Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - Locked on Titans: (1/17) Voicemails on Draft/FA needs, QB situation

Episode Date: January 17, 2019

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Welcome in to another edition of Locked On Titans. I'm Jimmy Morris, joined as always by Terry Lambert. Terry, how are you? Doing good. How are you, man? Pretty good, pretty good. I don't have a whole lot of news to talk about today, so we're going to get into some voicemails. Before we do that, I remind you to run for music at miracles.com. We're coming with Titans for SB Nation. Check us out there. You can follow us on Twitter. I'm at jmorrismcm. Terry's at tlambertfb. Search out Locked On Titans wherever you get your podcasts, and you'll find us there. You can also play the podcast on your smart speaker in your home.

Just say, play podcast Locked on Titans, and you'll be able to hear us there as well. As I mentioned at the top, we're doing voicemails. If you want to leave us a voicemail for us to talk about next week on the show, call in 615-787-8762. Leave your name, about a minute-long voicemail, so we can edit it down and get it in the show, call in 615-787-8762. Leave your name, about a minute long voicemail so we can edit it down and get it in the show. Any feedback, any comments, or whatever it is that you have. Like I said, we're going to walk right into that today because we still don't have any

news as far as the offensive coordinator is concerned. So nothing else has really happened since we talked yesterday. So we'll go ahead and kick it to Paul, who has our first question. Hey, guys. This is Paul up here in Iowa. I've been a longtime Titans fan ever since they were the Houston Oilers and Warren Moon. But anyway, I wanted to get your thoughts on the Titans drafting a tight end in the first round. With Delaney Walker being 34 years old, it might be nice having two top tight ends for year two and obviously a future replacement for Delaney Walker being 34 years old, might be nice having two top tight ends for year two

and obviously a future replacement for Delaney. I also think it would be a good idea to give another blocker for Derrick Henry and could run a lot of options out of a two tight end set. Marcus Mariota could also use another passing option, so I thought that would be nice as well. Anyway, let me know your thoughts. Do you think that would be a good idea for the Titans to go for a tight end in the first round or not.

And I appreciate listening to you guys each week. Take care. All right, Jimmy, I feel inclined to toss this one directly to you. I'll let you hit lead off with this one because I know you've got some thoughts. Yeah, so if you've been petting it all today, we're recording this on Thursday. Mel Kiper put out his first mock draft of the season, and he had the Titans taking a tight end in the first round. The guy from Iowa, his name escapes me right now.

Quite honestly, I'm not going to learn it because we're not going to take him in the first round. Listen, I understand the need to get Marcus Murray on a playmaker. I think that makes a lot of sense, and I'm not opposed to them taking a tight end in this draft. Obviously, they have the issue. Delaney Walker is not getting any younger, which is what Khyber pointed out in his comments on the pick. Johnny's just coming off an injury. You know, maybe he's not as good as people think. Whatever.

Whatever the case may be. But listen, this team has so many more needs than a tight end. You know, just go to the list, right? You need an edge rusher. You need a defensive lineman, maybe two defensive linemen even. You need a wide receiver. You need an interior offensive line. I would put all of those on the list of needs for this team before tight end.

And then the fact that everybody, you know, by all accounts, says that this is a deep tight end class. So I think you can find a guy that can contribute in the second or third round if that's the way you want to go. Listen, I don't know what route they're going to go in the first round. It's hard to say all that right now before we see free agency and the cuts and all that kind of stuff. But I sit on musicofmiracles.com and I'll stand here. Anybody that wants any action on the Titans taking a tight end in the first round,

I will gladly take a bet because I just don't think there is any way they spend the 19th pick in this draft on a tight end. TJ Hawkinson is the Iowa tight end that Kuyper mocked to us. Look, is there more of a chance than last year for the Titans to take a tight end in the first round? Yes. And if you'll remember, we kind of poo-pooed that idea last year

because last year it was completely ridiculous. I think it's I don't know if it's quite that ridiculous this year. I understand where they're coming from with Delaney Walker. It's an obvious need from an outside perspective. Delaney coming off injury and he's 34 years old

all that. I get it. But I just think they're okay at the tight end position. I think they proved that. John O'Smith had his bumps in the road. You get Ferkser who did some nice things. Don't know if they're the long-term answer, but I for sure know right now as things stand today, that's not where your first-round pick is going. So like Jimmy mentioned, there's too many other needs, pass rusher, receiver, interior offensive line,

to even consider tight end. Now, could that change after free agency? It's possible. But a lot of dominoes would have to fall for the Titans to even consider a tight end in the first round for me. All right, up next, we'll go to Daniel with an interesting question on a young quarterback in the league. Hey, this is Daniel from California.

