AFC South: Devin McCourty
RTC: Jason McCourty supporting brother
February, 2, 2012
Feb 2
11:31
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
The Texans are talking to Karl Dorrell about their open quarterbacks coach job, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
There is no easy way for the Colts and Peyton Manning to part ways, says Bob Kravitz.
Jacksonville Jaguars
A podcast of a recent conversation with Shahid Khan, courtesy of the Florida Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
Titans cornerback Jason McCourty is tight with his twin brother Devin, who’s playing in the Super Bowl for the Patriots, writes Jim Wyatt.
Houston Texans
The Texans are talking to Karl Dorrell about their open quarterbacks coach job, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
Indianapolis Colts
There is no easy way for the Colts and Peyton Manning to part ways, says Bob Kravitz.
Jacksonville Jaguars
A podcast of a recent conversation with Shahid Khan, courtesy of the Florida Times-Union.
Tennessee Titans
Titans cornerback Jason McCourty is tight with his twin brother Devin, who’s playing in the Super Bowl for the Patriots, writes Jim Wyatt.
BRISTOL, Conn. -- Jason and Devin McCourty don’t mind when people play the guessing game. Which twin is the Titans cornerback heading into his third season? Which is the Patriots cornerback coming off a Pro Bowl rookie season?
Have a look, take a guess, check the answer key at the end of the post.
Paul KuharskyJason and Devin McCourty visited the ESPN campus on Thursday. Can you tell which is which?They’re running through the ESPN car wash today, with appearances on SportsCenter and NFL Live still to come. Talent producer Audrah Cates was kind enough to let me join the group for lunch.
Jason McCourty has spent some time in Nashville, working out with Cortland Finnegan and Chris Hope at Father Ryan High School and Vanderbilt. But recently he’s been back in New Jersey, training at Rutgers with his brother and some other former Scarlet Knights, including Jacksonville receiver Tiquan Underwood, while also spending time with his mom and catching some movies. (He really likes “The Lincoln Lawyer.”)
He introduced himself to Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and other members of the new coaching staff before the lockout, and talked with holdover defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson during the brief lockout pause.
Under new coaches, we have no idea how Tennessee’s new defense will sort out once we have football again.
McCourty was the third corner last year, replacing Alterraun Verner outside as Verner slid inside to play the nickel spot. The Titans appear pleased with Finnegan, Verner and Jason McCourty as their top three corners. In nine draft picks, the team only used the second of two seventh-rounders on a corner, Tommie Campbell out of California, Pa.
“I think we believe we can win with the guys we have, that it’s just a matter of coming together,” Jason McCourty said. “…I don’t know what my role will be. You know when you play football, everyone wants to start.
“Cort is definitely a proven player, a Pro Bowl guy. We’re all good corners, we’ll all do battle. Whoever the coaching staff feels are the necessary parts and where they place us, I’ll be cool with it. It’s just a matter of going out there and competing.”
That’s Jason is on the right, Devin is on the left.
Have a look, take a guess, check the answer key at the end of the post.
Paul KuharskyJason and Devin McCourty visited the ESPN campus on Thursday. Can you tell which is which?Jason McCourty has spent some time in Nashville, working out with Cortland Finnegan and Chris Hope at Father Ryan High School and Vanderbilt. But recently he’s been back in New Jersey, training at Rutgers with his brother and some other former Scarlet Knights, including Jacksonville receiver Tiquan Underwood, while also spending time with his mom and catching some movies. (He really likes “The Lincoln Lawyer.”)
He introduced himself to Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and other members of the new coaching staff before the lockout, and talked with holdover defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson during the brief lockout pause.
Under new coaches, we have no idea how Tennessee’s new defense will sort out once we have football again.
McCourty was the third corner last year, replacing Alterraun Verner outside as Verner slid inside to play the nickel spot. The Titans appear pleased with Finnegan, Verner and Jason McCourty as their top three corners. In nine draft picks, the team only used the second of two seventh-rounders on a corner, Tommie Campbell out of California, Pa.
“I think we believe we can win with the guys we have, that it’s just a matter of coming together,” Jason McCourty said. “…I don’t know what my role will be. You know when you play football, everyone wants to start.
“Cort is definitely a proven player, a Pro Bowl guy. We’re all good corners, we’ll all do battle. Whoever the coaching staff feels are the necessary parts and where they place us, I’ll be cool with it. It’s just a matter of going out there and competing.”
That’s Jason is on the right, Devin is on the left.
Power Rankings: Top 10 NFL cornerbacks
April, 19, 2011
4/19/11
1:00
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
ESPN.com IllustrationDarrelle Revis won a tight race over Nnamdi Asomugha as the NFL's top cornerback.Positional Power Rankings have produced some wild variations in voting. But none has had so many players mentioned as cornerbacks.
Previously, multiple votes had yielded 17 names. Our polling for the top 10 cornerbacks in the NFL touched on 23, a record that might be hard to break.
In another close finish, the Jets' Darrelle Revis edged the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha. The two collected all the first- and second-place votes, but Revis outscored Asomugha 77-75 thanks to five first-place votes.
Overall, veterans ruled the day, with the top five outpointing the rest of the field by a good deal. Revis and Asomugha were followed by three players with a collective 33 seasons of NFL cornerbacking experience: Green Bay’s Charles Woodson, Philadelphia’s Asante Samuel and Denver’s Champ Bailey.
Woodson finished with 58 points, Samuel with 54 and Bailey with 53.
Of the votes for that trio, only two fell outside of the top five. NFC North maestro Kevin Seifert had Woodson sixth, just behind his teammate Tramon Williams. And AFC East maven Tim Graham placed Bailey seventh, with New England’s Devin McCourty (fifth) and Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield above him.
I had presumed Bailey started to slip in his 12th season in 2010. Then he shut down a red-hot Dwayne Bowe and got my attention in a way I remembered when I put him third on my ballot.
Ranking the Cornerbacks: How They Voted
| Rk | Cornerbacks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JC | TG | PK | MS | KS | JW | BW | PY | |||
| 1 | Darrelle Revis | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 77 |
| 2 | Nnamdi Asomugha | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 75 |
| 3 | Charles Woodson | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 58 |
| 4 | Asante Samuel | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 54 |
| 5 | Champ Bailey | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 53 |
| 6 | Antoine Winfield | -- | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | -- | 29 |
| 7 | Tramon Williams | 7 | -- | -- | 7 | 5 | -- | 7 | -- | 18 |
| 8 | Devin McCourty | 10 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | -- | 17 |
| 9 | DeAngelo Hall | -- | 8 | -- | -- | 8 | 7 | -- | -- | 10 |
| 10 | Cortland Finnegan | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 8 | -- | 6 | 8 |
| 11 | Stanford Routt | 6 | -- | -- | 10 | -- | -- | -- | -- | 6 |
| 12 | Johnathan Joseph | -- | -- | 7 | -- | -- | 10 | -- | -- | 5 |
| 12 | Antonio Cromartie | 8 | -- | -- | -- | 9 | -- | -- | -- | 5 |
| 12 | Brent Grimes | -- | 9 | 8 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 5 |
| 15 | Jabari Greer | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 7 | 4 |
| 16 | Brandon Flowers | 10 | -- | 9 | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3 | |
| 16 | D. Rodgers-Cromartie | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 8 | 3 |
| 16 | Charles Tillman | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 8 | -- | 3 |
| 19 | Leon Hall | 9 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2 |
| 19 | Dunta Robinson | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 9 | 2 |
| 21 | Ron Bartell | -- | -- | 10 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 |
| 21 | Corey Webster | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 10 | 1 |
| 21 | Quentin Jammer | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 10 | -- | 1 |
| Key: JC=John Clayton; MS=Mike Sando; KS=Kevin Seifert; PY=Pat Yasinskas; TG=Tim Graham; BW=Bill Williamson; JW=James Walker; PK=Paul Kuharsky Rank: 1=10 points, 2=9 points, 3=8 points, 4=7 points, 5=6 points, etc. | ||||||||||
“We're in the offseason, so I've taken into account not only last season's performances, but also how the player projects into 2011 when compiling my positional Power Rankings ballots,” he said. “Bailey is going to be 33 years old before the start of next season and is on the downside. He's still great, but for how long?
“Power Rankings shouldn't be career-achievement awards. Devin McCourty was second-team Associated Press All-Pro, a first-team Sporting News All-Pro, voted a Pro Bowl starter by the fans, coaches and players and tied for second in interceptions. He deserved to be ranked ahead of Bailey, who wasn't mentioned for All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.”
“One great season does not make a great career,” Yasinskas said. “Let's see him do it again. I'm not saying he's got to do it for 10 or 15 years. I've got a guy in my own back yard, Ronde Barber, and a lot of people say he's already put up Hall of Fame numbers. I didn't even put him on the list because I think he's not much more than a very nice player in the system. But you have to be consistently at the top for at least a few years before you get on a top 10 list.”
Winfield finished sixth (29 points), Williams seventh (18), McCourty eighth (17), Washington’s DeAngelo Hall ninth (10) and Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan 10th (eight).
Williams was the lone player to make the top 10 while not being looked at as his team’s No. 1 guy. As much as I liked him, that prevented him from getting one of my votes. Same for Oakland’s Stanford Routt.
Rank 'Em: Top NFL cornerbacks
How do the best cornerbacks in the NFL stack up? ESPN.com's stable of NFL bloggers weighed in with its rankings and we've tabulated the results.
