down. We could take a guy or two in the 2nd or 3rd round (depending on what picks we garnered) in one of the deep positions and get a guy who may have been a 1st rounder in another draft. Maybe LB, OT, QB....or even TE if Kinney gets traded.

Is this a win-win or what?

No way this pick gets traded. Vince Young, when will we ever get a chance to get a qb like this, if EVER, again. McNair was what, a 5 pick. Moon we just got lucky. Yeah, we've had some good qb's, but they don't grow on trees for most teams. The Titans have just been in the right place at the right time. Which is where we are again. Vince Young is about as good as a franchise could ever hope to get, and we'll get 'em at the 3 pick. Frankly, we should be thanking god that he came out. We will never have a chance like this again for probably the next 10-15 years. We are sitting pretty and a franchise player will be there no matter what happens. We gotta pick.

i wouldnt mind trading down a couple spots and drafting hawk :lol: but thats the Buckeye in me talking

Trading down a few slots and drafting Cutler makes the most sense to me.
Say we trade down and have a pick around #8. For that trade we would at least get the 8th pick in the 2nd round, the 8th pick in the 3rd round and possibly more picks next year. We still get a franchise QB for the future and in the 2nd and 3rd rounds we still have picks to get OL, LB and S help.
With the class of OTs and LBs those second round picks are as good as mid 1st round picks in other years.

It's a tough call but I would be very tempted if it meant getting a top 10 pick in the first, second and third rounds along with another possible high pick in '07.

Surely the front office wont screw this up. This is our chance to replace one franchise qb with another. I know a lot of you guys arent sold on Vince Young but you have to look at the situation we are in. Basically we suck and we are about to lose our qb to retirement. We have to take a franchise qb considering we are in a great place to get one and it is a team need.

Before this year if someone would have ask you guys do you want a qb with Vicks running ability, along with a better passing skills and decision making,and at last LEADERSHIP, how many would be against that?

But you have to consider a number of factors. If Reese somehow grades Cutler to be just a notch under Leinart or Young, he'd be nuts to decline a number of high picks if a team was willing to give up the farm to get to #3.

Lots will play out over the next few months.

Some of the guys up front may not want to wait a year or two before that franchise QB takes over. They may want to win now and draft another position that could have an immediate impact. It's not like a franchise QB picked high is a sure thing either....lots of busts lately give me the hebegebe feeling.

Or they could think Cutler is their man if they trade down a few spots, and may be happy with that and extra picks.

But you have to consider a number of factors. If Reese somehow grades Cutler to be just a notch under Leinart or Young,

and chances are he does

and chances are he does
Maybe. But I'm not going to buy into the hype until he does something at the Senior Bowl.

I see your points but to me qb position is not where you take a notch below when you can take a notch above

I would do that scenario with any other position probably though

Ill be honest with you, I was not a young fan nor am i today but i might be when the 3rd pick comes around. what he displayed against USC was pretty impressive though and if he can bring that to us I would love to have him

If our plan is to trade down with the intent to select Cutler and pick-up extra picks ie: regain that lost 3rd for the Henry deal... I'm all for it. That being said... the Titans' intel better be legit, because if we get leap-frogged by a team like Miami, Cardinals' or fall below a team like the Raiders' which have all shown a interest in Cutler ( Word of mouth )... I'll seriouly question who's best interest they're looking out for, the teams furture or theirs. We need to walk out of there with a legit QB... Leinart, Cutler or Young.

I see your points but to me qb position is not where you take a notch below when you can take a notch above
I agree. But I'm just saying it all boils down to how Reese grades out these guys. Based on what I've seen, I don't make the trade, FWTW.

Let's assume Reese likes Cutler. The problem is he is not guaranteed he'll be there if he trades down. It would almost benefit him if Cutler doesn't do too well in the Senior Bowl/Pro Day so that teams will come up for Young/Leinart who want a QB and Reese has a better shot at getting Culter with the lower pick.

I think it's a nice position to be in, after a crappy season. At least it gives us something to look forward to.

Vince, under McNair's tutelage, could be truly great. Mac was from a small school, studied under the great Chris Chandler, after all, and he turned out pretty decent. Imagine a guy like Vince, who played against MUCH tougher comp, will study under a bonifide MVP...I kind of like it.

But Cutler's from Vandy, so there's hometown love involved there, too.

It's a nice place to be in.