This is a wild proposition take out there. I just want to throw out to you guys for when there's not as much to talk about. If Cliff Kingsbury wants to draft his own quarterback with the number one all-pick, Josh Rosen goes on the market, would you want the Titans to trade for them? Yes, no reasoning. And if so, what's the compensation look like, and what does that look like for Mariota if that hypothetical were to happen? They battle it out.

Do you move them? Do you move on? Insurance, let us hang up and hear your guys' thoughts on that. Thanks. All right, I think that's an interesting question. No, I don't think they're going to move Josh Rosen. And no, I don't think I'd make a move for him at this point. You know, the games I saw, I haven't studied him,

but the games I saw, he just wasn't very good. So with that being said, though, I think it's interesting to talk about a young quarterback. You know, we talked about Teddy Bridgewater before. Anybody else like that in a backup role that has some potential going into Marcus Mariota's kind of prove-it season? into Marcus Mariota's kind of prove-it season. I think it's interesting to kind of get prepared for 2020 in case Marcus doesn't pan out. And if Marcus does pan out, you've got a really solid backup.

You might even have a guy that you can trade if you find the right young quarterback to put behind him. But I'm not against the idea of finding a young quarterback, but probably not Josh Rosen, who was a first-round pick a year ago. Yeah, that's the thing with me. Like you said, having a quarterback on his rookie deal is obviously a way to be successful

in this league. You can spend a lot of other places, and that's what makes it so frustrating that the Titans weren't able to do more than they did on Marcus Mariota's rookie deal. But yeah, at the same time, I mean, first of all, if the Cardinals were going to trade Rosen after picking him in the first round last year, they're going to ask a pretty hefty price for him, and I can't see a reason they would do that.

But I'm with you, man. I mean, if you've got a guy that you like in this draft, I wouldn't do it, you know, in the first couple rounds probably, but you've got a mid-round guy that you like in this draft and you think you can develop him into something, then absolutely draft him. Worst case scenario, he's a good backup. Best case scenario, he has to play next year. I don't know if that's

the best case scenario, but other scenario we'll say. He has to take over from Marcus Mariota because we have the same issues, whatever it may be. So I don't think it's the worst idea in the world for them to look at a young quarterback this offseason, but I doubt it's Josh Rosen. Alright, coming up we will hear from Mike who had some questions, comments

about the offensive coordinator. Hey guys, this is Mike Will 7. You guys have gave me a shout out on one of the draft episodes. Calling in from Denver, Colorado. And I just wanted to make a few points. I just listened to the show tonight with the voicemails, and I think it was an awesome job. So thank you very much for giving us a chance to share our thoughts.

But to get straight to the point, I wanted to just lay it out there that I think that everybody should just take a chill pill and the Aaron Rodgers approach and calm down on Marcus Mariota. Given the season that we've had and all the crazy adversity that we've faced, we were still in it. We were still in the conversation and had a chance to go to the playoffs even with our tough schedule. I think we had one of the toughest schedules of the week this year, and we were still in it. I think with some continuity

overall from not just the offensive scheme standpoint, but from an entire team standpoint of just having a better offensive line play, maybe overspending like you guys were talking about on some weapons. I think that he'll be able to take the next step. And the one thing that I wanted to get you guys' feedback,

I'm sure we'll have already hired an offensive coordinator by this time next week, but why not Chip Kelly? Thanks, guys. Yeah, we've gotten the Chip Kelly question before. A couple things on that. He's not leaving UCLA. I think that's a pretty cushy job for him. He's a West Coast guy.

He's back in the college game. I think that's where he wants to be. And number two, I just don't think his stuff works in the NFL. It was a surprise to me. I really thought it was going to be revolutionary, but it just didn't happen. So on to the Mariota question. I mean, we talked about it so much. Yes, the Titans were 9-7 with Marcus Mariota without getting a lot from him.

How does that change when you're paying Marcus Mariota $25 million? You're talking about a huge chunk of your salary cap there. He can no longer be that average to below average guy that's always hurt. He's got to be the guy elevating this team, winning ball games for this team. They've got to be winning because of him, making big plays, consistently down the field, not missing any games. So I think it changes a lot when you start talking about Mariota making, you know, whatever he's making now, not a whole lot,

versus Mariota at $25 million. Yeah, I mean, that's the thing. Like you said, we've talked about this over and over and over. I hope it works out. I hope that he proves something. But, I mean, I think I'm at the point now where I even need a franchise tag year after this next year just to prove that he can do it for two years in a row. So that's kind of where I'm coming from.

Like you said about Chip Kelly, I mean, you know, everybody wants to hire Chip Kelly or hire Mark Helfrich or Mike Helfrich, whatever his name is, you know, because they coached him at Oregon, and Mariota at Oregon, he was successful there and all that kind of stuff. And listen, that was a long time ago. First of all, like you said, Kelly had issues in the NFL, clearly. But also, I don't think that they're hiring this offensive coordinator for Marcus Mariota.

