PALM BEACH, Fla. – Well, we're now in NFL Draft month.
It's the first day of April, and the Titans are entering the final stages of draft prep.
After a trip to Miami for Cam Ward Pro Day and then conducting a private workout on Friday, the Titans are at the NFL owners meetings. Later in the week, some team officials will take a trip to Boulder for Colorado's Pro Day to see quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back/receiver Travis Hunter, before conducting a private workout.
There's no more waiting for this weekend's Titans mailbag.
It's here.
Let's go…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Lee Cullop from Sarasota, Florida
Question: How are you doing Jim? I got 2 questions for you. First with all the talk about drafting a QB, I want your opinion about dropping back as far as we can maybe 7-10. I heard the main reason we wanted a new GM with a proven record of drafting NFL success stories was to get better through the draft. More picks and shore up the team, and even if we slightly improve next year, a mid-level 1st round pick will have a better QB to pick from. What do you think? Second, any update on the progress of the new stadium? I am very excited for it and already planning my trip, to enjoy some games in the new house. Titan Up.
Jim: All good, Lee. I don't like the idea of dropping back to 7-10. The top prospects are at the very top of the draft, and while I'm sure you could get a haul by moving back that far, I wouldn't do it. After watching and talking to Cam at last Monday's Pro Day, I'm kind of liking the thought of drafting him, and he won't be there at 7-10. But I don't know what potential offers could come, and I'd definitely be intrigued with a ton of picks, too. But who is playing QB in that scenario? I'm not sold on any of the guys behind Ward and Sanders. As for the new stadium, great progress is being made. Actually put on a hard hat and went to the site a few weeks ago, and it had me envisioning games in a new and spectacular venue. It's gonna be a beaut.
John Deane from Wellingborough, England
Question: Hi Jim. Just familiarizing myself with the (roster) playing shuffling, one strange one for me was the kicker change. I thought we had one of the most reliable out there for the last few years. Age wasn't on Nick's side but his boot didn't know that. Hope it all works out.
Jim: Hey John. Nick Folk was great the past few years. He was pretty much automatic, a guy you never had to worry about. I acknowledge it was a little bit of the roll of the dice to sign Joey Slye instead of him. In talking to Mike Borgonzi and Brian Callahan, the move was made because the team wants a guy who a stronger leg, a guy who can give them more range. Time will tell if it was the right move.
Mark Castiglione from Milford, Massachusetts
Question: Hey Jim, thanks for all you do! I've been following your articles since I was a kid & you worked for The Tennessean. Die-hard Titans fan my whole life, but I do have to admit it is difficult at times living up here just 10 miles down the road from Foxborough MA, especially during the Tom Brady Era. I travel down to Nashville at least once every season to catch a home game and cheer on my life long team. I gotta admit, last year's season was by far the most difficult out of all the years over the last 25 plus seasons, & unfortunately there have been some not so great ones over the years. I sure hope we get this thing turned around this year!!!! I definitely am a huge fan of Mike Borgonzi and what he has revealed so far for his vision of the franchise moving forward. Still undecided about Coach Callahan, but I do understand that he was put in a very difficult position year one and it does take time. I think its definitely fair to say/assume that his job will definitely be in the hot seat alot more going into year two & having a full offseason under his belt and the staff of his choosing and a new fantastic GM.
Jim: Hey Mark. Appreciate you following along all these years. It's hard to believe the upcoming season will be 27th covering the team, and my 11th for the team. How is this even possible? I know the team appreciates your loyalty, and for sticking with it all these years despite some tough years. Last season was rough, there's no doubt about it. I have confidence in Mike Borgonzi, and I think with a better roster, Brian Callahan will prove he's a good coach.
Tony Lewis from Charlotte, North Carolina
Question: I know you've heard a lot of good things around the league about Bill (Callahan) but this is a what can you do for me now league. And the fact of the matter is his oline has underperformed (putting it nicely) here and with Cleveland. Lot of these old guys get stuck in their ways and fail to adapt. And now he's got the guy who gave up the most sacks last year and JC who wasn't much better (hopefully better at RT). If he's the one who's saying bring these guys in and then they struggle he needs to be held accountable, but his son would never fire him. Major conflict of interest. Here's to hoping I'm wrong but based on recent history, I doubt it. I don't care how far away I am from Nashville or how many people you talked to that are probably being respectful/nice in their opinion rather then telling it like it is.
Jim: Glad you wrote back in, Tony. It's not your proximity to Nashville that resulted in me responding the way I did a few mailbags ago. I know the team has fans everywhere, many who love the team with all their heart from afar. It was your comment about me defending Bill "blindly." My opinion is not necessarily based on hearing good things around the league. It's based more on the players he's developed, watching him work, knowing what he had to work with last year, etc. Bill Callahan wasn't the problem last year, I can promise you that. But you're entitled to your opinion. We're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
Keith Traverse from Union City, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well. It has been a while since I wrote. The new GM says he wants to build through the draft, 12 picks in the top 100 over the next 3 years. 2 this year isn't enough. What if the Browns want the 1st pick? Do they give us a 2nd this year? If they are sold on Ward, I think they would. Then, if the Giants are sold on Sanders being their future QB, could we possibly get their 2nd round this year? Having the 1st 3 picks in the 2nd round!! At #3 I would take Hunter. Just wishful thinking here, but man, you could most definitely get some top end talent. Thanks Jim!!
