From Lisa
I love the Titans and I know that you hate them and that’s OK.
Are you going to do any mock drafts and who do you think the Titans will target? Thanks and I love your blog.
Lisa –
Thanks for the kind words, and, no, I do not hate the Titans. Just because I’ve picked against them – wrongly a few times, I might add – does not mean I like or don’t like them. And in truth, their story was excellent for those around these parts this postseason.
As for the other, yes, we will have a mock draft or three.
We love the draft. You know this. (And it’s going to be a wild ride in Vegas, gang.)
The Titans’ biggest moves will be in free agency, considering that Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry have to be the top two decisions in front of the organization.
The Titans are slotted 29th in Round 1.
Depending on who they address as a priority in-house among the free agents will be telling. Say, if they let tackle Jack Conklin walk, they address that in Round 1.
Some background: Tennessee was 10th in offensive efficiency in 2019 and 14th in defensive efficiency.
The Titans are in the luxurious spot, again depending on the re-signings, of taking the best player available.What does that mean? Well, this draft is rich in wide receivers – could you imagine a speedster like Henry Ruggs III added to this bunch? – and offensive linemen.
This draft is also rich in running backs, and if D’Andre Swift starts to fall, well, that would be a great back-up plan if the team offers Henry a franchise tag as most expect.
The trend I expect to gain some momentum is following the 49ers’ blueprint of being able to create pressure with a four-man rush. So I could certainly see teams in the back half of round one looking for defensive linemen who can get to the quarterback, as well.
From Peter
Have you watched the Aaron Hernandez documentary? It’s amazing and I would love to hear your views on it.
What’s your “Rushmore of sports documentaries” and thanks for the 5-at-10?
PS Who won the Bowl contest?
Peter –
Hudson C won the Bowling for Bowls of Bowl Game Success (Bowler Optional) and Good Lunch finished second. Those prizes have been sent, and if you do not receive them in the next week or so, please let me know. (And a special shout-out to Good Lunch, who lives in Iowa. The 5-at-10’s reach appears to be expanding, no?)
First, let’s punt the notion about “Rudy” or “Hoosiers” or “Remember the Titans” as documentaries. They are very loosely based on true stories, and the dramatic effect of Hollywood is very real and tangible.
I have not seen the Hernandez documentary, but I plan to and I’ve heard great things about it.
The list of these has been greatly augmented since the 30-for-30s, which is the best thing ESPN has ever done.
OK, “Hoop Dreams” has a spot on this list. It’s amazing.
If “Free Solo” is a sports doc, then it’s on there, too. The multi-part “OJ: Made in America” ESPN did last year was awesome.
I’m not sure “Miracle” counts, but it is so close that I would consider it. If not “Miracle,” I would likely add “The Two Escobars” about drug kingpin Pablo Escobar’s effect on soccer and the fallout of that in his home country.
(And we’re all stoked about the multi-part documentary on the Bulls coming this summer, right?)
From Big Dawg
I love the Super Bowl prop bets contest. Thanks.
What’s the biggest bet you’ve ever won or ever lost? I really enjoy your writing about gambling, sir.