Finnegan, Tennessee Titans Draft: Historical Hits and Misses in the 7th Round

Every couple of days, I am going to write a column analyzing the Tennessee Titans' draft picks in a certain round. We're going to begin this week in the 7th round.

Not much is expected out of 7th round draft picks. The boom potential is low and few ever even see the field. However, the Titans have proven adept and finding hidden gems late in the draft and the 7th round is no exception.

7th Round Draft Booms

Cortland Finnegan, CB, Samford

When the Titans drafted Cortland Finnegan with the 215th overall pick, few expected him to become one of the most controversial figures in the league.

Still, despite his chippy play, Finnegan consistently proved to be one of the better corners in the league. B/R's Matt Miller lists Finnegan as the ninth best corner in the league. Although he is no longer with the team, he was no doubt a tremendous value in the 7th round.

Marc Mariani, WR, Montana

Marc Mariani is an interesting case. He likely would have never been drafted had he not gone to Montana--and been friends with then-head coach Jeff Fisher's son.

Although Mariani is pretty much useless as a receiver, he has proven to be a phenomenal find in the return game. If you disagree, go back and watch footage from the 2009 season, when the Titans had Ryan Mouton muffing punts and Michael Griffin returning kicks. It wasn't pretty. Mariani, although not flashy, consistently puts the team in good position and has brought it the distance three times.

Tommie Campbell, DB, California of Pennsylvania

Campbell is still very raw. That is to be expected out of a 7th round draft pick out of California of Pennsylvania. However, there is no doubt that he possesses the physical skills to succeed.

Campbell is the fastest guy on the team--yes, faster than Chris Johnson. He is an ace special teamer who may begin to see more time on defense. His size and speed could make him a matchup nightmare.

Honorable Mention: Cary Williams, CB, Washburn

Williams didn't see the field very much as a Titan, but started all 16 games this year for the Baltimore Ravens. Williams benefits from a stellar supporting cast, but he still proved to be a capable of NFL starter. In the 7th round, that is all you can ask for.

Although the Titans have found these gems in the 7th round, there have been plenty of names you have never heard. It may not be worthwhile to list 7th round draft busts, but here we go:

7th Round Draft Busts

Spencer Toone, LB, Utah

As far as 7th round picks go, hopes were actually high that Toone could develop into a capable starter. No such luck. Toone appeared in three games (starting none) and was cut after his rookie season. He never played for another team.

David Howard, DT, Brown

Since entering the league in the 2008 draft, Howard has not appeared in a game. He has served as a member of the practice squad for the Titans, Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. He has never made the active roster.

Nick Schommer, DB, North Dakota State

Schommer has seen some special teams action, which is more than the guys listed above could say, but he has still been unable to see the field. Rather than giving Schommer his opportunity in 2011, the Titans went out and signed Jordan Babineaux and Anthony Smith. They did not feel comfortable even using Schommer for depth.

All in all, the Titans have found an above-average level success in the 7th round. A list of 7th rounders since 2002 can be found below:

2011: Tommie Campbell, DB, California of Pennsylvania; Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn
2010: Marc Mariani, WR,KR,PR, Montana; David Howard, DT, Brown
2009: Ryan Durand, G, Syracuse; Nick Schommer, DB, North Dakota State
2008: Cary Williams, CB, Washburn
2007: Mike Otto, OT, Purdue
2006: Spencer Toone, LB, Utah; Quinton Ganther, RB, Utah
2005: Reynaldo Hill, CB, Florida
2004: Jared Clauss, DT, Iowa; Eugene Amano, C, Southeast Missouri State; Sean McHugh, TE, Penn State
2003: Todd Williams, G, Florida State
2002: Darrell Hill, WR, Northern Illinois; Carlos Hall, DE, Arkansas