On the Clock: Tennessee Titans

For the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I am going to assume to roll of each NFL general manager and make draft picks based upon need, scheme, and in some cases wants.  I will not make any trades throughout this process but will chime in when I think one is needed.  Each day leading up to the draft I will make a pick and summarize my thought process of why certain teams will go a particular way.  So put this blog in your favorites section and check back daily to see who I will select for each team.  With the 8^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select…

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (6’5” 248 LBS)

"Showtime"

With Vince Young on his way out along with Jeff Fischer, it is a good as time as any to consider a QB at this pick.  Our defensive line needs some upgrading in the middle and Nick Fairley is very intriguing at this spot, but I think I can get a solid DT later in the draft.  Right now the biggest need is QB and Cam Newton has the skill set that will allow the team to flourish in a Mike Munchak’s run first offense.  With Chris Johnson in the backfield we can easily rely on the run for 55-60 percent of our offense and setting up play action and naked bootlegs for Cam. 

I might have Kerry Collins back for one more year to allow Cam to grow into the position and learn what it takes to be successful in the NFL as a professional quarterback.  Kerry is a game manager and will eventually be succeeded by Cam.  Kerry understands that will be his role for the long term and it is tough to find a QB who is willing to accept that position.

Showtime has a cannon arm that will allow us to work down the field while allowing his mobility and toughness to resemble Ben Roethlisberger. We will need to work on his mechanics a little but every QB needs work.  I know Cam has had off the field issues, however, I feel that most of 2010 was more of a witch hunt by the media.  Cam made mistake at Florida when he was a teenager, but Cam has led two different colleges to two different national championships in back to back years.  He is a winner and will find ways to win as long as he has a stable running offense and strong defense.  We already have one of those ingredients.  I’ll work on the rest of it later in the draft.

With the 39^th pick in the draft we can probably look for a DT like Corey Liuget or Stephen Paea to anchor the middle.  Liuget is more of a pass rush specialist and Paea is more of a run stopper who can penetrate.  I’d rather have Paea in the middle but I just have doubts that he lasts that far.  Liuget will most likely be there at the 39 overall pick.  

Dallas is on the clock…