Dinger Says Adding WR Depth A Must

[TTP77]

By Jonathan Hutton April 22, 2009


Since the Titans arrived in the midsouth more than 12 years ago, no position has been talked about more as a need than wide receiver.

It’s also on the minds of the coaching staff, more specifically Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who said he’s more concerned about depth in that area than any other position across his offense.

''By signing Nate Washington I think we helped ourselves, but after Nate and Justin Gage, I’m not sure what we have,'' Heimerdinger said. ''I feel real good about one and two, but after that I'm not sure. I couldn't tell you who [our third wide receiver] is.''

Heimerdinger is concerned for good reason. After Washington and Gage, the remaining receivers on the roster have combined for just 17 regular-season catches, including seven receptions from Lavelle Hawkins, last year’s fourth round pick.

Hawkins would most likely be the third man in the receiver rotation if the season started today, but he’ll need a great camp and no added competition to secure that spot.

Full article here:

http://www.titansradio.com/Article.asp?id=1285995&spid=27572

I really think this is the year we draft at least one WR early. I could see us taking two maybe three. It's time. :thumbsup

[TTP77]

This is interesting too


Unlike Hawkins and the four other receivers mentioned, if the Titans use a first-day pick on a receiver in 2009, Heimerdinger said his offense couldn’t wait on the rookie to take his time to adjust to the pro level. The last wide out the Titans drafted into Heimerdinger’s offense was Tyrone Calico in the second round of 2004. Just like the rookie from Middle Tennessee, a potential high-round receiver taken this year would be expected to join the immediate rotation.

[Mike McFan]

Well it's nice to know we won't be taking a running back in the first or second round this year !:doh

[Sect309Fan]

Well it's nice to know we won't be taking a running back in the first or second round this year !:doh

It did pay off last year, though.

If there are no trades, I bet the Titans draft at least three receivers. And I would say there is a 40% chance that one of them is drafted in the first two rounds.

[wari0]

has anyone seen a comment from the titans regarding percy harvins failed drug test? I wonder if they still take a chance on him if he drops to 30.

[don28]

Besides the possible failed drug test, and the possible character issues (reportedly has Allen Iverson's viewpoint on practicing), I really don't want to see the Titans draft Harvin.

He has played running back and receiver, but isn't spectacular at either one. He's not known as a great route runner, and he doesn't have the elusiveness to be an everydown back like Chris Johnson. I think he would be injury-prone as a full-time running back.

Hakeem Nicks is my favorite receiver candidate, but he will most likely be off the board at #30.

[titansikou]

Wow. I can't remember a time a Titans coach was so frank. Hope this instills a competitive spirit in the people we have, especially Hawk.

[chronbrownie012]

I'll believe it when I see it....smokescreens

On another note...Calico wasn't bad when on the field, he just couldn't stay healthy...I remember he had a pretty successful rookie year during Macdaddy's MVP season
Mason, Bennett, McCareins before he sucked, Calico....those were the days

[Livid13]

Antoine Bouldin.....naw, you don't have that kind of money.

[Titanico]

It would be nice if our FO grabs the best WR at the Draft.

But we know that our FO likes to play the cat and mouse game, with us the fans. Now, for any reason I am bashing Chris Johnson, or Jason Jones or those players that they had got and had made a good impact.

But it's time to make more sense in the first round no? :huh

I would go WR, DT, OL and DE. But that's just me.

[wari0]

im really thinking it will be a 1st or 2nd round WR.. they might even trade up. I really dont believe its smokescreen stuff as they mentioned Chris Johnson at a press conference a couple days before the draft last year.

[chronbrownie012]

Besides the possible failed drug test, and the possible character issues (reportedly has Allen Iverson's viewpoint on practicing), I really don't want to see the Titans draft Harvin.

He has played running back and receiver, but isn't spectacular at either one. He's not known as a great route runner, and he doesn't have the elusiveness to be an everydown back like Chris Johnson. I think he would be injury-prone as a full-time running back.

Hakeem Nicks is my favorite receiver candidate, but he will most likely be off the board at #30.

I COMPLETELY agree....we need a good route runner and pure receiver....We have our CJ....

Harvin is WAY too injury prone...he couldn't last a full season for 12 games in the SEC....he's not going to last 2 in the NFL

[TTP77]

I COMPLETELY agree....we need a good route runner and pure receiver....We have our CJ....

Harvin is WAY too injury prone...he couldn't last a full season for 12 games in the SEC....he's not going to last 2 in the NFL

I agree with both of you. Plus, he may be a "playmaker" but he's not that skilled at WR. We need someone who's both at that position. LIke Don, Nicks would be my first choice but he won't make it past the G-Men I don't think. A lot of people like Brian Robiskie but IDK if we'd take him in the first and he's unlikely to be around in the second when we pick.

[Toronto]

I am a strong believer that every year, the 'experts' overestimate the draft value of several WRs. I still remember Kiper and the other experts having Jackson, Sweed et al go in the 1st round last year. That sure didn't happen.

You guys watch - personnel directors and prognositcators that never played a down of football are different animals. Most teams overvalue the trenches, pass rushers, QBs and cover CBs with speed to burn. They will always take them first over almost any WR/RB. This Saturday will not be any different.

[chronbrownie012]

Agreed....one mock draft I read had it about right....they had all the receivers besides Maclin, Crabtree and DHB on the board when we pick...

A guy I like is Ramses Barden in later rounds....a 6-6 monster

[TTP77]

I'm high on Ramses Barden too. I think he'd be a great pick mid round.

[Sect309Fan]

I would go WR, DT, OL and DE. But that's just me.

That's a pretty weird order. :huh

There are 3 main needs. Linebacker, corner, and receiver. After that, I am sure we will draft some defensive linemen, and the rest will be depth.