Jim: I understand this line of thinking, and fans wanting more picks. My thing is if you love a guy enough, then you stick and pick that guy at 1 no matter what other teams offered. The question is whether the team will ultimately get there with Ward, or someone else. There will be temptation, no doubt.
DeAndre Hunter from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: From Nick and Ryan leaving to us letting go of Harold Landry, do you think the titans team chemistry might be affected? Also, just a suggestion, I feel like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter for number one and get Jalen Milroe to compete with Will Levis. People are just losing faith in Levis even though it was only his second year, not all quarterbacks can be good out the gate, especially with a rebuilding o-line with a right side made of bubble gum wrappers and ripped paper (no offense but come on lets be real they were a bit bad) and this quarterback generation is mid I'm not gonna lie. I'd say add on to the defense because the secondary has been kind of hurt and needs more depth. On the other hand, the linebacker position. Honestly, does Mr. Borgonzi and Coach Callahan think that a quarterback from this will fix this team completely? And during the combine, tell the media I plan to break the record and get drafted by you guys.
Jim: This is a fair question, DeAndre. Yes, some key players and leaders have departed. But NFL locker rooms are ever-changing. New leaders emerge, and chemistry is formed. Some key players return from a year ago, too. As for Levis, I know he has some defenders out there. I like Will, and there's no question he has talent. But we can't ignore the fact he's had two years, and he's left a lot to be desired. No, he hasn't had ideal circumstances around him, but some of his mistakes – and injuries – can't be ignored. Here this week, team officials continued to say they want to give him a chance to compete for the starting job this fall. We'll see what happens.
Brock Fleming from Ocala, Florida
Question: Hey Jim, long time reader first time writing in. I had a question about trading back. A lot of rumors circulating that the Titans are wanting at least 2026 1st round pick in order to trade back. What kind of draft capital do you think it would take for the Titans to trade back?
Jim: No one knows for sure, Brock, not even Mike Borgonzi right now. Don't be a stranger.
Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim. Thank you for the response in the last mailbag. Like most fans, I absorb all the media I can about the team. I also watch considerable amounts of the 2024 season highlights and have come to this conclusion:
Levis is a great QB, doubters should watch his highlight reel. If we move on from him, we will all be smacking our foreheads in the future when he is in the SB. The kid has had poor blocking in both years. He made fantastic throws last year, then had to scrape himself off the ground due to poor protection and got up and did it again. He threw INTs mostly because of pressure. If he has good protection, Ridley, Boyd, Chig, and some fresh talent, he'll be franchise level this year. If not here, somewhere.
If I were to advise Borgonzi, I would select Carter or Hunter with #1 depending on what other deals they have going and fill the last QB hole with Dart or another good prospect. Or pick up Cousins after June 1st as an insurance plan. Are any of the QBs in the draft better than Levis, who has 2 years of hard knocks NFL experience?
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Beau, and presenting other options. It's what makes this time of year intriguing. … The answer to your last question is what the decision-makers have to decide.
Jordan Baker from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I see you got a chance to make it to Cam Ward's pro day. Do you plan on attending and covering any of the other top prospects pro days?
Jim: Hey Jordan. Yes, I plan on covering Colorado's Pro Day as well, where I'll get to see Sanders and Hunter in person.
Max Freebird from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: This has nada to do with the Titans in particular. My question Jim is why in the world does the NFL rules committee think moving a touchback to the 35 yard line will INCREASE kick returns. That is one of the most asinine things I have ever heard in sports. Moving the touchback to the 35 yard line gives the receiving team ZERO incentive to return the ball. What's the point of a 100 yard field when you take 35% of it away at the start. This is ridiculous and whomever came up with this idea should be bagging groceries at piggly Wiggly. It will NEVER happen again I know but starting out at the 20 was perfect, 25 ok as well but the 35 YARD LINE!?! I hope all is well with you and yours Jim, you smug bastard.
Jim: Smug bastard? I'll take that as a compliment. 😊We'll see if that passes. I'm sure the league things by moving a touchback out to the 35, the kickoff team would be less inclined to kick it through the end zone and instead put the ball in play.
Edmund Heischberg from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: What are these people thinking? You pick a 2nd QB bounced around the league. You see why we are in last place. I cant be the only fan that no matter who you but as GM or Head Coach there is a disconnect. Even Tannehill was a much better QB then the people they are picking. You want Levis to get better don't put him up against trash and think is was the better player. Put him up against QB that made it in the league. I am tired of seeing the Titans beat every weak, because we can score point and turn the ball over. Heck you might want to get the ball and punt.
Jim: I'm assuming you're talking about Tim Boyle, Edmund. I hope you don't think he was brought in to contend for a starting spot. I sure didn't think that when I heard the team was signing him. You're getting way to worked up over this.
Charles Shepard from Toledo, Ohio
Question: So I wanna know is our team gonna ever do anything for you to see like we need another receiver and it's two receivers out there that's have not been picked up so what are we doing like and I speak on this with all Titan fans we're tired of having losing seasons is anything gonna ever change or are we gonna sit here and be in disappointment once again for another year because our front office don't know what they are doing at all
Jim: I promise you the team is going to add more help at receiver, Charles. Bank on it. And, don't be a afraid to drop in a period or two next time.
Have a great weekend everyone!