John Clayton had Routt sixth and NFC West chart-master Mike Sando had him 10th, which left Routt in 11th place. Clayton set me straight on why Routt was, in fact, deserving.
“Nnamdi has years of not being thrown on,” Clayton said. “He’s had years in which only 14 or 15 passes were caught against him in a season.
“Routt had a phenomenal year in 2010, which led to his big contract,” Clayton said. “The percentage of passes against him that were completed was among the lowest in the league. His job is tougher because he has more passes thrown on him because of Nnamdi.”
Fourth loss arrives early for Manning, Colts
November, 21, 2010
11/21/10
10:36
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesPeyton Manning passed for 396 yards, but also three interceptions, including one his final throw.He wore that Manning grimace and repeated that Manning head shake as he walked to the sideline, settling near offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. Hands on hips the two talked, side by side, facing the Patriots' offense on the field. Soon the pictures arrived, and the dissection started.
Manning and the Colts rebounded in a big way from there at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The quarterback found Blair White for two touchdowns in a span of 3 minutes, 11 seconds and Indianapolis was improbably back in it, with the ball and a chance to win or tie at the end.
Week 11 Coverage
• Williamson: Rivers a worthy MVP
• Mosley: Eagles find another way
• Sando: Hasselbeck, Seahawks on rise
• Graham: RB combo lifts Patriots
• Kuharsky: Colts fall for 4th time
• Walker: Is Pittsburgh being targeted?
• Seifert: Packers cross the Rubicon
• Clayton: Last Call
• Scouts Inc.: 10 observations 
• Monday Night Live Replay
Manning’s perturbed meter was well beyond grimace or head shake level after the game.
“If you’re asking if I’m stewing about it right now, the answer would be yes,” Manning said not long after it was over, and not long before he sat in front of his locker in his suit, head down, angry.
His Colts have lost four games or fewer eight times in his 13 seasons, including the last seven. Now they’re 6-4 with six more left to play.
A team built on meticulousness was simply too imprecise on the road against a top team to pull it off, just like two weeks ago in Philadelphia when a field goal could have won it but Manning threw a late pick.
If the 14th head-to-head game of the Manning-Tom Brady era is played this postseason, it will almost certainly be played in frigid Foxborough, not inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
“They’ve won numerous Super Bowls,” wide receiver Reggie Wayne said. “We’re trying to win numerous. Me personally, I kind of feel like we’re kind of chasing them a little bit. And to catch them you’ve got to beat them. Each time we play them it’s always tough. We almost got it done. But that’s the way it goes. Hopefully we do what we’ve got to do and we see them later.”
The play that ended the Colts’ hopes was a first-and-10 from the New England 24-yard line that started with 37 seconds on the clock and Indy still holding two timeouts.
Manning said he looked to Garcon because he was one-on-one with McCourty in press coverage. But rushing linebacker Jermaine Cunningham closed on Manning and if he didn’t graze or bump him he at least affected his throwing motion. There wasn’t enough on the ball to beat Sanders.
“It was a bad throw, I certainly didn’t get everything on it that I wanted,” Manning said. “… I’m just sick about not extending the game, there’s just no excuse not to extend the game there, give [Adam] Vinatieri a chance at a field goal. We were going for the win, we had some time, we had some timeouts and felt like we had a good play called.
NOT QUITE RIGHT
Peyton Manning was strong Sunday, except when throwing to the right sideline. Patriots safety James Sanders sealed the victory by intercepting Manning's final pass of the game, which was intended for Pierre Garcon down the right sideline.
| Right sideline | Rest of field | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Comp-Att | 3-7 | 35-45 | |
| Yards/att | 6.0 | 7.9 | |
| TD-Int | 0-2 | 4-1 | |
| Passer rtg | 23.2 | 119.8 | |
| Source: ESPN Stats & Information | |||
The Colts allowed New England six third-down conversions in six first-half chances. Through three quarters, they allowed 5.2 yards a carry while gaining only 1.3 yards a carry themselves. And they failed to do anything to offset Manning’s three interceptions with no takeaways.
Tyjuan Hagler had the best chance, but an errant Brady pass around the New England 40-yard line with about 2:32 left bounced right off the nickel linebacker.
The Colts are built to play from ahead, which allows two of their best defenders, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, to rush a passer trying to forge a comeback. But against the Eagles and Patriots the Colts have played from behind.
Manning with possession and time at the end of the game is still typically a pretty good formula. But it hasn't been working.
“Usually that’s one of our strong suits, we’re able to move the ball,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said. “I think you saw it in the previous drives. But we just didn’t finish it like we typically do.”
Manning said the Patriots managed to disguise things and confuse him, creating the two earlier interceptions. He absolved Garcon on plays where it seemed there was miscommunication and the receiver might have gone to the wrong spot.
“New England was really mixing them up, moving around,” Manning said. “So I had a couple misreads on the coverages.”
Tied with Jacksonville at 6-4 atop the AFC South, the Colts are actually down a tiebreaker to the Jaguars because of a loss in Jacksonville on Oct. 3.
Six other AFC teams have a record as good as or better than the Colts, who play host to San Diego next Sunday night. They’ve lost four of their past five games against the Chargers.
Before the team boarded their bus and headed for the airport, cornerback Kelvin Hayden mentioned how Tennessee and Houston had lost too.
The Colts, 10 games into the season, monitoring the results of the rest of the division? Given their record this decade, it seems unnatural. For those who’ve endured heartbreak by Manning’s hands, it’s surely enjoyable.
“We have high expectations,” safety Antoine Bethea said. “So four losses before Thanksgiving is awkward. But if you look at it, we’re still first in the AFC South. If we win, if we take care of what we need to take care of, we get to the playoffs, and once you’re in the playoffs it’s a new season.”
Double Coverage: Pats vs. Colts in 2015
November, 18, 2010
11/18/10
12:12
PM ET
By Tim Graham and
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
ESPN.com IllustrationPeyton Manning and Tom Brady have been at the center of arguably the best rivalry of the past decade. Who will carry it on when they step away from the game? That's right, the Indianapolis Colts will meet the New England Patriots on Sunday for an eighth straight season. The NFL's greatest ongoing interdivisional rivalry showcases two of the great organizations of this generation and renews the discussion about Peyton Manning's stats versus Tom Brady's championships.
We've decided to rekindle the debate, but before you throw your head back and groan in anticipation of the clichés, hold your horseshoes.
The purpose of this debate is to eliminate Manning and Brady and look into the future.
Which team has the better long-range outlook once Manning and Brady move on?
For the purpose of this discussion, we've set the target for 2015 -- one year beyond the length of Brady's latest contract extension -- to examine which team has the better infrastructure to cope with life minus its iconic quarterback.
Tim Graham: Time to get after it, Paul. But no weapons this time, please. I've just recently completed the physical therapy from our last debate.
Paul Kuharsky: Well, this back-and-forth will be less physically taxing, and since there is so much forecasting, you may actually be able to put your Jedi training to use.
Graham: Get this debate started we shall, hmmm?
Kuharsky: So what do the Colts and Patriots have now that's going to be a big factor for them in five years?
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesWill 2010 first-round pick Jerry Hughes develop into a cornerstone on the Colts' defense?Hughes is still unproven, but it's early and Colts president Bill Polian saw the potential for him to ultimately replace a Dwight Freeney or a Robert Mathis.
Others who may still be staples when Manning is gone: receiver Austin Collie, linebacker Pat Angerer, tight end Jacob Tamme, tight end Brody Eldridge and punter Pat McAfee. Can that group be the core of a team that continues to win? I wish I could offer a solid yes or no instead of a tepid maybe.
Beyond that, we've got five drafts to consider, right? And Polian regularly finds undrafted gems. I don't doubt the Colts will have talent. But they'll need new Freeney-, Dallas Clark- and Reggie Wayne-caliber stars, plus the replacement quarterback.
Graham: Patriots overlord Bill Belichick has drawn deserved criticism for his draft failures. He has swung and missed at his share of Terrence Wheatleys and Kevin O'Connells and Chad Jacksons in the early rounds.
But when you accumulate as many picks as the Patriots have and have elite football minds evaluating the talent, those bad decisions are going to even out eventually. The Patriots appear to be warming up when it comes to successful drafting.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Paul Spinelli Rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez ranks second on the Patriots in catches and receiving yards.
AP Photo/Paul Spinelli Rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez ranks second on the Patriots in catches and receiving yards.They don't have as many second- and third-year contributors, but inside linebacker Jerod Mayo was defensive rookie of the year in 2008. Among the sophomores are starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and receivers Brandon Tate and Julian Edelman, who also handle return duties.
Without question, there will be a drop-off at quarterback when Brady retires, but the Patriots are loaded with core youth.
Kuharsky: The Colts may draft better, but they also draft less. Polian's not the draft pick wheeler-and-dealer Belichick is. Are those the guys who will be lining up the Manning and Brady successors?
It's a quarterback-driven league, and teams minus Manning and Brady will have major voids. We've got to talk about the replacements for the iconic quarterbacks, but it's hard to offer much conjecture on what kind of guy that will be without talking about who will be finding him.
Polian is 67 years old, and the last time I asked him about any sort of plan for retirement he gave me a head tilt and an uncomfortable expression.
Graham: I've noticed a lot of people do that around you.
Kuharsky: If things are neat and tidy, the suspicion is he and Manning -- the guy he hit the jackpot with when he picked him over Ryan Leaf -- will exit together. The next generation is waiting in the wings. Chris Polian is Indianapolis' vice president and general manager.
