Tennessee Titans 2011 NFL Draft Review

General Manager Mike Reinfeldt, Head Coach Mike Munchak, and Vice President of Player Personnel Ruston Webster filled several needs, the first was quarterback. Jake Locker was the pick and with new offensive coordinator Chris Palmer on board, it looks like the Titans will play to his strengths. Palmer coached Mark Brunell at Jacksonville and had him throwing on the run with bootlegs and waggles. Akeem Ayers fits a Sam linebacker need with his size to set the edge in new defensive coordinator Jerry Gray’s defensive package. Jake Locker was a three-year starter who possesses all the tools and athletic ability to succeed on the next level. The former Washington Huskie is an ascending player who can throw from the pocket or on the move from a variety of deliveries. He has a classic compact release with experience in a pro style offense as well as the spread. His arm is strong enough to throw deep and all the sideline passes. He is particularly dangerous on play action, bootlegs, and waggle plays because of his movement skills. Locker has rare foot quickness to make plays on the move. He has good quarterback skills, poise, and leadership qualities. Akeem Ayers brings some needed size to the Titan linebacker corps. He can play up in a two point stance or down in a three point stance. He has the flexibility to turn the corner. He breaks up quickly on check downs and ball carriers in front of him. He has the functional speed and athletic ability to carry a tight end down the field. He needs more upper and lower body strength to take on the run at him. Jurrell Casey helps the Titans get more beef on the defensive line to stop the run. He plays the three technique position in the four man front. Productive, quick, and a high effort competitor, he doesn’t stay blocked. He gets his hands up in the rush lanes, has a quick first step, and is quick to shed to locate the ball. He comes off on the snap with a low pad level. An explosive hitter, he throws his body at the ball carrier. Colin McCarthy is a good athlete who averaged 10 tackles per game as a senior playing inside linebacker. Competitive and intense in his play, he is a top effort player with a high motor. He has quick initial read and react and does a nice job getting downhill to the ball. A smart player, he takes good angles to the ball and quality drops in coverage with good zone awareness. Jamie Harper has good hands and receiving skills for a big man. A zone stretch downhill runner, he is very versatile and a good fit for the Titans’ offense. He has good vision and cutting ability. Harper breaks tackles with his size and balance. He has good lateral and foot quickness for a man his size. He is a developing size and speed prospect who will back up a feature back. Karl Klug played defensive tackle at Iowa, but projects to go outside at defensive end. He fights to hold his ground in the run game. He plays with leverage and a low pad level. A relentless, hell bent for leather player, he is quick and has strong hands. When he gets on the field his intent is to be disruptive. He hustles to the perimeter to make a play and gets his hands up in the throwing lane. Byron Stingily is a developmental tackle who is athletic and a solid pass protector. He bends his knees and moves his feet. He keeps a good base and stance, has adequate use of hands at this level, but will need to upgrade to play on Sunday. A possible four-for-one player, he could play either tackle or either guard. A junior college transfer, he needs work on his total game. Zach Clayton will play the nose tackle position for defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, his coach at Auburn who is now with the Titans. Clayton played in 40 games in college. He is a high motor, extra effort, overachiever who has an explosive first step when slanting and angling. Tough, smart, and aggressive in his play, he was an outstanding discus thrower in high school and college. Tommy Campbell transferred to California (PA) from Edinboro (PA) where he played in 2007. He had previously played at Pittsburgh in 2005-06. He ran his 40 at the Valero Cactus Bowl, the Division II all-star game in Texas. A raw, over-aged corner/safety, he is a developmental player. On his pro day on 3/16/11 his numbers were: 6027, 203, 4.38/40, 34/VJ, 10-3/BJ, 4.25/SS, and 7.09/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.