[Titanico]

That's a pretty weird order. :huh

There are 3 main needs. Linebacker, corner, and receiver. After that, I am sure we will draft some defensive linemen, and the rest will be depth.

or...I am learning the Titans' way to Draft. :lol

[utkjoe]

That's a pretty weird order. :huh

There are 3 main needs. Linebacker, corner, and receiver. After that, I am sure we will draft some defensive linemen, and the rest will be depth.

agreed, I would think the Titans are looking to address CB early, but it really is just all going to depend on who's available. As we all know by now, the Titans main interest is in taking the BPA.

[Fairweather Fan]

has anyone seen a comment from the titans regarding percy harvins failed drug test? I wonder if they still take a chance on him if he drops to 30.

I saw something on TV that said Minnesota wanted Percy. It was either ESPN or NFLN. I believe Minnesota picks at 27. I didn't chech to make sure were they pick. They reported a team picking below them was looking to move up to draft Percy. There aren't that many teams picking below the Vikings.

I hope it isn't us. I really don't want Percy. If we get him I hope he develops into a good WR, but I don't think he is going to be that good of a wideout. He played to much out of the backfield in college to really judge his recieving capabilities. That and his character could be an issue. I would hate to draft another Pac.

I'm not trying to compare him to Pac, but it seemed Pac was poised to be a star in the league and then Vegas happened. I just don't want to get my hopes up only to be dissapointed.

[Fairweather Fan]

I am a strong believer that every year, the 'experts' overestimate the draft value of several WRs. I still remember Kiper and the other experts having Jackson, Sweed et al go in the 1st round last year. That sure didn't happen.

You guys watch - personnel directors and prognositcators that never played a down of football are different animals. Most teams overvalue the trenches, pass rushers, QBs and cover CBs with speed to burn. They will always take them first over almost any WR/RB. This Saturday will not be any different.

Agreed. I have seen mock drafts with as many as 6 WRs going in the first round. The most I could possibly see going in the first is 3. I'm not even sure about the third. I am predicting 2 WRs in the first round. I am pretty sure Maclin and Crabtree will be first round selections. Harvin may sneak in somewere at the end of the first round, but I think he is an early second round pick.

[chronbrownie012]

At least 3 will be taken....Darius Heyward Bey will go in the first as well

Minnesota and Tennessee are two teams who have supposedly taken Harvin off of their board
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/100252-vikings-titans-wont-touch-harvin

[Fairweather Fan]

At least 3 will be taken....Darius Heyward Bey will go in the first as well

Minnesota and Tennessee are two teams who have supposedly taken Harvin off of their board
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/100252-vikings-titans-wont-touch-harvin

According to what ever I was waching last night. I can't remember what channel. They were talking about the drug test and said Minnesota is set on Percy Harvin. It was either ESPN or NFLN. They have a little more credibility in my mind than fan nation. Truth is that nobody knows. It is all rumors. I don't think DHB will go in the first. The guy can't catch a football.

[RallyRedBmore]

i say lets trade for chad ocho cinco! :) heard that even though marvin says hes untouchable, he can be had....

[OhioTitan]

Wow. I can't remember a time a Titans coach was so frank. Hope this instills a competitive spirit in the people we have, especially Hawk.

Agreed, I believe part of this press release is to motivate the other guys (especially Hawkins I hope) into busting their butt's to earn their spot...

In regards to the Harvin pick, I am an Ohio State Buckeyes fan and so for good reason I have a certain disdain for the University of Florida, but I was a huge fan of Percy. I think him and CJ on the same field could cause D-Coordinator's brains to implode and leave them as a huddled ball of tears and shivering.

However, with the recent history of Pacman looming over our shoulders and the fallout of all the negative media coverage from that debacle, I believe we will stay away from him and choose one of the other receivers if we go that direction.

I personally believe Harvin would be great for us but other than his character his biggest knock is his durability and the fact that he's so unpolished. If the Titans need someone to Immediately be an impact, they won't take a chance on a guy who might not learn or might not be healthy for them.

After learning from last year, I won't freak out if I am surprised or confused by the pick, but I do hope they go for WR as it is such a glaring weakness.

[Titans and Turtles]

After learning from last year, I won't freak out if I am surprised or confused by the pick, but I do hope they go for WR as it is such a glaring weakness.

I'm with you on both counts. I really want to see a WR drafted first round, but I make a pledge not to freak no matter who they select. I (like others who are honest about it) freaked out completely when they announced Chris Johnson.

Obviously, when I did my homework and learned who he was, like many others, I warmed up to him pretty fast. But I make my pledge here and now: No matter who is selected in round 1, I will not over-react or freak out.

[DelawareTitans]

I totally forgot we signed Nate Washington. :ohmy

[OhioTitan]

I'm with you on both counts. I really want to see a WR drafted first round, but I make a pledge not to freak no matter who they select. I (like others who are honest about it) freaked out completely when they announced Chris Johnson.

Obviously, when I did my homework and learned who he was, like many others, I warmed up to him pretty fast. But I make my pledge here and now: No matter who is selected in round 1, I will not over-react or freak out.

I hear you there, I almost did a spit-take when they announced CJ. I thought he was gonna be another Henry, but as you said after looking at his film I got excited. I honestly don't know too much about the WR crop other than Crabtree, Harvin, and Maclin.

I really and truly just want a guy who can catch the d*** ball and run the correct routes. I really hope we go for Robiskie if we don't go WR in the first because he is a dependable and intelligent guy.

[Mike McFan]

i say lets trade for chad ocho cinco! :) heard that even though marvin says hes untouchable, he can be had....

You forgot to use the SARCASM font !:lolhit