AP PhotoCurrent Colts VP Chris Polian is likely play a key role in finding Peyton Manning's successor.Graham: I don't know how long Belichick plans to coach, but even if he were to get tired of the week-to-week grind of getting his boys ready to play, it's fathomable he'll stick around to run the operation, handpicking his successor and overseeing football operations.
It would be silly to give Belichick more than a smidgen of credit for drafting Brady in the sixth round a decade ago. If Belichick truly knew what Brady was capable of, the Patriots wouldn't have passed on him until the 199th pick. So it's not like Belichick will simply wait until Brady's on the verge of retirement and automatically snag a replacement.
Kuharsky: True. But they knew more than everybody else when they finally did take him.
Graham: Belichick trusted his scout, and they unearthed a gem.
I believe Belichick's support staff is stronger than Polian's. Senior adviser Floyd Reese oversaw the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans' drafts when they picked Steve McNair and Vince Young. Player personnel director Nick Caserio, like a lot of Belichick's sidekicks over the years, will develop the tools to run his own show someday.
Kuharsky: I don't know that Belichick's got better support. It's just more well known and visible support.
Graham: And a high-profile owner who is willing to trust his front office, will spend money and doesn't dare meddle. That's another key component to New England's success over the past decade.
Kuharsky: Moving onto the replacement quarterback himself, Curtis Painter is Manning's current backup. But based on his work in a couple of regular-season games the team didn't care about winning at the end of last season and some preseason work, most people aren't forecasting anything special from him. And that would amount to quite a lengthy apprenticeship anyway.
Graham: You wouldn't think the Patriots have Brady's successor on the roster either. Brian Hoyer is an undrafted sophomore with virtually no experience so far. But you never can tell how these guys will develop while working alongside Brady for a few years. This is the team that identified Matt Cassel, a seventh-round draft choice who hadn't started a game since high school, as its top backup for 2008. He ended up going 11-5 when Brady blew out his knee.
Kuharsky: The Colts will need a guy for a super-tough replacement job. It would be awfully difficult for them to land in a Aaron Rodgers for Brett Favre or Michael Vick for Donovan McNabb replacement situation.
After hitting a grand slam with the No. 1 pick in 1998, odds would suggest that it will be tough for them to line up with the right guy at the right pick at the right time. The way they build, odds are Manning's heir will be a guy who plays a full college career. So he's a college freshman or a high-school senior right now, depending on their plan for easing him in.
Graham: The Colts and Patriots finish too high in the standings every year and don't get to pick until the 20s. That will make it nearly impossible to snag some golden-armed top prospect in their assigned draft positions. But the Patriots frequently go into drafts with other teams' picks -- and an abundance of them. They often have copious draft assets to move up if they want to. Or maybe the Patriots will obtain that big-ticket pick waaaaay in advance. A year ago, Belichick traded Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders for their 2011 first-round selection. That's the kind of creative investing that could pay off with a high-quality quarterback prospect down the road.
Kuharsky: It will definitely be more difficult for the Colts to get to the top of a draft to get a premier guy. And there may need to be a post-Manning down-cycle for the team to get up there and find the guy. Scribes in Indianapolis often wonder aloud what happens to the Colts' crazed support if they turn into a 5-11 rebuilding project. The rest of the AFC South certainly hopes that's how it works, and that the division is a lot more wide open once Manning's not in it.
And while we're forecasting five years out, I have two questions: Will Manning still be a deadpanning TV commercial superstar? And will Brady have had a haircut?
Graham: There's one unwavering prediction I can make about hair, Paul, but it's not about Brady's.
Before training camps kick off, a number of players and some coaches will pay tribute to people who helped them make it to the NFL as part of the AFC South Blog’s summer series: “Early Influence.”
Jason McCourty, Titans cornerback
“For me it’s my older brother, Larry White, he’s the one who pushed for me and my twin brother Devin [a Patriots rookie] to be playing football. He was always pushing for us to be aggressive, go out there and make plays.
“He played in high school and then he served in the Army, he fought in the Persian Gulf War, he’s 39, quite a bit older than us.
“My father passed away when I was three, so he kind of was that father figure for me. He kind of taught us different little things that my mom couldn’t teach me and we could always go to him for a little bit of advice. And when it came to that aggression in football, and actually going out there and completion, he was nig on that for us.
“Before every game he’ll call me and continue to try to motivate me: ‘Just know that you’re the guy, go out there and don’t be afraid, challenge those guys. On your worst day you can call him up and he’s going to tell you how good you are. He’s great in that way.”
Jason McCourty, Titans cornerback
“For me it’s my older brother, Larry White, he’s the one who pushed for me and my twin brother Devin [a Patriots rookie] to be playing football. He was always pushing for us to be aggressive, go out there and make plays.
“He played in high school and then he served in the Army, he fought in the Persian Gulf War, he’s 39, quite a bit older than us.
“My father passed away when I was three, so he kind of was that father figure for me. He kind of taught us different little things that my mom couldn’t teach me and we could always go to him for a little bit of advice. And when it came to that aggression in football, and actually going out there and completion, he was nig on that for us.
“Before every game he’ll call me and continue to try to motivate me: ‘Just know that you’re the guy, go out there and don’t be afraid, challenge those guys. On your worst day you can call him up and he’s going to tell you how good you are. He’s great in that way.”
» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
We had big names (Jerry Hughes, Myron Rolle) and no names (Scotty McGee, Shelley Smith) in 32 draft picks in the AFC South.
We also had an incoming veteran (Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville) and outgoing underachievers (LenDale White and Kevin Vickerson out of Tennessee).
Everyone’s on the phone hoping to land more in the form of undrafted free agents, but they’re feeling good too. Needs they had on Thursday have been washed away over three days, and minicamps where rookies will be fitted for uniforms and yelled at by position coaches for the first time will soon arrive.
Best moves
The Titans and Colts both wanted a productive defensive end, both sat still at their first round pick and both had a talented player who fits them fall in their laps.
Derrick Morgan’s got multiple connections with defensive line coach Jim Washburn, and the love fest is on. After losing the high-motor, classy Kyle Vanden Bosch as a free agent, the Titans look to have landed a young version of KVB.
Bill Polian said the Colts have been looking for an extra end for seven years. First-rounder Hughes from TCU looks almost too good to be true in terms of matching up a skill set with a Colts’ model for a position. He couldn’t have landed in a better spot, playing with and learning from Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Riskiest move
Tyson Alualu at No. 10 caused a big stir and raised questions about the Jaguars’ inability to move down. The defensive tackle would likely have still been available later, and the 11th, 12th and 13th picks all got deals right after their selection.
Gene Smith went very heavy on small schools and low profile programs -- Central Arkansas, Murray State, Southern Illinois and James Madison. But it’s Alualu, more than anyone, that will make or break his regime’s reputation. Will the scouts who shook their heads and dropped their jaws at the pick be surprised and revise their opinion or be proven right?
Most surprising move
They are touting the championship pedigree of first-round cornerback Kareem Jackson from Alabama, but Kyle Wilson and Devin McCourty were still on the board. If Jackson doesn’t pan out well for a team thin on talent at corner, they could regret the decision.
I think the Texans had really settled on Ryan Mathews being the guy and may not have recovered after San Diego jumped all the way up to 12 to get him. They had plenty of time to recover and re-examine, but went with Jackson, who was rising on a lot of boards as they draft drew near. There is a gaping hole he needs to help fill, and there will be a lot of second guessing if he doesn’t -- particularly if Wilson and/or McCourty play big.
File it away
Based on their conference call media conversations and the inclusion of a math whiz from UCLA (Alterraun Verner), a Rhodes Scholar from Florida State (Rolle) and an Ivy League defensive tackle from Brown (David Howard), the Titans drafted a smart class.
It’ll be a wonderful thing in meeting rooms and interview sessions. And there shouldn’t be a lot of kids confused when they first dig into the playbook. But if the brains don’t translate into the games, it won’t matter.
We had big names (Jerry Hughes, Myron Rolle) and no names (Scotty McGee, Shelley Smith) in 32 draft picks in the AFC South.
We also had an incoming veteran (Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville) and outgoing underachievers (LenDale White and Kevin Vickerson out of Tennessee).
Everyone’s on the phone hoping to land more in the form of undrafted free agents, but they’re feeling good too. Needs they had on Thursday have been washed away over three days, and minicamps where rookies will be fitted for uniforms and yelled at by position coaches for the first time will soon arrive.
Best moves
The Titans and Colts both wanted a productive defensive end, both sat still at their first round pick and both had a talented player who fits them fall in their laps.
Derrick Morgan’s got multiple connections with defensive line coach Jim Washburn, and the love fest is on. After losing the high-motor, classy Kyle Vanden Bosch as a free agent, the Titans look to have landed a young version of KVB.
Bill Polian said the Colts have been looking for an extra end for seven years. First-rounder Hughes from TCU looks almost too good to be true in terms of matching up a skill set with a Colts’ model for a position. He couldn’t have landed in a better spot, playing with and learning from Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Riskiest move
Tyson Alualu at No. 10 caused a big stir and raised questions about the Jaguars’ inability to move down. The defensive tackle would likely have still been available later, and the 11th, 12th and 13th picks all got deals right after their selection.
Gene Smith went very heavy on small schools and low profile programs -- Central Arkansas, Murray State, Southern Illinois and James Madison. But it’s Alualu, more than anyone, that will make or break his regime’s reputation. Will the scouts who shook their heads and dropped their jaws at the pick be surprised and revise their opinion or be proven right?