I see your points but to me qb position is not where you take a notch below when you can take a notch above
yeah, but I believe that the only reason why Cutler is "a notch below" is becuase he played at Vanderbilt on a relatively weak defensive team in a crushingly brutal conference with little offensive weaponry and coaching not quite on par with Carrol

Trust me when I say this :
Had Jay Cutler played @ USC you'd probably be looking at Cutler as a Top 5 pick (which ironically he might eventually end up)

After two years where we basically stockpiled picks and drafted a heap of rookies, I think this year we need quality, not quantity. More than anything our offense needs a centrepiece to build around. The last 10 years that has been Eddie and then McNair. Chris Brown is not durable enough to build an offense around, so we either need an every down stud RB or a franchise QB. I vote QB.

Trust me when I say this :
Had Jay Cutler played @ USC you'd probably be looking at Cutler as a Top 5 pick (which ironically he might eventually end up)

After two years where we basically stockpiled picks and drafted a heap of rookies, I think this year we need quality, not quantity. More than anything our offense needs a centrepiece to build around. The last 10 years that has been Eddie and then McNair. Chris Brown is not durable enough to build an offense around, so we either need an every down stud RB or a franchise QB. I vote QB.I agree with both of those post 100%

Let's not forget there's free agency to deal with this year, too. We can look forward to the FA period instead of dreading it this year. We'll finally be able to bring in some talent, instead of waving it all away, so we won't have to rely completely on the draft for fresh meat, as it were...

we need a
FA WR
a FA Safety
a FA LB
and a FA OL

the QB and RB can be drafted

After two years where we basically stockpiled picks and drafted a heap of rookies, I think this year we need quality, not quantity. More than anything our offense needs a centrepiece to build around. The last 10 years that has been Eddie and then McNair. Chris Brown is not durable enough to build an offense around, so we either need an every down stud RB or a franchise QB. I vote QB.

But you have to remember that the draft is an inexact science. Getting quantity is the only way to ensure quality. Don't listen to these people who say the top 3 players are all franchise players. I guarantee at least one ends up mediocre or worse be it via injuries or otherwise.

And also, I wouldn't count on FA... it's very hard to come out ahead really. Most signings just hurt teams. All of the successful teams build their team though the draft. It's no coinsidence.

I think bringing a QB in and playing him immediately is a mixed bag, but letting a guy learn for a couple of years has proven to work a little better. Let a guy learn how to be a pro before you ask him to lead a huddle...

Other positions, not so much, but QB seems to work...

BTW, is the ENTIRE USC OFFENSIVE LINE ENTERING THE DRAFT???

After two years where we basically stockpiled picks and drafted a heap of rookies, I think this year we need quality, not quantity. More than anything our offense needs a centrepiece to build around. The last 10 years that has been Eddie and then McNair. Chris Brown is not durable enough to build an offense around, so we either need an every down stud RB or a franchise QB. I vote QB.

i strongly agree. take young bush or leinart no question about it

I think it's insane to think that a player gets better by watching games than playing. My theory is that some qb's have fragile minds and having a bad season their rookie season stays in their head the next year.

ya know ,I'm not sure it really matters
vet or rook, it's a matter of how quickly the player adapts

I agree with Carpy's statement about quality v quantity. Sure the draft is a crap shoot, but I don't think another year flooded with youth is the answer.
I stick at #3 and am very happy with Leinart, Bush or Young. Again if only one of them came out and we actually got them, many would consider it immediately one of the best drafts ever. No way should we pass.

Now, I do understand the point about a pick for today v. the future. That being said, if Bush is there and both QBs are gone (a very real possibility) then that stops that right there. I think OL (the other consideration if we fell back to 4-6, say) is deep enough that I'm content to take that player in the 2nd or even 3rd if Hopkins stays.

Another consideration, and my probable off-season strategy, is to shop Volek for sure, possibly Henry, possibly Kinney, possibly Tank or LT if that were possible. If I can get a couple of picks in the 2-4 rd range, then I use those additional picks to trade back up, maybe even back into round one. Now I'm looking for a top safety or linebacker. If I can get LenDale, assuming I've already got a QB and have traded Henry, then I do it.

Given the article mentioned drafting a QB for a future coach/GM, I'm less hesitant about trading say, a future 2nd rounder, to be able to get back in the first round and take a guy I think will start immediately. Just in case one of the two (Jeff/Floyd) is not there in the future, if I were them, I wouldn't mind potentially screwing (sort of) a future replacement in order to save my job. But I've also just served my present and possibly future needs by doing so.

