In the photograph, taken during the midst of the Titans’ organized team activities, Henry’s grasp on the pigskin is interrupted by “The Freak”, who eventually scoops up the fumble and races towards the end zone for an imaginary touchdown.

The Titans’ decision to draft a fellow Chris (Chris Johnson) in the first round a few weeks ago should have been a message heard loud and clear by Chris Henry.

Despite being a second round draft selection in 2007, Henry is going to have his work cut out for him as he attempts to become a part of the Titans’ running game next season and beyond.

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Recognizing the need for speed on offense, and not seeing another DT worthy of #24, I made Felix Jones my second choice and Chris Johnson moved into the third spot. Jones went off the board at #22 and I can’t say I was overly disappointed with Johnson getting the nod instead of Merling. Especially when the Titans addressed defensive end by selecting Jason Jones in the second round.

There have been some good things said about Jones. One of them is that he can play DE but also can move inside to rush the passer as a DT. (more…)

The inability of Haynesworth and the Titans to hammer out a long-term deal continues to be an issue for the team as it heads into the 2008 season.

Haynesworth, who was designated as the team’s franchise player, has until July 15th to negotiate a contract that would allow him to be a Titan for probably the rest of his career and if a deal isn’t struck; the team may face the daunting prospect of “Fat Albert” being available on the open market next offseason.

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To the dismay of many Titans fans, Greg was absolutely right. Don’t despair, however, all is not lost. The Titans have said they plan on using Chris Johnson some at receiver.

“There’s a lot of film of him lining up as a wide receiver and doing good things there like his running ability and the speed he brings to us. He gives us a chance for a home run hitter. He makes our special teams better immediately as a returner. I think we said we needed to add speed and a big-play guy, and we did that in a couple of areas,” said Mike Heimerdinger.

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For today’s little foray into statistics of somewhat questionable value, I’m taking a look at pass targets. Pass receptions are easy to understand: you get a reception if you catch the ball, and you don’t if you don’t. Pass targets are “forget there’s any difference between Reggie Wayne and Troy Williamson,” to use receivers who can and cannot catch, respectively, just who got thrown the ball.

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Following a draft that’s been universally panned by the majority of NFL pundits, the Titans continue to get the short end of the stick when it comes to the opinions of the national sports media.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, the Titans are ranked #20 in the first installment of his NFL power rankings for the 2008 season.

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Coming off a 12-4 record and postseason birth in 2003, the 2004 Tennessee Titans were in need of reinforcements at the defensive end position. Jevon Kearse had signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Kevin Carter wasn’t getting any younger. As a result of those circumstances, the Titans decided to invest heavily in younger talent at DE, drafting Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy in the second round in 2004.

In 2008, the Titans, like 2004, are heading into the season as a playoff team from the previous year and as a result of the free agency departures of Odom and LaBoy, they are yet again faced with the task of replenishing the defensive line.

By drafting Jason Jones and William “Big Play” Hayes, the Titans hope to once again begin a youth movement at the DE spot.

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One encouraging thing he did say was that the Titans didn’t consider Chris Johnson to be just a running back. He indicated the Titans were going to use him in a variety of ways, including splitting him out as a wide receiver, to get the ball in his hands multiple times per game. Fish also made a statement that Vince Young had been in town this spring far more than most people realized, he had spent a lot of time with Mike Heimerdinger and they were very excited about the offense. (more…)

Round 1, Pick 24 (24): RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina

This is not only the most visible pick but also the one that’s drawn the most controversy. Depending on your point of view, the Titans either scored a touchdown or fumbled with this one. If you’re a guy who was looking for a speedy playmaker, this was the fastest guy in the draft and a guy with the potential to be an offensive weapon with an immediate impact. If you were looking for a receiver or defensive player, you’re upset at the waste of a pick. (more…)

Delaware RB Omar Cuff, Hawaii WR Jason Rivers and Kentucky G/C Eric Scott are the first of 10 undrafted free agents that the Titans expect to sign this week.

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