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Chris Williams/Icon SMIJackson didn't miss any time with injuries as a three-year starter for Alabama.
Chris Williams/Icon SMIJackson didn't miss any time with injuries as a three-year starter for Alabama.They are touting the championship pedigree of first-round cornerback Kareem Jackson from Alabama, but Kyle Wilson and Devin McCourty were still on the board. If Jackson doesn’t pan out well for a team thin on talent at corner, they could regret the decision.
I think the Texans had really settled on Ryan Mathews being the guy and may not have recovered after San Diego jumped all the way up to 12 to get him. They had plenty of time to recover and re-examine, but went with Jackson, who was rising on a lot of boards as they draft drew near. There is a gaping hole he needs to help fill, and there will be a lot of second guessing if he doesn’t -- particularly if Wilson and/or McCourty play big.
File it away
Based on their conference call media conversations and the inclusion of a math whiz from UCLA (Alterraun Verner), a Rhodes Scholar from Florida State (Rolle) and an Ivy League defensive tackle from Brown (David Howard), the Titans drafted a smart class.
It’ll be a wonderful thing in meeting rooms and interview sessions. And there shouldn’t be a lot of kids confused when they first dig into the playbook. But if the brains don’t translate into the games, it won’t matter.
» NFC dream/Plan B: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)
Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Houston Texans
(Overboard) Dream scenario: Running back C.J. Spiller falls to them, but I cannot see that happening and I don’t see safety Earl Thomas lasting either. Next best is that they are in position to choose running back Ryan Mathews. He could work every down if needed and will be able to earn the tough yard and hold on to the ball in a way no one could last season, when the offense was very good despite its running woes. Plan B: Mathews is gone and they get a cornerback like Devin McCourty or Kyle Wilson. My inkling is that McCourty could be the guy in this situation.
Indianapolis Colts
(Overboard) Dream scenario: Center Maurkice Pouncey somehow lasts, giving the Colts a big interior presence who could help at guard and eventually succeed Jeff Saturday. Next best is that they find another lineman who’s especially well suited to what the Colts do, but brings a bit more size. That could be Rodger Saffold, who seems to project as a very good left tackle for them. Plan B: A speedy defensive end in the mold of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. TCU’s Jerry Hughes fits the bill.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dream scenario: Someone wants the Jaguars' No. 10 pick and offers a deal that drops them down in the first round and gets them a second-rounder, which they currently lack. They’d be happy to dip down and still find a defensive end, defensive back or interior offensive lineman. Plan B: If they stay put, linebacker Rolando McClain could be too good to resist 10th overall. He can be a consistent playmaker and a face-of-the-defense guy for a team that’s still looking to develop its personality.
Tennessee Titans
Dream scenario: Get a trade offer, move back to regain a second-round pick and still be able to add a defensive end (Sergio Kindle?) or cornerback (McCourty?) early on. If they stay at 16, they’d love to see a run at offensive tackle ahead of them and Jimmy Clausen go off the board by the time their turn comes. I think they’d be happy with Jason Pierre-Paul or Brandon Graham. Plan B: Wilson, who’d have a chance to earn a spot as a starter opposite Cortland Finnegan.
» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)
Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Houston Texans
(Overboard) Dream scenario: Running back C.J. Spiller falls to them, but I cannot see that happening and I don’t see safety Earl Thomas lasting either. Next best is that they are in position to choose running back Ryan Mathews. He could work every down if needed and will be able to earn the tough yard and hold on to the ball in a way no one could last season, when the offense was very good despite its running woes. Plan B: Mathews is gone and they get a cornerback like Devin McCourty or Kyle Wilson. My inkling is that McCourty could be the guy in this situation.
Indianapolis Colts
(Overboard) Dream scenario: Center Maurkice Pouncey somehow lasts, giving the Colts a big interior presence who could help at guard and eventually succeed Jeff Saturday. Next best is that they find another lineman who’s especially well suited to what the Colts do, but brings a bit more size. That could be Rodger Saffold, who seems to project as a very good left tackle for them. Plan B: A speedy defensive end in the mold of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. TCU’s Jerry Hughes fits the bill.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dream scenario: Someone wants the Jaguars' No. 10 pick and offers a deal that drops them down in the first round and gets them a second-rounder, which they currently lack. They’d be happy to dip down and still find a defensive end, defensive back or interior offensive lineman. Plan B: If they stay put, linebacker Rolando McClain could be too good to resist 10th overall. He can be a consistent playmaker and a face-of-the-defense guy for a team that’s still looking to develop its personality.
Tennessee Titans
Dream scenario: Get a trade offer, move back to regain a second-round pick and still be able to add a defensive end (Sergio Kindle?) or cornerback (McCourty?) early on. If they stay at 16, they’d love to see a run at offensive tackle ahead of them and Jimmy Clausen go off the board by the time their turn comes. I think they’d be happy with Jason Pierre-Paul or Brandon Graham. Plan B: Wilson, who’d have a chance to earn a spot as a starter opposite Cortland Finnegan.
In recent days, I asked two AFC scouts and two guys with scouting backgrounds who are now in the media the same 12 questions.
As we count down to Thursday, here’s the first of four posts with their answers, which are largely a lesson in how many different views there can be on the same subjects.
I started with a focus on defensive end and cornerback, as I think all four AFC South teams will consider cornerback in the first round and three of our four teams will consider an end the first round (not Houston).
In order, rank defensive ends you think are top 35 picks:
Scout A: Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, Everson Griffen.
Scout B: Morgan, Pierre-Paul, Graham, Corey Wooten, Kindle, Carlos Dunlap, Hughes, Griffen
Matt Williamson, Scouts Inc.: Morgan, Graham, Pierre-Paul, Hughes, Jared Odrick (but only for a 3-4, otherwise he is a DT), Griffen
Daniel Jeremiah, movethesticks.com: Pierre-Paul, Graham (could be DE or OB), Morgan... that's it for 4-3 DE's.
Combined/consensus order: Morgan, Pierre-Paul, Graham, Hughes, Kindle, Griffin. Wooten, Dunlap and Odrick all get one mention as top 35 picks.
In order, rank cornerbacks you think are top 35 picks:
Scout A: Joe Haden, Patrick Robinson, Kyle Wilson.
Scout B: Haden, Wilson, Robinson, Devin McCourty, Brandon Ghee, Kareem Jackson, Dominique Franks, Perrish Cox
Williamson: Haden, Jackson, Wilson, McCourty
Jeremiah: Haden, Jackson, Wilson, McCourty
Combined/consensus order: Haden, Wilson, Jackson are one-two-three, with Wilson and McCourty even at four, though Wilson was mentioned as a first-rounder by all four. Ghee, Franks and Cox each got one mention.
As we count down to Thursday, here’s the first of four posts with their answers, which are largely a lesson in how many different views there can be on the same subjects.
I started with a focus on defensive end and cornerback, as I think all four AFC South teams will consider cornerback in the first round and three of our four teams will consider an end the first round (not Houston).
In order, rank defensive ends you think are top 35 picks:
Scout A: Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, Everson Griffen.
Scout B: Morgan, Pierre-Paul, Graham, Corey Wooten, Kindle, Carlos Dunlap, Hughes, Griffen
Matt Williamson, Scouts Inc.: Morgan, Graham, Pierre-Paul, Hughes, Jared Odrick (but only for a 3-4, otherwise he is a DT), Griffen
Daniel Jeremiah, movethesticks.com: Pierre-Paul, Graham (could be DE or OB), Morgan... that's it for 4-3 DE's.
Combined/consensus order: Morgan, Pierre-Paul, Graham, Hughes, Kindle, Griffin. Wooten, Dunlap and Odrick all get one mention as top 35 picks.
In order, rank cornerbacks you think are top 35 picks:
Scout A: Joe Haden, Patrick Robinson, Kyle Wilson.
Scout B: Haden, Wilson, Robinson, Devin McCourty, Brandon Ghee, Kareem Jackson, Dominique Franks, Perrish Cox
Williamson: Haden, Jackson, Wilson, McCourty
Jeremiah: Haden, Jackson, Wilson, McCourty
Combined/consensus order: Haden, Wilson, Jackson are one-two-three, with Wilson and McCourty even at four, though Wilson was mentioned as a first-rounder by all four. Ghee, Franks and Cox each got one mention.
Icon SMIAFC South return men Ryan Mouton of the Titans and Chad Simpson and TJ Rushing of the Colts failed to get their teams the yards they needed.
Universal thinking is each team can solve the issue in the upcoming draft, though it would take a change in Indianapolis' approach for the Colts to focus on it.
So what does it take to unearth a quality return man?
I set out this week to address this from several angles, and I’m going to let some smart people with informative takes carry the day.
So without further ado…
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh has a big background in special teams.
What’s he want to see out of a prospective returner?
"Punt and kickoff return are completely different. In punt return, the bottom line is he’s got to be a natural catcher. So catching a punt is a unique thing. If they can’t catch, you can forget about it. Kick return is a little easier to catch, but some of these guys struggle to catch kicks. To me, a kick returner has to be a north-south runner. He’s got to have a burst of acceleration and/or power, and he’s got to have vision. It’s usually more of a running back-type guy who can read the hole and cut off blocks. Punt return is a guy that can catch the ball naturally, has great body control and he can do two things at once. He’s got to be able to catch the ball and feel the pressure around him. Make the guy miss, whether it’s make or miss with the body control to slip through there, or be able to change speed and change angles."
Does he need to see a college player do that or can he project it?