We've talked a lot about that. But I really think that they're going to hire a guy here they think is best for the offense. Sure, they still hope Mariota works out. I mean, I do believe that. But I don't see them going into this hire thinking we've got to hire somebody for Marcus Mariota. I think they're thinking we've got to hire the best offensive line, and he'll do the best he can with Marcus Mariota.

And if that doesn't work out, then we'll move on to somebody else. But I don't see them, you know, kind of specializing with this hire. All right, next we'll hear from Paris, who had some comments about the offensive line. What's going on, guys? Paris DeSoto up in New York State. A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I'm a Titans fan, but hey, that's the territory I'm in. Anyway, long-time listener.

Love the show. Keep up the great work. I just want to actually talk about the first-round pick this year, thinking about if Casey comes back healthy and if we actually maybe sign up for some free agent guys from the market, will it really matter for our first-round pick to go for a defensive player? I'd rather have, you know, somebody on the offensive line being picked up because look at what the coach did with Luck.

Last year, their line was terrible. This year, this past season, excuse me, they, you know, they revamped their O-line, you know, and look where they are now. you know, they re-event their O-line, you know, and look where they are now. So if we actually, you know, start young and build up the O-line, why not? Why not give Mariota that last push and prove himself for this season? If it's going to be his last row, why not? I mean, re-event the O-line, give him some weapons, and then, you know, in the free agency, go out for some defensive players.

We know what you guys think. What would you guys do? Keep up the good work. Yeah, I think you echo our comments from the show. Boy, it was yesterday. You echo our comments from the show, I believe it was yesterday. Just so much of the league is going to this offensive outburst. I think you have to really prioritize the offense,

really prioritize the offensive line. We talked about that yesterday. It seems like offenses that are left can do it either way. They can win up front. They can throw the ball. It all starts with the offensive line. So I think when Mark is good this year, he had really good protection. So absolutely, I am pro offensive line over defensive line at this point. Yeah, you have to invest in that, whether it be free agency draft,

whatever it takes to fix that. And listen, if I'm the Titans, I'm trying to replace all three of those interior guys. I doubt that ends up happening, but I think they might replace two out of three. So, yeah, I mean, I think we've seen for everything that Marks Mariota is or isn't, I think we've seen that he can be a good quarterback when things around him go right. He doesn't face pressure. He has that protection, that kind of stuff. So I think they need to do whatever it takes to invest in that.

Because, look, we talked, you know, the last question about not necessarily, you know, tailoring to Marcus Mariota, but any quarterback is obviously going to benefit from better protection up front and that kind of stuff. So I think you work on building that up. And then, like I said, worst-case scenario, Marcus moves on and you bring in another guy. You've already got a lot of that structure in place,

so it should be an easier transition for somebody like that. So, yeah, I'm with you, man. I mean, whatever it takes. But, yeah, I mean, if you're talking about the things that are of the more importance between defensive line and offensive line, I'm with both of y'all that it's absolutely offensive line. Do whatever you can to build that up. All right, next we've got a question from Tim about plans for the draft

and free agency for the Titans. Hey, guys. This is Tim from New York. I wanted to say I love you guys, love the show, love feeling connected to the team, part of the dream. of the show, of the only connected team, part of the country. I just wanted to know where you guys saw priorities,

the type of team for drafts, creation plans, and other possibilities. I know we need interior line help as Russia wide receivers, but where do you see that in order of importance? And who do you got, you see that in order of importance?

Who do you got in terms of draft projections or creations at any of those? Thanks, Chad. Piggybacking off the last question, I think you've got to start with the offensive line. Talked about how Quentin Spain is probably gone.

We'll see on Ben Jones. We don't know about Jack Conklin, his status. I think you've got to start there. After that, I think it's receiver. Getting a receiver opposite of Corey Davis, getting a veteran, a guy that's established, a guy that you won't have to wait on. I know receiver kind of gets minimalized, but I think it's a big deal here. I know receiver kind of gets minimalized, but I think it's a big deal here.

And then, really, I think you go pass rush either outside or inside. It doesn't really matter. I think you need some more difference makers up front on the front seven, on that line of scrimmage. Again, it doesn't really matter where as long as they can penetrate and get to the quarterback. Yeah, and I would say probably a million times between now and when free agency opens. I think they need to sign two receivers in free agency.

A receiver is a big need on this team, and they don't need another young guy in that room. So you've got – there are a couple of lists out today, one on NFL.com, one on ESPN.com, 25 best free agents, 50 best free agents, whatever it is. The thing is it's tough to really evaluate those lists right now because, you know, teams can use a franchise tag,

they get to sign their own players before the market opens, that kind of stuff. So it's kind of hard to say, you know, who's going to hit the market and who isn't. But what I will say is I think you need a possession receiver and you need a, you know, take the top off the defense receiver. And so you've got Adam Humphreys and Golden Tate that are both, you know, potentially going to be available in free agency. And then you've got Tyrell Williams and John Brown.

