After months of anticipation for prospects both highly regarded and barely known, as well as NFL die-hard fans, the 2014 NFL Draft has finally come to a close.
Thanks to a 2013 campaign that saw a fifth consecutive playoff miss, the Tennessee Titans roster went through an overhaul in the offseason, leaving plenty of holes to be filled by the draft.
Having been a Titans fan for the franchise’s entire existence, I can say that this draft, like many before it, had both highs and lows. Here are my thoughts on the Titans’ 2014 Draft selections.
First Round, 11th pick: Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, Michigan:
Easily the most baffling selection in an otherwise solid draft haul for the Titans. With the team’s two most glaring needs being a quarterback and a defensive back, the Titans chose an offensive tackle despite having two starters entrenched in that position already.
I, personally, was hoping for Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny “Football” Manziel. Even if he does not live up to his ultra-high expectations, he will be an entertaining player who draws crowds to the stadium. The Cleveland Browns sold 2,000 season tickets in the first 24 hours after selecting Manziel in the draft.
Second Round, 54th pick: Bishop Sankey, Running Back, Washington:
After a historic drought for running back selections, the Titans made Sankey the first back chosen in the 2014 draft. Sankey was an extremely productive player in college and will be a solid replacement after losing Chris Johnson in the offseason.
Fourth Round, 112th pick: DaQuan Jones, Defesnive Tackle, Penn State:
The Titans have always seemed to make good selections when it comes to drafting defensive tackles. Hopefully, Jones will actually stick around, unlike his predecessors.
Fourth Round, 122nd pick: Marqueston Huff, Cornerback, Wyoming:
Filling a position of need is always important in the draft, and the Titans defensive backfield was high on this year’s needs list. Huff is a versatile player who may compete for a starting spot this season.
Fifth Round, 151st pick: Avery Williamson, Linebacker, Kentucky:
According to longtime Titans radio announcer Mike Keith, everyone at the Titans headquarters was extremely pleased with Williamson after his visit with the team. He was an All-SEC defender at Kentucky, which is nothing to scoff at.
Sixth Round, 178th pick: Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback, LSU:
This pick was an absolute steal. Mettenberger may not be a star, or even a starter, in the NFL, but the mere possibility of grabbing a quarterback with his skills in the sixth round is always a victory for the team who drafted him.