Tennessee Titans 2009 Draft Class Breakdown

The Tennessee Titans finished last year with an impressive regular season record of 13-3.  The confident Titans looked primed for a Super Bowl birth, but they collapsed in the divisional round to rival Baltimore. 

After losing two-time Pro Bowler Albert Haynsworth to free agency, the team needs a special draft to continue to be a top contender. 

Here is a breakdown of this years draft class.

Round One

Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Wide receiver was the teams biggest need heading into the draft.  Kenny Britt was probably one of least risky wide-outs that was picked in the first round. 

While guys like Darius Heyward-Bey and Percey Harvin have questionable route running ability and were picked solely on athletic ability, Kenny Britt is widely known as the best route runner in the draft. 

Kenny Britt can also provide a reliable redzone target.  Being 6'3" and a top performer at the combine in the verticle leap and broad jump sure will help.  He could challenge for the number one receiving job this training camp.  Britt could be the Titans third offensive rookie of the year nomination in four years.

Round Two

Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

Sen'Derrick Marks probably won't be asked a lot of this season.  He will be thrown into a deep rotation of defensive tackles that include Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Joven Haye, and Kevin Vickerson.  The fact that all the Titans DTs, excluding Kevin Vickerson, have a history at defensive end as well should help even out the playing time.

Marks is a very athletic player who has great potential.  The Titans have a very good defensive line coach in Jim Washburn who knows how to progress young lineman into stars.  Defensive tackle was a need after Albert Haynsworth left this offseason, but additions of Joven Haye in free agency and Marks should help fill that hole.

Round Three

Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

Jared Cook recorded the best combine numbers for a tight end since the 49ers' Vernon Davis who happened to be drafted sixth overall.  Cook will be used to create mismatches with his impressive 6'5" frame and while boasting 4.5 speed. 

He might have trouble getting on the field early in the schedule having to compete with veteran Alge Crumpler, Bo Scaife who just had a breakout season last year, and last years third round pick Craig Stevens. 

Cook was more of a luxury pick than filling a need.  The Titans staff really loves this kid.  Jared Cook could be the X-Factor to the offense's success next season playing a similar role to the New York Jets Dustin Keller.

Ryan Mouton, CB, Hawaii

Cornerback was a big need heading into the draft with starter Nick Harper being 34 years old with an expiring contract.  The Titans got their guy with Ryan Mouton.  Mouton is a athletic player with return ability.  He is a feisty, aggressive cornerback, and that's how the Titans like them.

This pick is a little controversial with local Vanderbilt standout D.J. Moore still available at the time of the pick.  We will see in time who turns out to be the better player.  Mouton will be fighting for the nickle position currently held by safety Vincent Fuller, but will probably earn the role of a backup cornerback.

Round Four

Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss

Outside linebacker was also a top need heading into the draft.  Outside linebacker and team captain Keith Bulluck is getting up there in age and is in the final year of his contract.  Gerald McRath should be the future replacement.  He is a very athletic player who recorded over 130 tackles last year for Southern Miss. 

McRath played inside linebacker in college, but may be to small to do so in the pros.  In 2009, McRath should be the first guy of the bench at outside linebacker for the Titans, and may challenge Ryan Fowler for the backup inside spot as well.

Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane

Daniel Loper, a key offensive line depth player, left in free agency this year.  Kropog was brought in to be his replacement.  While Leroy Harris backs up the center and gaurd positions, Kropog will handle the back up tackle responsibilities left by Loper.

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