With day 2 in the books, there is a myriad of articles and reviews, many with grades on the individual team's draft choices. Let's cool down for a moment and reserve the real harsh judgments until we've actually seen these guys take to the field. That said, I think the Titans did relatively well in the the draft's first two days. How do the new additions fit, and how quickly can we expect returns on these investments?
The First Round
While initially some viewed as a panic pick, a step back reveals the logic and value in the Taylor Lewan selection. While he has some alleged (and not) off-field concerns, Lewan was a top 6 or so talent in this draft. Admitedly, I had ignored him in the run up to the draft due to the character question marks, but he is the 2nd or 3rd best tackle in the draft depending on who you talk to, and more importantly, about as pro-ready as it gets at the position.
With his massive size and strength, Lewan should be able to lock down the Right Tackle spot. While he has not played on the right side of the line, it makes little sense to displace the ever-stellar Michael Roos on the left. It has been logically speculated that Lewan fits perfectly on the left side of the Titans offensive line when Roos decides to hang up his cleats, or his he gets worn down in the coming seasons much like David Stewart did. At this point, though, you can't have Michael Oher starting on your line with Michael Roos on the bench; it just defies convention.
While some may have wanted to see a flashier pick at 11, Lewan solidies a Titans line that should rank among the best in football in the next year or two. With a lot of young talent on hand, Jake Locker and the Tennessee backs should have a much easier go of it than they have the past two seasons. The Offensive Line, what was once a staple of the Titans best teams, has now (hopefully) become a reality again.