"It’s a good question. You’d rather see it because then you know. But if you don’t see it, you can project it. But you’ve got to go work the guy out and see if he can catch. So you can take a guy that maybe wasn’t a college punt returner, and maybe turn him into a pro punt returner. Maybe you find out that he has been catching punts every day but they didn’t put him back there because he was their primary receiver or whatever. It’s pretty rare to see a great pro punt returner who wasn’t a pretty good college punt returner."
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. says he wants to see courage and toughness in a return man:
"It’s funny. When looking/reading prospect reports on draft prospects this time of year, many scouts rightfully put something along the lines of, 'Also can contribute as a return man' as part of a young man's scouting report. That is all well and good, but like kickers and punters, is he one of the best 32 (or so) at this skill in the world? It is not for the faint of heart and while speed, elusiveness and vision are all paramount for either punt or kickoff returns, I think guts/fearlessness/toughness is maybe the most important. If you are going to keep a pure returner, he had better be outstanding-by NFL standards. Otherwise, he has to do something else. Be the fourth cornerback or wide receiver or be a core special teams player on coverage teams."
Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information took a look at some of the best returners in league history and some of the most productive guys in recent history to see if there were any commonalities:
"The one 'similarity' of the best returner historically (Brian Mitchell) and the best return man in 2009 (Joshua Cribbs) is that they were both college QBs.
"The other common denominator is that of the players below, only three were defensive backs in college: Darrien Gordon, Devin Hester, Deion Sanders.
"Another common denominator (with the exception of the 6-foot-1 Cribbs) is that they are all under six feet tall."
Finally, Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. was kind enough to run through the best return prospects in the draft:
Return Specialists
These guys will either be drafted or signed as free agents strictly for their return skills. Due to lack of size, they will need a creative offensive coordinator to contribute offensively at the next level.
Brandon Banks, Kansas State (5-7, 159) -- Banks is the top pure returner in this years’ class. He possesses a nice combination of vision, quickness, speed and elusiveness to consistently set offenses up with favorable field position.
Brandon James, Florida (5-6, 176) -- James possesses great vision to locate and the short-area burst to quickly get through first line of defense. He also displays a quick stop and start and is very reliable tracking and fielding punts. Questionable overall long speed to outrun defenders when they have favorable angle in pursuit.
Trindon Holliday, LSU (5-5, 172) -- World-class track speed, and has the ability to exploit even the slimmest of creases. He is shifty but lacks elite elusiveness to make defenders miss in confined areas.
Other prospects that bring added value as returners (sorted by position);
Running backs
C.J. Spiller, Clemson -- The most dynamic and versatile offensive weapon in this year’s class. Explosive short-area burst and elite top-end and long speed give him ability to rip off a big gain at any point in both phases of the return game.
Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss -- McCluster is pint sized (5-8) but shows great versatility and quickness to contribute as a change-of-pace back and wide receiver at the next level. Elite open-field capabilities make him dangerous as a punt returner.
Other RBs with returning experience: Joe McKnight, USC; Ben Tate, Auburn; Andre Dixon, UConn
Cornerbacks
Javier Arenas, Alabama -- Instinctive and tough football player who should step in and contribute immediately as a sub-package nickel back. Despite lack of elite top-end speed, Arenas is one of the more effective returners in this year’s class. I love his vision, balance and quick stop and start as a returner.
Kyle Wilson, Boise State -- Physical press corner who shows great anticipation and ball skills out on an island. Wilson brings added value as a reliable punt returner with good speed and open-field capabilities.
Devin McCourty, Rutgers -- Not many holes in McCourty as a cornerback. Easy change of direction, strong overall ball skills, plays bigger than size indicates and not afraid to get jersey dirty in run support. McCourty is one of the most versatile special teams prospect in this year's class, an effective kick returner and outstanding gunner with punt coverage.
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, IUP -- Possesses a nice combination of size, speed and ball skills teams covet as either a press corner or free safety at the next level. Owusu-Ansahis a strong open-field runner who has experience as both a kickoff and punt returner.
Other cornerbacks with returning experience: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State; Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal; Walter Thurmond, Oregon; Dennis Rogan, Tennessee
Wide receivers
Golden Tate, Notre Dame -- Aggressive, savvy and sure-handed and should develop into at least a strong No. 3 WR at the next level. Reliable punt returner with good vision, balance and deceiving top-end speed.
Damian Williams, USC -- Smooth athlete and one of the most polished route runners in this year’s receiver class. Despite lack of top-end speed, Williams will consistently field punts cleanly and has enough elusiveness to pick up positive yardage.
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati -- Instinctive and passionate playmaker on the field who should develop into a solid No. 3 WR. By no means a burner, but a difference-maker as a returner in both phases as he shows elite body control and never slows down out of cuts.
Jacoby Ford, Clemson -- World class track speed and should be a nice vertical threat at the next level. Elite top-end speed gives him ability to hit the home run at any point as both a kick and punt returner.
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan -- Quicker than fast, and should contribute working out of the slot at the next level. Brown brings added value as both a kick and punt returner with his open field capabilities and overall elusiveness.
Other receivers with returning experience: Jordan Shipley, Texas; Emmanuel Sanders, SMU; Andre Roberts, Citadel; David Reed, Utah
And a bonus link to a Pro Football Weekly story on the best special teamers in the draft, including three return specialists.
Final thoughts from me having taken all this in: Things always get twisted up with return guys. If the Colts or Titans draft a guy they intend to be a contributor as a cornerback or running back or receiver, there is a point at which they won't want to overload them with the extra job or expose them to injury on special teams. How long would we see Spiller or Wilson or McCourty or Tate be a special teamer? First-round receiver Kenny Britt returned kicks for the Titans late last season, but the team can't want him there much longer.
So I'd like to see both teams commit a pick to a return specialist, dedicating a roster spot to him.
Consistent fielding of punts and kicks was an issue for the Titans last year, and it's time for the team to actually have bigger expectations for its returner than an ability to fair catch. Ryan Mouton couldn't even do that reliably when things were at their worst.
The Colts have always seemed to figure they'd simply get the yards the return game doesn't provide from Peyton Manning and the offense. Their issues on special teams extend beyond the returners -- primarily T.J. Rushing on punts and Chad Simpson on kicks in 2009 -- and their blocking, and got magnified in the Super Bowl loss to New Orleans. But with offensive line and depth at corner and linebacker as the major needs in a draft where the Colts have eight picks, it appears a good time to try to add a dynamic piece.
Joe in Chicago writes: The past few weeks I’ve been hearing a lot about players receiving roster bonuses. How does that work? If a player does not receive a roster bonus would it still count against the cap (if there was one) or does it work like an expiring contract that would not have any cap hit?
Paul Kuharsky: There are really two kind of roster bonuses.
If I give you a big contract now with $30 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, with roster bonuses of $5 million next year and $5 million more the year after, they amount to deferred payments. If I’ve paid you the 20, it’s pretty much assured I’m going to pay you the other 10.
The second kind come later in a contract and are there to force a decision: If you’re due $2.5 million at the start of the league year, I either have to judge you to be worth it, which pretty much ensures you’re going to be on the team this season, or I cut you to avoid it, which gives you the opportunity to go find a better gig.
If you’re cut to avoid it, it wouldn’t count against a cap.
OK, we go heavy on the Titans from here. Before the complainants from Houston, Indy and Jacksonville perk up, let me say I can only answer the questions I get and the mailbag address is no secret.
Onward…
Titan4fan in Brentwood, TN writes: Why are the Titans not making any roster moves? I am a 10 year PSL season ticket holder ready to give them up, tired of watching Ravens and Jets improve dramatically while we do nothing. We are in the second wave of FA several good options available. Need a quality cornerback, safety, defensive end, quarterback and returner that can be signed at a reasonable price. We are paying a backup quarterback $7.5M that needs to retire. We could use that money plus the other $18M saved on players not re-signed that we could upgrade. Titan fans are getting tired of Bud Adams’ and Jeff Fisher’s plan, they deserve a championship. Bud spend some money, you can't take it to heaven with you!!!! Now is the time.
Paul Kuharsky: Good options are available?
OK, I’ll bite. Please give me a couple names.
They got a veteran corner, linebacker and, if the Eagles don’t match, defensive end.
That’s not bad for a team looking to build through the draft. They’ve got experienced insurance or depth, and can now go get kids with upside.
Who is it you want that’s available right now? How many FAs did Colts and Saints add last season before they went to the Super Bowl?
As for Kerry Collins’ money -- he doesn’t get a new dime until the first week of the season. (And it’s $5.5 M left not $7.5.) So with no second quarterback in play, wouldn’t it be irresponsible to make a move now?
Brad in Houston writes: PK, what is your take on Kirk Morrison? I believe he is a solid run defender and a very consistent player who would fit what the Titans do. Could something materialize with sending LenDale White to Oakland in exchange for Morrison so that no draft picks are lost? Morrison was only tendered with a 3rd rounder.
Paul Kuharsky: I like what I know of him. But it would take a third or a fourth. People don’t give away good players for your junk and a lot of the league doesn’t regard White in a good light. Also, does Oakland need a running back? I don’t think it does.
Here’s something that touched on Morrison at the start of free agency.
Jim in Memphis writes: Because the Titans are a small-market team, does that constrain their activity in free agency? They seem to want to save the bank, but have spent in the past and been burned. Steve McNair and Eddie George come to mind. It seems to me that they spend when they see something great and rarely miss.
