NASHVILLE – We're now into April.
Which, of course, is also draft month.
Man, this offseason is flying by.
After spending several days at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, I'm back in Nashville and getting ready for Easter weekend.
Before taking a quick break, let's jump into another Titans mailbag to tackle some topics…
Scott Weaver from Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Hope all is well with you. Will you still be doing the britches report this year? I love the new uniforms and since I am a Titans/Oilers fan since the 80s it really hits home with me, i love all the combinations but I hope they wear the blue pants more on the road this year. The all white was really boring last year, but i will say the all white look with the new unis is nice, only thing I would do with them is put the blue socks with them. Getting ready for the draft up here in southwestern Pa and no I wont be going Pittsburgh is a very nice city but horrible to get in and out of. Plus I enjoyed the draft in 2019 in Nashville so I had my event. Titan up
Jim: Hey Scott. I think I will. I did the Britches Report last year, even when I knew the team would wear the same thing every game – light blue over white at home, and all white on the road. I do think there could be a little more variety with the britches on the road this year, and perhaps a home game white jersey game for a warm September day? So, I might as well keep it going. Plus, there will be a Rivalries uniform. I know the Britches Report isn't what it used to be compared to the days when the team had more of a wardrobe variety, but I think some fans still enjoy it, so why not? … I'm looking forward to making the trip to Pittsburgh!
Nick Hardison from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. This is my first time writing in. I love the rebrand and the uniforms are so clean. I also love the added details paying tribute to the great state of Tennessee and the city of Nashville on the jerseys. The only thing I would change would be replacing the white face mask with red. I believe the red would give the uni more pop. I still love it nonetheless.
I'm looking forward to the draft and I don't really know what to expect, which is exciting. I'd like for us to draft Rueben Bain at number 4. If we take Jeremiyah Love, I don't see us keeping 3 running backs. Possible Pollard trade? I won't be disappointed either way; I just wondered what your thoughts might be on these 2 scenarios.
Thank you for your time and have a great weekend, Sir
Jim: Hey Nick. Well, good to hear from you for the first time. I like Bain, but I also like Love. It all depends on what the GM thinks of these guys, and others at the top of the board. I do think the team will keep at least three running backs, maybe four, with the number hinging on which guys can help on special teams. Don't be a stranger.
Michael Cain from Kilmarnock, Virginia
Question: What's up, brother! Super excited for the new look, the new digs and the potential surrounding this new revamped roster. Can't wait!
I tend to agree with a lot of what I have read and seen, Love is a no brainer and Femi has the potential to be something special.
My question for you is this. With our need still at WR and his previous production and potential to be a big boost to Ward and our offense, why hasn't Jauan Jennings been seriously looked in to? Wouldn't he be a great addition or am I missing something? As always, TITAN UP!
Jim: Hey Michael. I'm surprised Jauan Jennings hasn't been signed myself. Was talking to some of the 49ers writers about him at the owners meetings this week. He's not returning to San Fran, we now know that. I don't know what he's looking for financially, and perhaps that has gotten in the way of him getting a deal? By the way, when I was walking through Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix to catch my red-eye around 9:30 on Tuesday night, I'm 98 percent sure I passed Jennings in the terminal…
Drayden Rupe from Clinton, Utah
Question: Jim it was great meeting you at BNA Airport this weekend. Glad you were wearing a visor and I walked in front of you or I never would have seen you. Jim is a really down to earth guy. Who would you like to see the Titans draft? Mine would have to be Love or Bain. Both would help the Titans immensely.
Jim: I've seen a lot of folks at the airport in the last week! It was great seeing you, Drayden. I hope you had a good trip to Gatlinburg. I wouldn't be upset if the Titans took any of these potential defensive stars. But I have to admit, I'd pick Love. Thanks for saying hello. When you said, "Are you who I think you are?," I thought you might've mistaken me for Buck Reising.
Jason Petty from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I hope all is well my friend. And as always Thank you for all the work you put in to Help our fanbase stay in the loop. This week I'm just looking for a little clarity and hoping you can do that. With the announcement of signing Hendon Hooker, does that not solidify Will Levis time in Nashville is over? I know there's "competition" behind Ward. But let's be clear here, Trubisky being signed was to help "mentor"/"be the veteran presence" to hopefully help Cam progress more smoothly/ efficiently. And we know Levis & Hooker can't fill that role. So is it competition for the Practice Squad spot between those 2? Thanks for reading, I just wanted to chime in. Besides being a Big Orange fan I loved Hendon at UT! So I'm hoping he gets to stick around. Have a good one my friend. #TitanUp
Jim: Hey Jason. Time will tell on this. While Mike Borgonzi and Robert Saleh were reluctant to call Mitch Trubisky the No.2 behind starter Cam Ward, I've been around long enough to know it's a pretty safe bet that will be the case. Trubisky is a veteran who has played in a lot of games, and his presence will be good for Cam. What does that mean for Levis? Well, I suspect some teams have been inquiring about him, because Will is talented. If he's not traded, then it would leave Levis and Hooker battling it out for the No.3/practice squad spot.
