Tennessee Titans 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft
By Blake Meek
Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) lines up in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB
Jonathan Cooper – Cooper isn’t as strong as Warmack, but he is a better athlete and gets to the second level extremely well. Cooper also has the versatility to move to Center if the Titans for some reason would need him too. Just as Warmack has pro bowl potential, Cooper has the same potential. He was a four year starter at North Carolina and brings a lot of experience to the Titans offensive line. Cooper isn’t rated as high as Warmack on most peoples boards, but he is good enough to warrant the 10th pick if the Titans want a more athletic OG.
Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Vaccaro – The Titans gave up the 7th most passing yards in the NFL last season. Some of that could be cured with some additional pass rush, but better safety play would go a long ways to help too. Jordan Babineaux wasn’t resigned this offseason. The Titans brought in George Wilson this offseason, but he isn’t getting any younger and is just a stop gap in the secondary. Vaccaro brings them great versatility with the ability to to drop down into the slot and cover the slot WR. He needs to show a better ability to be a ball hawk to be an elite safety, but would be a great pari with Michael Griffin.
Dec 29, 2011; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second quarter of the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Rhodes – Another way to help the pass defense is to bring in an elite CB prospect to push Alterraun Verner and Jason McCourty. Rhodes would give the Titans a great trio of young CBs to build around as well as insurance in case Verner leaves next year in free agency. Rhodes is a big, strong, physical CB, who excels in man press coverage. He likes to be physical and keep his hands on his man all the way down the field. He showed his athleticism off at the combine when he ran a 4.43 40 along with a 40.5 inch vertical leap. He can be overly aggressive at times when the ball is in the air causing him to get pass interference penalties and illegal contact penalties.
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