Paul Kuharsky: No. Small market stuff is way over played. Does it hurt New Orleans or Indianapolis? They were in the Super Bowl. It’s not about saving the bank, it’s about paying what they judge someone to be worth. You think they should have spent on George and McNair? It was clear when they left they were done (McNair had one more year in him, George none) and the Titans had made the right decision rather than the sentimental one.
Gerald Ball from parts unknown writes: Four questions. 1. Will the Titans make a run at Nate Vasher, the 28 year old Pro Bowl CB just released by the Bears? 2. Will the Titans start going after linebackers who can rush the passer like South Carolina's Eric Norwood (who has a third-round grade)? 3. Jordan Shipley is very good at returning kicks and punts, and would help the Titans more at wide receiver in 2010 than Lavelle Hawkins and Paul Williams put together. Any chance the Titans have interest? 4. Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler won't be in Nashville past 2010. Are the Titans likely to get a TE in the draft? Thanks!
Paul Kuharsky: 1) Don’t think he’s a fit. Once a Pro Bowler doesn’t mean always a Pro Bowler. Doesn’t sound like a great Titans’ match. 2) They don’t rush the passer often with their linebackers, so I don’t see why that would become a focus. But sure you’d like your backers to have that skill set. 3) Sure they’d love Shipley. They just don’t have a pick anywhere near where he will get drafted, I don’t think. 4) Maybe late. But the tight ends of the future are Jared Cook and Craig Stevens, both recent third-rounders. Crumpler left between the time you wrote in and I posted this.
Darcy in Columbus, OH writes: On your recent draft update and the past you have mentioned the Titans need for a defensive end. I realize it's a primary need, but wouldn't be easier to "kill two birds with one stone" by drafting a corner/return specialist with the first pick? Such as Kyle Wilson (if he's still there) or Devin McCourty (family)? Just wanted to know your input? Thanks
Paul Kuharsky: It’d be a nice bonus. But if you don’t love him as a position player, you can’t let the return skills over-influence you. And if he’s good enough to start on defense, you’re not going to want to use him as a special teamer for very long.
McCourty shouldn’t get graded up because they have his brother.
Josh Cates in Louisville, KY writes: I have a question about RFAs, and, as a Titans fan, I'll use LenDale White as my example to make the question clear. Do the Titans have Right of first refusal by default, or do they have to tender him the lowest RFA tender to have that right? And if they don't, and he doesn't get signed by another team, is he still a Titan next year? If so, at what salary -- RFA tender salary or his current contract salary?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to tender him, but tendered at any level you get ROFR. If you don’t tender him, he becomes free to sign anywhere -- see Marlin Jackson of the Colts who jumped to Philly. (Untendered, you’re basically unrestricted, but still categorized as restricted though no one has a right to match.)
You can pull an RFA's tender at any time, but it had to be put on him by the start of the new league year. And a guy can sign it at any time.
White will sign it -- they all do. The deadline is before the draft, and a team will say, “You’re last, best chance to get traded is on draft day, and we can’t move you if we don’t have you under contract.”
David Dunston in Nashville writes: Why don't you stir someone else's pot? What say we give Vince Young a chance to continue without constantly reminding the world that he could "fall back to the things that got him demoted the first time.” I guess you media guys do that so you can say, “Hey, I warned you.” Funny you hardly ever hear someone come out and say, “Boy, I blew that one... and let's face it, in the world of "Expert Opinion" most media blows it more than they get right. And they never have to answer for it. I like your articles most of the time. I might still get the Tennessean if you were still there. But you are National now, so cut us some slack.
Paul Kuharsky: I’m giving him a chance. Why in the world would I not be allowed to use his past as a potential predictor of his future? I did it with a number of players in that post – see Kris Brown, for example.
I don’t understand the idea that I am national now so I should cut you some slack. Please explain?
As for never admitting I am wrong, please see here (for a general admission) and here (for a Young-specific example).
Paul Kuharsky: There are really two kind of roster bonuses.
If I give you a big contract now with $30 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, with roster bonuses of $5 million next year and $5 million more the year after, they amount to deferred payments. If I’ve paid you the 20, it’s pretty much assured I’m going to pay you the other 10.
The second kind come later in a contract and are there to force a decision: If you’re due $2.5 million at the start of the league year, I either have to judge you to be worth it, which pretty much ensures you’re going to be on the team this season, or I cut you to avoid it, which gives you the opportunity to go find a better gig.
If you’re cut to avoid it, it wouldn’t count against a cap.
OK, we go heavy on the Titans from here. Before the complainants from Houston, Indy and Jacksonville perk up, let me say I can only answer the questions I get and the mailbag address is no secret.
Onward…
Titan4fan in Brentwood, TN writes: Why are the Titans not making any roster moves? I am a 10 year PSL season ticket holder ready to give them up, tired of watching Ravens and Jets improve dramatically while we do nothing. We are in the second wave of FA several good options available. Need a quality cornerback, safety, defensive end, quarterback and returner that can be signed at a reasonable price. We are paying a backup quarterback $7.5M that needs to retire. We could use that money plus the other $18M saved on players not re-signed that we could upgrade. Titan fans are getting tired of Bud Adams’ and Jeff Fisher’s plan, they deserve a championship. Bud spend some money, you can't take it to heaven with you!!!! Now is the time.
Paul Kuharsky: Good options are available?
OK, I’ll bite. Please give me a couple names.
They got a veteran corner, linebacker and, if the Eagles don’t match, defensive end.
That’s not bad for a team looking to build through the draft. They’ve got experienced insurance or depth, and can now go get kids with upside.
Who is it you want that’s available right now? How many FAs did Colts and Saints add last season before they went to the Super Bowl?
As for Kerry Collins’ money -- he doesn’t get a new dime until the first week of the season. (And it’s $5.5 M left not $7.5.) So with no second quarterback in play, wouldn’t it be irresponsible to make a move now?
Brad in Houston writes: PK, what is your take on Kirk Morrison? I believe he is a solid run defender and a very consistent player who would fit what the Titans do. Could something materialize with sending LenDale White to Oakland in exchange for Morrison so that no draft picks are lost? Morrison was only tendered with a 3rd rounder.
Paul Kuharsky: I like what I know of him. But it would take a third or a fourth. People don’t give away good players for your junk and a lot of the league doesn’t regard White in a good light. Also, does Oakland need a running back? I don’t think it does.
Here’s something that touched on Morrison at the start of free agency.
Jim in Memphis writes: Because the Titans are a small-market team, does that constrain their activity in free agency? They seem to want to save the bank, but have spent in the past and been burned. Steve McNair and Eddie George come to mind. It seems to me that they spend when they see something great and rarely miss.
Paul Kuharsky: No. Small market stuff is way over played. Does it hurt New Orleans or Indianapolis? They were in the Super Bowl. It’s not about saving the bank, it’s about paying what they judge someone to be worth. You think they should have spent on George and McNair? It was clear when they left they were done (McNair had one more year in him, George none) and the Titans had made the right decision rather than the sentimental one.
Gerald Ball from parts unknown writes: Four questions. 1. Will the Titans make a run at Nate Vasher, the 28 year old Pro Bowl CB just released by the Bears? 2. Will the Titans start going after linebackers who can rush the passer like South Carolina's Eric Norwood (who has a third-round grade)? 3. Jordan Shipley is very good at returning kicks and punts, and would help the Titans more at wide receiver in 2010 than Lavelle Hawkins and Paul Williams put together. Any chance the Titans have interest? 4. Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler won't be in Nashville past 2010. Are the Titans likely to get a TE in the draft? Thanks!
Paul Kuharsky: 1) Don’t think he’s a fit. Once a Pro Bowler doesn’t mean always a Pro Bowler. Doesn’t sound like a great Titans’ match. 2) They don’t rush the passer often with their linebackers, so I don’t see why that would become a focus. But sure you’d like your backers to have that skill set. 3) Sure they’d love Shipley. They just don’t have a pick anywhere near where he will get drafted, I don’t think. 4) Maybe late. But the tight ends of the future are Jared Cook and Craig Stevens, both recent third-rounders. Crumpler left between the time you wrote in and I posted this.
Darcy in Columbus, OH writes: On your recent draft update and the past you have mentioned the Titans need for a defensive end. I realize it's a primary need, but wouldn't be easier to "kill two birds with one stone" by drafting a corner/return specialist with the first pick? Such as Kyle Wilson (if he's still there) or Devin McCourty (family)? Just wanted to know your input? Thanks
Paul Kuharsky: It’d be a nice bonus. But if you don’t love him as a position player, you can’t let the return skills over-influence you. And if he’s good enough to start on defense, you’re not going to want to use him as a special teamer for very long.
McCourty shouldn’t get graded up because they have his brother.
Josh Cates in Louisville, KY writes: I have a question about RFAs, and, as a Titans fan, I'll use LenDale White as my example to make the question clear. Do the Titans have Right of first refusal by default, or do they have to tender him the lowest RFA tender to have that right? And if they don't, and he doesn't get signed by another team, is he still a Titan next year? If so, at what salary -- RFA tender salary or his current contract salary?
Paul Kuharsky: You have to tender him, but tendered at any level you get ROFR. If you don’t tender him, he becomes free to sign anywhere -- see Marlin Jackson of the Colts who jumped to Philly. (Untendered, you’re basically unrestricted, but still categorized as restricted though no one has a right to match.)
You can pull an RFA's tender at any time, but it had to be put on him by the start of the new league year. And a guy can sign it at any time.
White will sign it -- they all do. The deadline is before the draft, and a team will say, “You’re last, best chance to get traded is on draft day, and we can’t move you if we don’t have you under contract.”
