NASHVILLE – We're now on the doorstep of free agency in the NFL.
Across the league, including the Titans, new players will be added, while others will depart.
There's a lot to discuss leading up to the coming week.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Dan Hanson from Fargo, North Dakota
Question: Hey Jim, longtime fan from up in the frozen tundra. I was just curious if you have noticed any changes over the last year plus since Ran took over with the strength & conditioning program and the training staff? We all know the NFL can be a brutal sport but it has seemed like the Titans have dealt with substantially more injuries than most other NFL teams for a few years now. It looks like an exciting off season with plenty of opportunities to improve the roster...but at the end of the day we still need to figure out how to keep guys on the field.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Dan. Well, there will be changes. Frank Piraino, who took over as the team's strength and conditioning coach in 2019, left to take a job with the Giants. The Titans are now in the process of finding his replacement. The interview process is under way. From there, we'll see what kind of changes take place. I agree the team has dealt with way too many injuries over the years, but I can't explain why. I know folks above my pay grade are looking for answers.
Chris LaFromboise from Bottineau, North Dakota
Question: In regards to Derrick Henry, can the franchise tag be used or is that not an option because it would be injustice to him and/or the team? I have been to Nissan Stadium a couple times and have enjoyed it but look forward to the new stadium. Titan Up!! Thanks for all your dedication.
Jim: Back-to-back from North Dakota to start things off! Hey Chris. The deadline for the franchise tag passed this week, and it wasn't used. I just don't think the team thought it would be a good idea for either side.
Ben Mead from Cherry Valley, New York
Question: Hey Jim. First off I want to say thank you for picking my question last week. appreciate your response regarding the targeting of a TE in the draft. Specifically Brock Bowers. That being said I feel that after reading my question and your response I realized i never really finished my thought. I also feel that 7 is too high for him. (I also reserve the right to change my mind in 6 weeks). I was actually dreaming of a scenario where Tennessee trades back to acquire more picks to fill the endless roster holes while still grabbing someone who could be a huge difference maker at a lower price. Thank you for taking time to answer all these questions, you do such an amazing job. "Jim's Mail Bag" is a great opportunity for fans feel connected!
Jim: Appreciate it, Ben. God to hear from you, Ben. Now that's not a bad thought. I actually like the idea of moving back a little bit and getting more picks – but a lot depends on what happens on picks 1-6, and who is left on the board. I wouldn't want to take too big of a risk, and miss out on a player the team covets. And again, while I really like Bowers, right now help on the o-line and at receiver are the biggest needs in my mind.
Mark Combs from Chesnee, South Carolina
Question: Just for the record, I really really want Alt at 7 and I really want Henry back. However, my question regards quarterbacks. I really like Levis. Honestly, I feel like I've forgotten more than I know, but at one time O'Donnell was better than McNair until he wasn't. McNair was average until he was great. Locker was on his way to his greatest game ever, finally making the leap, until that dirty hit dislocated his hip. Mariota made some incredible plays. I watched some youtube highlights and he looked amazing, the 87 yard run against the Jags, game winning TD passes, the 158.3 debut. I guess they're called highlights because they don't show the lowlights with them. Levis made me saying ,"Holy ...!" with his first long TD he threw to Hopkins against the Falcons. Effortless throw, flick of the wrist, amazing, followed by three more TDs. What makes a quarterback go from promising to bust or promising to great? Do we even know? (omitted Pastorini and Moon because Pastorini was my childhood fave and Moon was the best ever.)
Jim: Hey Mark. I like Joe Alt myself. As I listened to him in Indianapolis at the combine, he sounds like a pro. And, his tape is also impressive. I talked to a guy in Indy who has covered Alt, and he raved about him. I must admit, I really like Fashanu as well. … As for the QBs, a lot is about skill-set, and tools. But QBs also need help around them, whether that's coaching or an offensive line or skill players. It took a while for McNair to develop, but he blossomed at a time when things came together around him. The Titans need to put Levis in a better position to succeed, and then we'll really find out what he is made of.
Aaron Ratan from Van Buren, Arkansas
Question: Is Treylon Burks starting next year and how is he doing in training camp?
Jim: Hey Aaron. A lot of this is going to be determined by Treylon … and what happens between now and then. Training camp doesn't start until late July. I actually did a story on Treylon this week. CLICK HERE to read it.
HENRY LONG FROM BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE
Question: JIM, THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US INFORMED. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN AT-HOME DRAFTER FOR THE TITANS, BUT HAVE DECIDED TO LET THE TITANS STAFF DO IT THIS YEAR BECAUSE THEY DO HAVE ALL THE INFOMATION AND THEY NOW HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS WHICH I BELIEVE WILL BE A REASONING VOICE DURING THE DRAFT. I WILL JUST GO BACK TO GOLF. THROUGH THE YEARS, I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL GOLFERS ACTUALLY FALL DOWN DURING THEIR GOLF SWING, AND I RECALL A GOLF PRO SAYING "UNTIL YOU LEARN TO SWING IN BALANCE, YOU CAN HAVE NO EXPECTATION FOR YOUR GAME". I BELIEVE THIS IS TRUE IN FOOTBALL AND FOR THE TITANS. UNTIL YOU HAVE A TOP OFFENSIVE LINE ACROSS THE BOARD, YOU CAN HAVE NO EXPECTATION FOR YOUR OFFENSE IN NEITHER RUNNING NOR PASSING.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A QUARTERBACK THROW AN ACCURATE 40 YARD PASS TO THE BEST RECEIVER IN THE LEAGUE WHILE HE IS LYING ON HIS BACK.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE TITANS STAFF PLACE THIS AS THEIR HIGHEST PRIORITY EVEN ABOVE ALL THEIR OTHER NEEDS? I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS IN THE PAST NOR NOW.
Jim: Oh man, I hear ya loud and clear, Henry, ALL CAPS! And I can assure you everyone around here knows help is need on the OFFENSIVE LINE.
Steven Tilton from Safford, Arizona
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is well with you all in TN. Understanding that numbers are very fluid this time of year, and that there is a great deal of negotiating to happen with Free Agency and the Draft, do you know a ballpark number of how much it takes an NFL team to sign draft picks each year? With over $70 million in cap space, I guess my question is how much of that would the Titans need to 'reserve' so they can sign their draft picks vs spending in Free Agency or other things.
Jim: Hey Steven. The "rookie pool", of course, is the amount of money allocated to a team post-draft to sign their newly selected players. Teams usually find out about a week or so after the NFL Draft, and it's based off each draft slot and its monetary value. We'll have to wait and find out exactly how many picks the Titans end up with (remember, draft trades could impact things). A year ago, the rookie pool for the Titans was $8.9 million.
Have a great weekend everyone!
