NASHVILLE – Well, the NFL Combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis.
The NFL Draft is now less than two months away.
Let's tackle some questions in the latest mailbag…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE
Jackson Weber from Irvine, California
Question: Hey Jim. First off, I'm sorry about the loss of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this hard time🙏🏻
Do you think it's smart the Titans use the first round pick on a young QB? (If any are available)?
Jim: Thank you Jackson. I appreciate it. Frankly, I think I'd be surprised if that happened. I think the Titans currently have more pressing needs, and I'm not currently sold that any of the QBs in this year's draft are can't-miss prospects.
Ted Groce from Tampa, Florida
Question: What's the status of Briley Moore? Has he recovered from his injury, if so will he get another shot this year to make the team? And the same about Sam Ficken? Thanks.
Jim: Hey Ted. Briley signed a three-year deal with the team last offseason, so he'll be back in the competition. I know a lot of folks were high on him before his injury, and now he's healed up and will be ready to go. As for Ficken, he's scheduled to be a restricted free agent.
Collin White from Hampton, Virginia
Question: Hey Jim! I followed the Titans from Saudi Arabia last year (Murfreesboro native) and sang their praises all year long to all my fellow military members as often as I could. I made every game, even at 3AM and was so excited to see how good we were this year despite the doubters. So many doubt Ryan Tannehill, but I love his effort and self-sacrifice; something I can relate to. I think he's the key. Do you think the passing game will change with the addition of the coach from the Texans? Also, I don't think enough people gave Ryan credit for what he did under a new OC last year in addition to all the changes in the receiving core throughout the year. With what we've shown at receiver in addition to familiarity with Ryan, shouldn't we seek additions to the O-line rather than receiver? With Racey McMath and Westbrook-Ikhine we are well set for our 3rd receiver I think. What are your thoughts Jim? Much love from VA.
Jim: Hey Collin. Well, I think the addition of Tim Kelly as Passing Game Coordinator will help, but how much remains to be seen. I know a lot of folks are down on Tannehill. I admit, he did have a down year, with too many turnovers. He had a bad game in the playoff loss. But he also transitioned to a new OC this past year during a season when some of his top weapons were sidelined. The hope is Tim Kelly will help. I also think some new additions at receiver would help him as well.
Andrew Lee from Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Question: Hey Jim, I had a question to ask and just like that it slipped my mind thinking about what you're going through with the loss of your mother. It's never easy losing someone close to you. Just know you have a strong support system (Titans family) outside of your even stronger support system (immediate family) behind you. Prayers to you guys from the Lee family. Chin up Jim.
Jim: Thanks Andrew. I really appreciate this. It's been a tough week. But all the kind words have meant a lot to me during this difficult time for my family.
Mikel Cates from Manchester, Tennessee
Question: Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I know the feeling of it all too well. Try and remember all the great memories and embrace the lessons she taught you. It never really gets easier to deal with, but you know she is watching over you. Head up buddy. And as always thank you for taking time out of your day to answer questions regardless of how silly it is. #titanup
Jim: Appreciate it, Mikel.
Tom Montesion from Roseland, New Jersey
Question: Hey Jim. Haven't written in awhile. As always, Thanks for going above & beyond to keep us fans in the loop. Season ended on a disappointing loss but man was it a great ride & back to back Division Champs is awesome! As far as the stadium, The last time this franchise needed a new stadium in the 90s they ended up having to come to Tennessee to get one. I don't see that ever happening in this case as the organization is obviously vested in the city's future. With Nissan Stadium renovations costs doubling, My question is simple: Is a new stadium a pipe dream that will meet resistance or is there a real possibility that it will happen?
Thanks & stay well!
Jim: Well Tom, I can't make any promises. But it certainly sounds like that's the plan as a result of the recent news. I know team officials and city officials will be involved in conversations moving forward, and the financial aspect will play a big factor in what happens from here. This definitely falls into the "TBD" category.
Kevin Espy from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: In 2020 Ryan Tannehill threw 33TD's & 7Int's. In 2021 he threw 21TD's & 17Ints. What do you think is the biggest cause/reason for Ryan Tannehill's regression?
Jim: Hey Kevin. I touched on this a little earlier, and I'm not going to make excuses for Ryan. It starts with him – he has to take better care of the football. But I also think switching coordinators – and saying goodbye to Arthur Smith – impacted him. Not having A.J. Brown and Julio Jones available on a consistent basis hurt him. Not having Derrick Henry available as a threat to the defense hurt him. Having less dynamic tight ends this year hurt him. But again, ultimately Ryan has to play better.
Bill Caldwell and Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Morning Jim, so we all know the Titans had an unusually high number of injuries this year. Obviously many can be attributed to just part of playing the game. But the team seemed to have a high number of hamstring injuries. When this happens does the management look at other factors such as conditioning technique, field conditions or other factors? Hope we'll be able to bulk up the offensive line during the off season. I think this will help Tannehill and the running game.
Jim: I think so, Bill. I know after every season everything is analyzed closely, what went right and what went wrong. We can't ignore the fact the team had a high number of hamstring injuries in 2021. So I think everything will be evaluated, from what you named to what players are doing in the offseason. But keep in mind hamstring injuries were a league-wide problem this past season, not just in Tennessee. … As for the o-line, I am anticipating some changes.
Steven Crosio from Brick, New Jersey
Question: Hey there Jim since NFL Combine (is starting) here's my Mock Draft this one involved a trade with Denver Broncos Picks 90 and 128 for 96 and 111
Here's my Mock Draft:
26: Jermaine Johnson II EDGE Florida State (In Case of Harold Landry)
96: Skyy Moore Wide Receiver Western Michigan (We need a Wide Receiver 3)
111: Dylan Parham Guard Memphis (Should be backup to Rodger Saffold if he stays)
139: Luke Fortner Center Kentucky (Might not be a good Center 1 as Ben Jones but in case)
167: Derrick Deese Jr. Tight End San Jose State (Could become a Tight End Sleeper)
203: Matt Ariaza Punter San Diego State (In case we cut Brett Kern)
Jim: Appreciate it, Steven.
Have a great week everyone!