So ideally, being conservative, I get a third for Volek (maybe a two - Jets, for example), and a 4th for Henry (maybe a three - Arizona, for example). I try to avoid giving up this year's 2nd rounder since someone who falls out of the first round will fall to us in the 2nd. Now I can use my 3rd and one of my 4ths to move up in the third; or those same picks and a future two plus a player to get into the end of the 1st; if I have an extra 2nd and a 4th, I use that with a future two to move up into the first - for example. Just thinking out loud. But that's basically what I'm thinking. If I can deal Volek and Henry to the Jets or Raiders or Cardinals (Henry would start in Arizona and Billy shouldn't take long to surpass Warner, and get to throw to Bolden/Fitzgerald) for their 2nd, then that's what I'm all about. Now I've got a two behind my own. If I have a two that high, I take that plus next year's two and target Michael Huff/Chad Greenway/Darnell Bing/DeMeco Ryans/Marcus McNeill/Antonio Cromartie etc. etc. etc. Or of course just sit there if it looks like the right people are falling.

Does Fisher not owe Chow something for coming to Tennessee? Wouldn't Chow be the one to make the choice as to which QB works best in his system? And truthfully isn't Mac an ankle injury away from being done? I'm betting we take Cutler over VY..we may trade down but Cutler will be the choice....

Nash

I'm glad you didn't say Leinart
because I don't think Norm is enamored with Matt

There's no rule that says we have to keep all of our rookies signed. If you make 10 selections, just keep the ones that work out and ditch the rest.

We have a better chance of getting solid starters by making more selections as opposed to less higher selections, though... History doesn't lie.

There's no rule that says we have to keep all of our rookies signed. If you make 10 selections, just keep the ones that work out and ditch the rest.


well, historically Jeff hasn't done that

hell, he's hung on to players LOOONG after they proved useless

Those of you old enough to remember some of the older drafts would probably laugh hysterically if you were to go back and read some of the press some players received as "sure thing franchise players" compared to where they are now.

I remember a lot of people who thought Brian Urlacher was a "project" who might have to play safety from lack of size. I remember the people who thought Dwight Freeney was too small to play D-Line in the NFL. I remember the people who thought Drew Bree's arm was too weak and talking about he was a "product of the system". I remember the people who thought Peter Warrick was the surest pick at receiver ever. I'm sure you all remember the unblockable Courtney Brown. The list goes on and on...

Does Fisher not owe Chow something for coming to Tennessee? Wouldn't Chow be the one to make the choice as to which QB works best in his system? And truthfully isn't Mac an ankle injury away from being done? I'm betting we take Cutler over VY..we may trade down but Cutler will be the choice....

Pacman was a fine player pick, but Chow was pissed we passed on MW. I don't think he'll be too happy if he's blocked out of decisions consistently. But block out Schwartz, by all means. Munchak had more influence in the draft than Chow. Wonder if he was happy with the WR picks.

Pacman was a fine player pick, but Chow was pissed we passed on MW.
Really? Got a source for that? Of course he said before the draft he'd like Mike but he is an OC, he wants as much talent on that side of the ball he can get. I don't remember a comment at all from him on the Jones choice.

I remember hearing him say positive things regarding the 3 rooks

i do not remember him complaining about Mike

Fish or Floyd said something about Chow hitting something...hand on table...foot in a...I can't remember.

Fish or Floyd said something about Chow hitting something...hand on table...foot in a...I can't remember.

I think Reese said Chow wanted Williams big time. Something like jumping on the table.

Depending on how far down we trade and what position we take, we may still be getting a guy that's considered "franchise"....or at least franchise-ish ;)

If the hype is true about Cutler, you could look at him that way. Maybe even Jacobs shoots up the charts. Or you may take a LB or OT that would have been drafted higher most other years, but since it's a deep draft at those positions, they fall a little.

You trade down and get a few more 1st day picks at deep positions, and you have less chance of all those players bombing instead of just one guy bombing. But the guy at the top could be a future perenial Pro Bowler. It's good to be where we are.

This is a chance you get to pick this high once in 10-15 years. I say take Young if he's available.