Harry Prentiss from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Question: Free agency signings were very good I thought and I can't wait to see how a terrific draft from last year is followed up. I think Love would be a great pick at #4 I would as a Penn State fan who saw Ione play for a couple years like to see him come in as well to help with protection and opening holes for Pollard and Spears. But Love is a complete package as a runner and receiver so he would be great pick. What's your instincts telling you? Playmaker or more line talent? Thanks and Happy Easter.
Jim: Hey Harry. The Titans need more o-line talent, but my instincts tell me fans would riot of the team took one in the first round.
Eric Biederman from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Wanted to ask about your opinion on David Bailey. One of the best athletes I've personally ever seen at his position. Absolute freak, led all of FBS in sacks. The guy can play. Not sold on his decision making, particularly on option plays, but he's fantastic as a pure pass rusher.
Robert Saleh's scheme is highly contingent on DEs providing pass rush, and I don't see David Bailey as that. He's more of a designated pass-rush outside linebacker. So, how do you see David Bailey fitting in with the defensive strategy if we draft him?
Jim: Hey Eric. I like Bailey, and agree he's extremely talented. I think he has the potential to be really good. As for your question, it's a good one. And, this is a topic the GM has surely talked about. I'm sure not going to say he's not a good fit (in the event he is the pick).
Zion Hall from Whites Creek, Tennessee
Question: Who do you think we are picking at 4, love Bain, Bailey?
Me? I got Love.
Jim: Well, let's see what another James thinks about this …
James Logan from Fayetteville, Tennessee
Question: REASONS FOR AND ADVANTAGES OF DRAFTING JEREMIYAH LOVE
Before the free agency/trade period it was clear the Titans needed help in several positions: CB, Edge Rusher, WR, and OL most prominently.
Through the addition of several key players by the Titans' management, many problems were addressed. Two of them with top 25 rated free agents——Robinson (WR) and Myers (DE)
The Titans were very active in the free agent market and have improved their roster considerably. Beforehand it seemed likely that they would draft a DE or LB. But the new additions have, I think, given them more flexibility. Here are some reasons I think they could consider drafting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with their first pick
1. BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE
picking the best player available has been a common draft strategy for many teams. It works best when you have no holes to fill but it still has points in its favor when exceptional players come along. Love is rated as either the first or second player by talent in the draft by most pundits. Not just in the RB position but in the entire draft pool.
2. MULTIPLE SKILLSET
Love is rated as a good blocker but even more so as a pass receiver and pure runner. His versatility allows him to be used as Swiss Army knife much like Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey An enormous benefit to any offense. His 4.36 forty time is closer to Chris Johnson's 4.24 than Derrick Henry's 4.56. He will not stiff arm as well as Henry or run you over like a locomotive but he quite possibly is more elusive with just as good field vision. And remember—-he is an excellent receiver. The coaches can plan around his versatility and give headaches to defenders.
3. DEFENSE MANIPULATOR
His mere presence on the field diminishes defenses from keying in on Cam Ward. Even if he is used as a decoy teams must account for his presence. Drawing defenders away from other receivers and detracting from the ability to concentrate completely on Ward. With the right play schemes he can be a real distraction to opponents.
4. CHARACTER
His repulsion is widely known to be a player of high football IQ paired with a hard work ethic and both on and off the field character. Always—-always a huge benefit to any team for a player in any position
5. EXCITEMENT / ENTERTAINMENT
While it is the chief mission of any team to win games, win their division and go deep into the playoffs, there are different ways of winning. There's winning and there's WINNING. Football is a sport but also it is designed as entertainment.
An exciting player energizes the fan base. And in the end helps sell tickets. Few things can galvanize a fan base more than the prospect of a player ripping off a 70 yard run around and through your opponent. A real stab to the heart. The Oilers/Titans can reflect with pleasure on the exploits of Earl Campbell, Eddie George, Chris Johnson and Derrick Henry. These players created a buzz that kept fans entertained and inspired every season. Predictions are that Jeremiyah Love is a member of that brotherhood.
Love would lift us out of the dull offensive doldrums and put some kick in the stall Missing since we parted ways with Derrick
While this may not be an overwhelmingly persuasive argument, it is at least worthy of consideration.
Jim: Solid presentation, James.
Eli Patnesky from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. I think this upcoming draft could be a good one for us. Last years I think was one of the best (my opinion) and I'm hoping I can say the same for this one. I want to know if you think we should look into jeremiyah Love or look at EDGE like Bain, Bailey, or Reese. I'm looking forward to the draft and still adjusting my eyes to the new logo. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon. Thanks for all you do and Titan Up!!!
Jim: Appreciate it, Eli. See ya in Pittsburgh in a few weeks.
Have a great Easter weekend everyone.
