Jaguars & Titans Draft 2007
Reggie Nelson & Michael Griffin Drafted By Jacksonville & Tennessee
The Jacksonville Jaguars will take the field with two new safeties as the Tennessee Titans to find youth and talent to surround Vince Young.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft moves tell a lot; maybe it took longer for this writer to realize, as I too was caught off guard by the release of Donovin Darius. Reggie Nelson was drafted to replace the departed Deon Grant and he will more than fill that role. Nelson has the speed and ball hawking ability that the Jags missed last season, he will make a huge difference this year. Josh Gaddis will begin the season behind Gerald Sensabaugh, but with his size and speed he should make a great compliment to Reggie Nelson. As a group, Jacksonville’s linebackers were a tad bit slow on the field; enter Justin Durant he may not start this year, but next year he will make a difference on this defense.
A little shorter than the rest of the Jaguar receivers, Mike Walker and John Broussard play in the same mold as their taller teammates, that’s not a compliment either. Brian Smith will have to get used to playing from a stand up position at 239 pounds he is a little light to continue his career as a defensive end. Uche Nwaneri can contend for a roster spot if he can stay healthy throughout the off-season. As we saw last year, Jacksonville can never have too many defensive linemen so Derek Landri has a good chance to turn some heads in camp. Chad Nkang and Andrew Carnhan will struggle sticking with the Jags this year.
Tennessee Titans
With three extra picks the Titans tried to address two of their biggest problems by drafting receivers Paul Williams, Joel Filani and Chris Davis. This move adds more depth to an already young group of receivers. It looks as if Williams has the most talent of the three, but he often looks as if he doesn’t want to be on the field. The one to watch is Joel Filani, he runs precise routes and catches the ball very well, he just needs to work on his concentration. Another weak spot is the secondary, but Michael Griffin will help fill one of the gaps, which one is the debate? His versatility allows him to play either safety position or even a corner if the need arises. Ryan Smith can turn into a perfect nickel corner if his slight frame can hold up to the rigors of the season.
Chris Henry has to realize that LenDale White is trying to hand him the starting position. Henry will get the chance to prove himself during camp and he just may end up starting come September. Leroy Harris, Antonio Johnson, Jacob Ford, and Michael Otto will battle to stay with the team as they are in positions in which the Titans already have a lot of depth.
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