David Dunston in Nashville writes: Why don't you stir someone else's pot? What say we give Vince Young a chance to continue without constantly reminding the world that he could "fall back to the things that got him demoted the first time.” I guess you media guys do that so you can say, “Hey, I warned you.” Funny you hardly ever hear someone come out and say, “Boy, I blew that one... and let's face it, in the world of "Expert Opinion" most media blows it more than they get right. And they never have to answer for it. I like your articles most of the time. I might still get the Tennessean if you were still there. But you are National now, so cut us some slack.
Paul Kuharsky: I’m giving him a chance. Why in the world would I not be allowed to use his past as a potential predictor of his future? I did it with a number of players in that post – see Kris Brown, for example.
I don’t understand the idea that I am national now so I should cut you some slack. Please explain?
As for never admitting I am wrong, please see here (for a general admission) and here (for a Young-specific example).
Reading the coverage: Titans done with Kearse
March, 1, 2010
3/01/10
10:54
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Houston Texans
Post combine thoughts from John McClain.
A combine wrap from Battle Red Blog.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts added Ron Turner to their staff, says Chappell.
Don’t underestimate what Tom Moore does, says John Oehser.
An argument against potential new overtime rules for the playoffs, says Deshawn Zombie.
A detailed look at Turner from Stampede Blue.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jack Del Rio talked with Michael C. Wright at the combine.
The Jaguars could make one big move in free agency, suggests Michael C. Wright.
LaDainian Tomlinson can be a cautionary tale for Maurice Jones-Drew, says Gene Frenette.
Monday is big for the Jaguars as defensive linemen work out, says Vic Ketchman.
Ketchman was with Del Rio when the US scored a late goal to tie the gold medal hockey game.
The truth about Eugene Monroe from Terry O’Brien.
Tennessee Titans
Unsurprisingly, the Titans are finished with Jevon Kearse, says Jim Wyatt.
Jason McCourty’s, Devin, brother is looking to be better than his twin, writes Wyatt.
Wyatt and Jonathan Hutton review the combine from Tennessee’s perspective.
Fisher on Kenny Britt from Terry McCormick.
Post combine thoughts from John McClain.
A combine wrap from Battle Red Blog.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts added Ron Turner to their staff, says Chappell.
Don’t underestimate what Tom Moore does, says John Oehser.
An argument against potential new overtime rules for the playoffs, says Deshawn Zombie.
A detailed look at Turner from Stampede Blue.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jack Del Rio talked with Michael C. Wright at the combine.
The Jaguars could make one big move in free agency, suggests Michael C. Wright.
LaDainian Tomlinson can be a cautionary tale for Maurice Jones-Drew, says Gene Frenette.
Monday is big for the Jaguars as defensive linemen work out, says Vic Ketchman.
Ketchman was with Del Rio when the US scored a late goal to tie the gold medal hockey game.
The truth about Eugene Monroe from Terry O’Brien.
Tennessee Titans
Unsurprisingly, the Titans are finished with Jevon Kearse, says Jim Wyatt.
Jason McCourty’s, Devin, brother is looking to be better than his twin, writes Wyatt.
Wyatt and Jonathan Hutton review the combine from Tennessee’s perspective.
Fisher on Kenny Britt from Terry McCormick.
Shaun in Nashville writes: Paul, People are saying that there is going to be much more trading in the off-season than usual. With that in mind, do you think LenDale White for Antonio Cromartie makes sense for both sides?
Paul Kuharsky: Here is why not: Brent Schrotenboer reports Cromartie’s got financial issues pertaining to child support.
Also Kevin Acee says Cromartie’s not particular good or willing to contribute to run defense and has a casual attitude.
The Titans were majorly wary of Travis Henry when his child support issues came up, and they ask their corners to be physical.
My colleague Bill Williamson suggested a third-rounder would be fair for Cromartie, so Cromartie for White might actually be a doable swap, barring the aforementioned issues.
Jim in Memphis writes: Paul, I enjoy your articles, comments, etc. What are the possible places LenDale White could land in a trade? Realistically, what can we expect to get for him?
Paul Kuharsky: I would think a second would be high. My guess would be a fourth. Seattle with the connection to Pete Carroll would be one possibility, I’d guess. I like the idea of him in Houston with Steve Slaton. But I don’t know what either of those teams think of him.
In the AFC South he’s a compelling guy in that he’s got a good résumé, he’s restricted, his team appears ready to move on and he’d certainly like to get out. That’s why I think he will be one of the most interesting stories to watch.
David in Jacksonville, Fla., writes: Would the Jaguars draft another WR in the first round after spending two first-round picks on WR's this decade and another on a TE? The Jags need talent at most positions but I have to think that the DL and pass rush have to be at the top of their list.
Paul Kuharsky: Well, you go best player available, but if he isn’t at a position where you feel it’s wise to spend your pick, you back out. So if they see Bryant as the best player there but don’t want to go receiver, they trade down.
He’d certainly help them, but I’d agree it’s not a priority spot. And they really need to address those priority spots -- pass-rushers first and foremost.
Susan Solnick in Nashville writes: Do the Colts, given the same Super Bowl results they had, now reflect that a PERFECT season would have been sweeter than the fat GOOSE EGG they hauled home from Miami?
Paul Kuharsky: I don’t think it makes a difference to them. They are miserable from losing the Super Bowl. A perfect season wouldn’t be perfect anymore. Didn’t seem like much solace to the Patriots a few years ago.
Allen in Houston writes: Hey PK. So now Owen Daniels has said he might skip training camp all together. So now you have another player coming off an injury like Dunta Robinson last year, and they are going to want a big contract. For Owen Daniels this is his third ACL tear he has had. If you’re the Texans, do you franchise him and deal with all the same stuff Dunta put us through last year, or do you pay the guy?
Paul Kuharsky: Like some other emailers, you’re confusing UFAs and RFAs. Unrestricted free agents can be tagged until the 25th. Daniels is a restricted free agent. Restricteds don’t get franchised, they get a tender offer. See details of that here.
If the Texans are willing to match any offer sheet Daniels gets, they are at no risk of losing him for 2010. He can hold out to make a play for a long term-deal, but has no alternative for getting on the field. I’d sign him long-term if I could. I’d take him for the season without camp if I had to under the tender.
I don’t think they can franchise Robinson, who will be unrestricted, again. Odds are someone gives him big dollars and he’s gone.
Daniel W. in Berea, Ky., writes: Indy is a solid team that will make it to the playoffs maybe even the Super Bowl next year. Both the Texans and Titans are iffy but should be pretty good. The Jags have sucked it up as of late. Do you think it is coaching, GM, or just general lack of star players? Or maybe because Florida already has three NFL teams and should share one with another state, say, Kentucky?
Paul Kuharsky: You’re kidding about three teams in the state, right? Why would that have a bearing on anything?
Coaching hasn’t been great, old GM was bad, team overestimated David Garrard in a big way, division is tough. That’s a tough recipe. New GM Gene Smith has them on an improved course.
Dustin in Stanford, Calif., writes: Hey Paul, Do you have any sense of the confidence level the Titans might have in Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton? It is clear the Nick Harper is a gone and something needs to be done opposite Cortland Finnegan and I was wondering if one of those two might be it. Also, Jason's brother Devin is getting a lot of draft buzz. Is there a huge difference in Jason and Devin's skill set?
Paul Kuharsky: If the Titans go into the season expecting Mouton or McCourty to be the guy opposite Finnegan, they are showing way too much faith in them. They need to bring someone in to be the starter opposite Finnegan. Not up to speed on Devin McCourty at this point. Mel Kiper has him 16th in his most recent book.
Scott in Ottawa, Canada, writes: Paul, Iunderstand that the Titans usually put a value on a player and are loathe to pay more than that. The Titans must have a value in mind for guys like Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden Bosch. So my question is why don't they contact these guys before they hit free agency and see if they can make a deal at whatever value they think they are worth? Unless they see no value in KB or KVB, I don't see what harm it would do to reach out to these guys and at least have preliminary discussions about a new contract. Do you?
Paul Kuharsky: Because they decide, a) they are moving on and don’t care to have them back, or b) telling them what they think they’re worth would be insulting and just make the exit worse, or c) their agent has made it clear what he thinks they are worth and it’s not in the same ballpark.
While I don’t think it’ll apply here, I also think this is an important point: I’m not obligated to tell you what I think you're worth if I think it could potentially help me in negotiations down the road if you don’t get what you want elsewhere.
What player approaching free agency where he expects at least one new team to come forward and express love is going to be excited about his old team telling him frankly how it values him and go jump into negotiations?
James Williams in Old Hickory, Tenn., writes: If you could control what the Titans do with their 1st round pick, would you A.) Select a DE to go along with Jacob Ford and William Hayes. B.) Draft a CB to slot along with Cortland Finnegan. C.) Take an OLB to replace Keith Bulluck. D.) Try to trade down to replace the second rounder lost last season?
Paul Kuharsky: I appreciate the kind words. Please keep clicking.
I’d wait to see a) what happens in free agency and b) who’s there at my pick.
From my vantage point, they should hunt a free-agent linebacker and look to draft corner and defensive end. In February I can’t go a lot further than that.
Aaron in West Point, N.Y., writes: I'd like to start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoy your blog, and as an exiled Texan rely on it for scintillating Texans talk. In your esteemed opinion, do you think that the team's running woes last season were more indicative of a problem with the interior line or a lack of a stud back? Given the imminent free agency of Chester Pitts and more important needs on the defensive side of the ball, what do you think the Texans will/can do to fix it for next year via the draft and free agency?