JDee

I think Reese said Chow wanted Williams big time. Something like jumping on the table.

i wonder if everytime PacMan gets into trouble if Chow's sittin there going "see i told you silly $%*$&# !!"

This is a chance you get to pick this high once in 10-15 years. I say take Young if he's available.

JDee

All this hype over Young or any of the three top guys is just that, hype. There is no sure draft pick and as stated earlier just look at past drafts and see for yourself all the "sure thing" picks that were medicre or worse.
Ben Roethlisberger was picked #11 in 2004, behind Manning and Rivers and going into the draft people would have been saying that taking Roethlisberger as the #1 QB in that draft would have been lunacy. Right now he is by far the best QB of the draft. If San Diego or the Giants had traded down a few picks and taken Roethlisberger they would have been better off (except that San Diego of course did trade out for a ton of picks which makes my point). If in a year where the draft is loaded at a number of positions we have needs we were to trade down and get Cutler instead we could easily end up with the best QB and a bunch of picks. Not to mention we will have extra money to look at FAs with because we will not be paying a 3rd pick contract.

get Cutler instead we could easily end up with the best QB

yep, yep ,yep

I think Cutler will be this drafts Roethlesberger

All this hype over Young or any of the three top guys is just that, hype. There is no sure draft pick and as stated earlier just look at past drafts and see for yourself all the "sure thing" picks that were medicre or worse.
Ben Roethlisberger was picked #11 in 2004, behind Manning and Rivers and going into the draft people would have been saying that taking Roethlisberger as the #1 QB in that draft would have been lunacy. Right now he is by far the best QB of the draft. If San Diego or the Giants had traded down a few picks and taken Roethlisberger they would have been better off (except that San Diego of course did trade out for a ton of picks which makes my point). If in a year where the draft is loaded at a number of positions we have needs we were to trade down and get Cutler instead we could easily end up with the best QB and a bunch of picks. Not to mention we will have extra money to look at FAs with because we will not be paying a 3rd pick contract.

Also of note is that the "experts" said that Rothlesberger would take 2 years or more of sitting on the bench to be ready to start in the NFL.

Seems to me the Jets might be very interested in drafting Leinart.. with it being NYC, and Manning playing for the Giants, they need a big name player to compete...so maybe the Jets will trade us a player for dropping down 1..

iJets need a RB more then a QB. I'd say they want Bush.

No way do I trade down if i'm Floyd, unless someone gives me their first, second and third this year, and first and second next year. Whether it's one spot or ten spots down, no way. This type of pick (#3 overall) doesn't happen but about once every 12 years, you gotta take the best player there. Again I say we need quality player over quantity, we need vet help anyways, so go sign some solid FA, and draft just where you are at.

Don't forget the quarterback year that was supposedly the best draft ever featuring such studs at Tim Couch, Akili Smith, and Cade McNown.

And I would say the Jets are pretty much screwed now that they gave Pennington a long term deal. Their only prayer is to sit back and hope Pennington can make a miraculous recovery.

I'm all for drafting Bush or Young, but what do we do about safety, LB, and OLine? We don't have a 3rd round pick and we will prob have limited money to spend in FA. Bush or Young could be the most amazing players ever but we will still have a crappy defense if we don't address it in a big way.

Looking on the bright side we do have enough money to find a few FAs to fill those gaps. No matter who we pick in the 1st round we should fill one of those spots nicely with our 2nd rounder. The other 2 can be addressed in the later rounds. Reese might be seriously looking to trade down in the 2nd round like he did last year if the guy(s) he wants can still be available a few picks later. Remember last year Roos and Barnes were both still available and even if someone had taken Roos right before our 9th pick we could have still taken a solid OT in Barnes (Barnes started 12 games this year at LT for the Jags and played well) if we wanted him. The same scenario might present itself this year where a couple of OL, LBs or Ss of similar value are on the board still and Reese trades out to take whoever lasts. This draft is deep at OT and LB which really helps us.

Does Fisher not owe Chow something for coming to Tennessee? Wouldn't Chow be the one to make the choice as to which QB works best in his system? And truthfully isn't Mac an ankle injury away from being done? I'm betting we take Cutler over VY..we may trade down but Cutler will be the choice....

isnt the salary he is making good enough? i dont see a reason for him being owed anything! if our offense was lights out this year then maybe but i dont think he is in a position to demand anything IMO

yeah, and another year like the last too and Chow might get that HC job he wanted .... Jeff's !