NASHVILLE – We're now just nine days away from the NFL Draft.
Who's ready?
Yeah, me too.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Lots of questions still out there related to the Titans, so let's get to it…
Rylan Lynn from Wibaux, Montana
Question: Hey Jim. So, I just read your 9th tour of the mock drafts article and all I see is CAM WARD!! It seems we will undoubtedly be taking him number 1 overall. My question is do you think the Titans will trade back up into the 1st round to take one of the top-tier receivers, possibly a Luther Burden or Emeka Egbuka?
Jim: It seems everyone thinks it's going to be Ward. We'll all find out next week. As for trading up, the GM said from day one he's interested in acquiring picks, and he'd have to trade some away to move up.
Raymond Farrar from St. Louis, Missouri
Question: Hello, Jim! Here's a letter that has NOTHING to do with Cam Ward (no offense). How do you feel about the linemen (offense or defense) along with the receivers in this upcoming draft that could possibly help the team?
Jim: Hey Raymond. I think the starting five is pretty much set on the o-line, although center Lloyd Cushenberry's status for the start of the year is somewhat uncertain because of his injury. He's on track to be back, but Achilles injuries are complicated. Any lineman drafted figures to join in a back-up role at the start. With the current depth chart at receiver, I think a drafted receiver could help from the get-go. Same for d-line, where the draft is deep and talented.
David Brown from Las Vegas, Nevada
Question: It sounds like Ward is going to be the pick this year, and I think that is the best decision. It is really hard to compete until you get a really good QB. When you see the Wins Above Replacement predictions even the best free agents were about .3-.5. Any position other than QB barely moves the needle. M. Garrett is an incredible DE. Coming off a great year he was able to help the Browns achieve a 3-14 record. Look how the fortunes turned for Washington and Denver with the right QBs last year. Admittedly, the success rate is low at that position, but the potential reward is worth the risk.
My question is why do you think we have rarely traded back over the last few years in any rounds? Was that GM philosophy, really liking the players available or the fact that while we wanted to trade back nobody was willing to offer close to fair price to swap picks with us? I know the GM has suggested he'd like more picks, but I am really wondering if there are a lot more teams that want to trade back than teams that want to trade up.
Thanks, and ready to start the new season and see all of our new picks in action ASAP.
Jim: Hey David. I'm sure every year there's been a different set of circumstances that contributed to this. But the team has done at least some maneuvering in the draft every year since 2011, some years more than others.
Brandon Burger from Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. First, I wanna say I applaud your journalism skills and dedication to your hard work over the years. It's to my best understanding that when teams are evaluating talent they usually go (90/10 Braves to As), essentially preferring traditional scouting over number crunching and statistical bright spots. The roster currently doesn't look bad at all in my opinion, but could use help at wide receiver and edge rushers. Has there been anyone that has stuck out to you or the folks in the building that would be considered a "steal" in the later rounds? Assuming they take the team takes a QB early, I'm curious as to how you see them addressing depth later in the draft.
Jim: Appreciate it, Brandon. Some guys always seem to fall, and end up being considered "steals" of the draft. Then there are those seventh-round picks like Cortland Finnegan and Marc Mariani and Eugene Amano and Reynaldo Hill and Kevin Long who have been scouted, and deemed potential late-round gems in the process. I can't name names of potential steals or sleepers, because folks in the building wouldn't like it if I gave something away (if I guessed right). As for positions of need right now, receiver and edge are the top two for me.
Jaime Alberto Quintana from Cali, Colombia SA
Question: Hola Jim, Acá en Colombia hay una gran afición por el futbol americano.
Cuantas temporadas crees que estará el Sr. Calahan con los Titans, si tiene otra temporada tan mala como la anterior?
Jim: Me alegra saber del apoyo. No voy a especular sobre la estabilidad laboral del entrenador, Jaime. Lo siento.
Cliff Cushman from Magnolia, Texas
Question: Howdy, J.W.! Getting our ducks in a row before this CRUCIAL draft. I hope. I will say, being from Texas, I love the idea of a small town kid like Ward, who grew up an hour and a half from my house going first in the draft & living the dream. I could root for that every Sunday. Having said that, we have botched nearly every draft going back 10 years. We still don't have right tackle figured out. Our pass rush has not improved from last year. I say we fix these first then draft a qb next year. Not everyone can carry a team like John Elway.
Jim: Hey Cliff. Well, right tackle has now been figured out – JC Latham will start there this fall, and I think he'll be really good. The team needs help at edge rusher, there's no doubt about that. But that doesn't mean it can't be addressed somewhere other than the first pick.
David Rawls from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Do you think or have you heard of any discussion about the 30-year anniversary of moving to Tennessee in combo of opening the new dome stadium or if so what might they do? As an old timer who went to Oiler games in the Astrodome, I really like the sound of going to the dome again! I really appreciate Amy for all she has done in keeping the Oilers and now Titan blue alive and well for the future!
Jim: Hi David. The new stadium, scheduled to open in 2027, will be enclosed, with a translucent roof.
Jim Bowles from Pensacola, Florida
Question: I don't think they should give up on Levis in my opinion. If Callahan's dad is the best offensive line coach why weren't changes made there as well what are your thoughts on that?
Jim: I don't have a problem with letting Levis compete in 2025, but we'll have to wait and see what the team decides. Not sure if I understand the Bill Callahan question.
Ramon Cardona from Modesto, California
Question: Draft Cam Ward. He has a great arm and very strong and talented and fast.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Ramon.
Have a great week everyone!
