NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans will need to be patient with their first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft. They used the rest of their selections on players who could fill holes and contribute right away.
Although the Titans have had three straight winning seasons for the first time since the franchise once known as the Houston Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1997, they’re seeking to take the next step after going 9-7 last year but missing the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 seasons.
“I think we’re a better football team today than we were when we started this thing off Thursday night,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said Saturday, when the final four of the draft’s seven rounds were held. “We got a bunch of guys who, when I talked to them on the phone, they’re extremely appreciative for the opportunity and they’re hungry to get to Nashville and get to Nissan Stadium.”
First-round pick Jeffery Simmons, the draft’s 19th overall selection, doesn’t know yet just when his opportunity to play might arrive. The former Mississippi State defensive tackle tore the ACL in his left knee in February while preparing for the draft. The Titans haven’t announced a timetable for the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Simmons’ recovery.
“I’m going to attack the rehab,” he said. “Whenever that time comes for me to get on the field, to get out there and help the team win, I’m going to give it my all.”