Paul Kuharsky: Nice of you to say, thanks.
It was definitely a combination problem with the blocking and the backs. Pitts may be done. On offense, they need interior line help and a back to go with Slaton. Defense: Free safety, defensive line and a corner if Robinson leaves. They can address all of that in some through free agency and the draft.
Mike in St. Augustine, Fla., writes: What do you think of the Jags LB corps? We were told locally that it was one of the strengths of our team at the beginning of last year, but now it sounds like no one in that unit is a lock to stay other than unheralded Daryl Smith.
Paul Kuharsky: I think it’s a bit overrated. I see flashes, but for all I have heard for the last two years they don’t consistently live up to the billing. Part of it is the group in front of it and behind it have not been sufficient, so the backers have been asked to do too much.
Eric Cox from parts unknown writes: Paul, What free agents (UFA or RFA) do you perceive getting away from Indy? I am concerned about the safeties and DTs because they seemed to play such a huge part this year. I am certain they will get Gary Brackett taken care of, but I think Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt are just as important, especially Bethea. That said, people are saying how important Antonio Johnson was. That's a little harder to tell on TV, but he and Daniel Muir certainly made the run D look much better.
Paul Kuharsky: I think the significant restricted free agents -- Bethea, Bullitt, Marlin Jackson, Charlie Johnson, Antonio Johnson, Muir -- will be tendered in a way that teams can’t afford to come after them or that the Colts would be likely to match an offer sheet. If they didn’t match, they’d be getting a pick or picks, and picks for Polian are a pretty good way to fill holes that departures could create. I feel like the 2010 Colts will look a lot like the 2009 version.
Paul Kuharsky: Here is why not: Brent Schrotenboer reports Cromartie’s got financial issues pertaining to child support.
Also Kevin Acee says Cromartie’s not particular good or willing to contribute to run defense and has a casual attitude.
The Titans were majorly wary of Travis Henry when his child support issues came up, and they ask their corners to be physical.
My colleague Bill Williamson suggested a third-rounder would be fair for Cromartie, so Cromartie for White might actually be a doable swap, barring the aforementioned issues.
Jim in Memphis writes: Paul, I enjoy your articles, comments, etc. What are the possible places LenDale White could land in a trade? Realistically, what can we expect to get for him?
Paul Kuharsky: I would think a second would be high. My guess would be a fourth. Seattle with the connection to Pete Carroll would be one possibility, I’d guess. I like the idea of him in Houston with Steve Slaton. But I don’t know what either of those teams think of him.
In the AFC South he’s a compelling guy in that he’s got a good résumé, he’s restricted, his team appears ready to move on and he’d certainly like to get out. That’s why I think he will be one of the most interesting stories to watch.
David in Jacksonville, Fla., writes: Would the Jaguars draft another WR in the first round after spending two first-round picks on WR's this decade and another on a TE? The Jags need talent at most positions but I have to think that the DL and pass rush have to be at the top of their list.
Paul Kuharsky: Well, you go best player available, but if he isn’t at a position where you feel it’s wise to spend your pick, you back out. So if they see Bryant as the best player there but don’t want to go receiver, they trade down.
He’d certainly help them, but I’d agree it’s not a priority spot. And they really need to address those priority spots -- pass-rushers first and foremost.
Susan Solnick in Nashville writes: Do the Colts, given the same Super Bowl results they had, now reflect that a PERFECT season would have been sweeter than the fat GOOSE EGG they hauled home from Miami?
Paul Kuharsky: I don’t think it makes a difference to them. They are miserable from losing the Super Bowl. A perfect season wouldn’t be perfect anymore. Didn’t seem like much solace to the Patriots a few years ago.
Allen in Houston writes: Hey PK. So now Owen Daniels has said he might skip training camp all together. So now you have another player coming off an injury like Dunta Robinson last year, and they are going to want a big contract. For Owen Daniels this is his third ACL tear he has had. If you’re the Texans, do you franchise him and deal with all the same stuff Dunta put us through last year, or do you pay the guy?
Paul Kuharsky: Like some other emailers, you’re confusing UFAs and RFAs. Unrestricted free agents can be tagged until the 25th. Daniels is a restricted free agent. Restricteds don’t get franchised, they get a tender offer. See details of that here.
If the Texans are willing to match any offer sheet Daniels gets, they are at no risk of losing him for 2010. He can hold out to make a play for a long term-deal, but has no alternative for getting on the field. I’d sign him long-term if I could. I’d take him for the season without camp if I had to under the tender.
I don’t think they can franchise Robinson, who will be unrestricted, again. Odds are someone gives him big dollars and he’s gone.
Daniel W. in Berea, Ky., writes: Indy is a solid team that will make it to the playoffs maybe even the Super Bowl next year. Both the Texans and Titans are iffy but should be pretty good. The Jags have sucked it up as of late. Do you think it is coaching, GM, or just general lack of star players? Or maybe because Florida already has three NFL teams and should share one with another state, say, Kentucky?
Paul Kuharsky: You’re kidding about three teams in the state, right? Why would that have a bearing on anything?
Coaching hasn’t been great, old GM was bad, team overestimated David Garrard in a big way, division is tough. That’s a tough recipe. New GM Gene Smith has them on an improved course.
Dustin in Stanford, Calif., writes: Hey Paul, Do you have any sense of the confidence level the Titans might have in Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton? It is clear the Nick Harper is a gone and something needs to be done opposite Cortland Finnegan and I was wondering if one of those two might be it. Also, Jason's brother Devin is getting a lot of draft buzz. Is there a huge difference in Jason and Devin's skill set?
Paul Kuharsky: If the Titans go into the season expecting Mouton or McCourty to be the guy opposite Finnegan, they are showing way too much faith in them. They need to bring someone in to be the starter opposite Finnegan. Not up to speed on Devin McCourty at this point. Mel Kiper has him 16th in his most recent book.
Scott in Ottawa, Canada, writes: Paul, Iunderstand that the Titans usually put a value on a player and are loathe to pay more than that. The Titans must have a value in mind for guys like Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden Bosch. So my question is why don't they contact these guys before they hit free agency and see if they can make a deal at whatever value they think they are worth? Unless they see no value in KB or KVB, I don't see what harm it would do to reach out to these guys and at least have preliminary discussions about a new contract. Do you?
Paul Kuharsky: Because they decide, a) they are moving on and don’t care to have them back, or b) telling them what they think they’re worth would be insulting and just make the exit worse, or c) their agent has made it clear what he thinks they are worth and it’s not in the same ballpark.
While I don’t think it’ll apply here, I also think this is an important point: I’m not obligated to tell you what I think you're worth if I think it could potentially help me in negotiations down the road if you don’t get what you want elsewhere.
What player approaching free agency where he expects at least one new team to come forward and express love is going to be excited about his old team telling him frankly how it values him and go jump into negotiations?
James Williams in Old Hickory, Tenn., writes: If you could control what the Titans do with their 1st round pick, would you A.) Select a DE to go along with Jacob Ford and William Hayes. B.) Draft a CB to slot along with Cortland Finnegan. C.) Take an OLB to replace Keith Bulluck. D.) Try to trade down to replace the second rounder lost last season?
Paul Kuharsky: I appreciate the kind words. Please keep clicking.
I’d wait to see a) what happens in free agency and b) who’s there at my pick.
From my vantage point, they should hunt a free-agent linebacker and look to draft corner and defensive end. In February I can’t go a lot further than that.
Aaron in West Point, N.Y., writes: I'd like to start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoy your blog, and as an exiled Texan rely on it for scintillating Texans talk. In your esteemed opinion, do you think that the team's running woes last season were more indicative of a problem with the interior line or a lack of a stud back? Given the imminent free agency of Chester Pitts and more important needs on the defensive side of the ball, what do you think the Texans will/can do to fix it for next year via the draft and free agency?
Paul Kuharsky: Nice of you to say, thanks.
It was definitely a combination problem with the blocking and the backs. Pitts may be done. On offense, they need interior line help and a back to go with Slaton. Defense: Free safety, defensive line and a corner if Robinson leaves. They can address all of that in some through free agency and the draft.
Mike in St. Augustine, Fla., writes: What do you think of the Jags LB corps? We were told locally that it was one of the strengths of our team at the beginning of last year, but now it sounds like no one in that unit is a lock to stay other than unheralded Daryl Smith.
Paul Kuharsky: I think it’s a bit overrated. I see flashes, but for all I have heard for the last two years they don’t consistently live up to the billing. Part of it is the group in front of it and behind it have not been sufficient, so the backers have been asked to do too much.
Eric Cox from parts unknown writes: Paul, What free agents (UFA or RFA) do you perceive getting away from Indy? I am concerned about the safeties and DTs because they seemed to play such a huge part this year. I am certain they will get Gary Brackett taken care of, but I think Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt are just as important, especially Bethea. That said, people are saying how important Antonio Johnson was. That's a little harder to tell on TV, but he and Daniel Muir certainly made the run D look much better.
Paul Kuharsky: I think the significant restricted free agents -- Bethea, Bullitt, Marlin Jackson, Charlie Johnson, Antonio Johnson, Muir -- will be tendered in a way that teams can’t afford to come after them or that the Colts would be likely to match an offer sheet. If they didn’t match, they’d be getting a pick or picks, and picks for Polian are a pretty good way to fill holes that departures could create. I feel like the 2010 Colts will look a lot like the 2009 version.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