And so I want to see them sign one of Humphreys and Tate and one of Brown and Tyrell just to give them what they need from, you know, a route running perspective, again, take the top of the defensive perspective, all that kind of stuff. Those are just some things that they need on this team right now. So I think I would prioritize that in free agency. And then, you know, if there's a, you know, an inter-offensive lineman, anything you can get on a good deal, that's great.

If you can take care of, you know, those things in free agency, then you're freed up in the draft for the edge rusher, for the defensive lineman. And then you're still up in the draft for the edge rusher, for the defensive lineman, and then you're still going to need probably at least one more offensive lineman. So I think you're right on with the needs, but that's just kind of how I would go about it. I've been writing kind of a series on bcmiracles.com about what I would do, what my plan for the Titans offseason would be,

and I've gone through guys I think they should resign, guys I think they should cut. We'll get to free agency next. So that's kind of where I'm thinking. All right, and then lastly we'll finish up with Dustin, who had a question about Daquan and then a question about Mariota. Hey, this is Dustin. I'm a fan of the show.

I like listening to y'all's takes. I had a fan of the show. I like listening to y'all's takes. I had a couple of thoughts, one of which was, would it be plausible to move Daquan Jones to nose tackle? And as far as Mariotta's concerned, what do y'all think about moving him to a Taysom Hill type role? If we were to get our hands on a pocket type passer, and then we could swap in and out two quarterbacks.

I don't know how realistic that would be, how expensive, but just a thought. Yeah, thank y'all. The Daquan Jones question Is one that I've asked myself I think he should get more reps At nose tackle You've seen John Robinson bring in guys To play nose here It just doesn't work

Just kind of dumpster diving On the fourth or fifth layer Of free agency I'd like to see Daquan get a shot at nose I think he's a little smaller kind of dumpster diving on the fourth or fifth layer of free agency. I'd like to see Daquan get a shot at nose. I think he's a little smaller, which is the way the NFL is going, and I think he can give you some pass rush from that on passing downs. But to take some Hill question, look, Marcus Mariota is going to make $25 million, whether it's the Titans paying it or it's some other team paying it.

And the Titans aren't going to pay $25 million for him to be in that package. It's just not a good fit. I know you want to tell it's exciting to watch. He's a really unique guy. But, I mean, you're talking about a guy that covers kicks and plays special teams and is a really tough guy. I'm not saying Marcus isn't tough, but he's had some dumb injury luck. I don't think you want to put him in that situation. Yeah, absolutely.

I think probably the best point you made there is just the money that's involved. You're not paying that guy that role. And you made the point before we came on, and like I've said on Twitter too, like I don't understand why the Saints use Taysom Hill to throw the ball ever. I mean, if you want to snap it to him and run around or, you know, whatever, like that's fine, but you got Drew Brees. I don't understand why you're taking him off the field or, you know, taking him out of the quarterback position to do some of the stuff that they do there.

And like at this point, it's not really a surprise. I mean, I guess the first couple times they did it, maybe it was. But teams are prepared for it now. Anyway, yeah, on day one, I mean, when you look at John Robinson and nose tackles, and you touched on this a little bit, like, that's like his, you know, wider series with the Titans forever since they've been here. I mean, he's signed all these guys, and they've been terrible.

They just haven't panned out for whatever reason. And it hasn't been a big investment, sure. But, you know But you were big on when they found Sylvester Williams. That wasn't a good signing. It wasn't a good fit. You were saying that from the minute it was announced.

And it turned out, obviously, that you were right, and Vinny Logan just didn't make an impact this year. I'm with you. They can want a bunch of money. He doesn't really earn that money this year, but, yeah, I'm with you. And again, Daquan, a bunch of money. I don't think he necessarily earned that money this year. But, I mean, I think he is a guy that could give you some pass rush help. And maybe if you've got another guy on the opposite end of the defensive line to kind of, you know, bring that together with Jarrell Casey on one side,

and then you can find Daquan in the middle. I mean, I think that does make some sense. All right, so we appreciate everybody calling in. Again, if you want to be a part of this show next week, it's going to be 5-787-8762. That's the number you call. Leave us a voicemail. Again, try to keep it around a minute,

and we'll do our best to get it on the show. As we leave here, I remind you again, you can follow us on Twitter, at jmoresmcm, at tlimbertfb, and just search out Locked on Titans wherever you get your podcasts, and you'll find us there. So for Terry, this is Jimmy,

saying thanks for listening, and we'll talk to you again next week.