PALM BEACH, Fla. – The waves from the Atlantic Ocean crashed on to the shore behind the Breakers Hotel here this week, but new Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi hardly noticed the scenery.
Decked out in a sports coat, Borgonzi took a quick break from his first NFL owners meetings to discuss his first three months on the job, which have been busy.
And, with the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, it's not about to slow down any time soon.
In Borgonzi's first offseason with the team, the Titans have signed 13 free agents from other teams, re-signed ten of their own, released two players, traded away a player, and claimed another off waivers.
All this while preparing for the draft, armed with the first overall pick.
The juggling act is new to Borgonzi, who was hired in January after previously serving as assistant GM with the Chiefs.
By all accounts, Borgonzi is managing it all well as he focuses on what he's proven to do best – scout players.
Preparation for this month's draft is now in the final stages.
"It is a balance," Borgonzi said. "But for as much time as we can be in (meetings), watching players, the clicker does not leave my hand when we're in there, I'll say that. The schedule with free agency can be a little tricky, but once that first wave settled down in free agency, we were able to get into more of a groove with the college meetings and now we're really focusing in (on the draft). Over this next month we'll have meetings with the coaches, we'll have meetings with the medical staff, security, and we'll also be going up and down the draft board again with all the information we got from the combine – the medical, some more of the character information.
"So, there will be some adjustments to the board based on that information. But we're getting close."
Borgonzi said the division of labor between the team's experienced front office has allowed him to focus on scouting prospects in the draft, and finding the right player not only with the first overall pick, but throughout the draft.
Borgonzi said Chad Brinker, President of Football Operations for the Titans, has taken a lot off his plate as the team handles business not related to the draft, or free agency. Dave Ziegler and Reggie McKenzie from the personnel department have also been valuable, Borgonzi said.
"It's a great group," Borgonzi said. "And things Chad does puts me in a position where I can dive into the film and concentrate on the draft. I think that was part of the set-up that has really gone well so far."
Brinker said he's been impressed by Borgonzi.
"I am excited about our front office staff, and how our coaches are working and have been so receptive of the change," Brinker said. "Mike is really gifted. That clicker doesn't leave his hand all day, and that is the purpose of this set-up. He is watching tape all day. He is very thorough with his evaluations. He's been great."
Titans Coach Brian Callahan said Borgonzi has proven to be very thorough in his approach during the draft process.
"He's been very disciplined in his process, and I've appreciated that," Callahan said. "I think that he is going to go through every possible turn before we (make the pick)."
Borgonzi said he's happy with the moves the team has made in free agency.
Among the biggest moves: Signing two offensive linemen in left tackle Dan Moore and guard Kevin Zeitler. The addition of Moore will allow JC Latham to move to right tackle.
The Titans have also added also added four players on the defensive side of the ball (LB Cody Barton, S Xavier Woods, OLB Dre'Mont Jones, OLB Lorenzo Carter) while also reshaping the special teams unit with the addition of kicker Joey Slye and punter Johnny Hekker.
But, so far, the Titans have added just one receiver (Van Jefferson), so that's a big point of emphasis, Borgonzi said.
"We still have a lot of work to do," Borgonzi said. "I am happy with the needs we've filled so far, but certainly we have to continue to build the depth along the offensive line, along the defensive line and really the entire roster.
"Wide receiver is a position we're going to have to attack here, whether that's through the draft, waiver claims. That's one position we're really going to have to attack through training camp."
The NFL Draft is on the front-burner now.
After a trip to Miami's Pro Day and a private workout for quarterback Cam Ward last week, Borgonzi and others will travel to Colorado for Pro Day and private workouts with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the coming days.
Borgonzi wants to be as informed as possible, while weighing all options.
"We're still going through the process," he said. "We've always said we wanted to go through the entire process before we made any decision with the No.1 pick. At the same time, we will still listen to teams. But, at some point, we have to make a decision here, on if we're going to stay at the pick, or possibly trade it.
"We're getting closer to some decisions, and the draft. We are getting closer to the finish line."
