When Jon Robinson and his Tennessee Titans were on the clock last night, many of us expected another corner to be plucked off the board.
With Logan Ryan looking increasingly unlikely to return to Tennessee, and a couple good looking corner prospects making their way to 29, it almost made too much sense for the Titans to walk out of the 1st round with a shiny new corner for Mike Vrabel’s defense.
So when Isaiah Wilson’s name was plastered across our TV screens, it came as a big surprise. The Titans already re-signed Dennis Kelly to a 3 year deal, which at the time, indicated that Kelly was on his way to becoming the certified starter at right tackle for this upcoming season.
Now of course, making Kelly your starter at right tackle isn’t the sexiest option, but he’s gotten starts here and there over the last 3 years and has put in some decent play. Sure the play hasn’t been the best of the best, but its been serviceable, which isn’t some sort of negative thing in the slightest.
That’s one of the reasons why I can’t seem to understand the selection of Isaiah Wilson at 29.
Wilson’s 6’6 350 lb. frame is attractive in itself, but his overpowering of defenders with his run blocking is what stands out the most. When you ask Wilson about what he loves doing most whenever he’s out on the field, it’s quite easy to understand why Jon Robinson fell in love with this guy.
“I think the best part of my game right now is that I am physical and I enjoy beating people up. I enjoy running the ball, I enjoy trying to essentially break another man’s will. That is what I enjoy about the game. I would say that’s definitely my strong suit.”
via Titans
Although he has a love for mauling people, Wilson is a bit lacking as a pass protector, and I’m pretty sure the Titans can’t afford to have a liability in pass protection out there at this time.
But despite Wilson’s shortcomings as a pass protector, Jon Robinson has declared the right tackle position up for grabs once training camp rolls around.
“Yeah, he’ll compete at right tackle and plug in there. Him and Dennis (Kelly) will battle that out. He’s got some things he’s got to work on, but really, really like the upside of this guy.”
via Titans
I’m pretty sure the Titans aren’t in position to be using the concept of the “long game” here. This team finished one game short of playing for a Super Bowl, and have showed no signs of slowing down.
This team needs immediate impact players at positions of need right now. Whether that’s at corner, defensive line, or even backup running back, the Titans should be doing their absolute best to put players on the field that are ready to help them win from day 1.
No, that doesn’t include a raw tackle prospect that might not heavily contribute to the team until 2022.
Look, from what I’ve seen and heard, Isaiah Wilson is a fine football player, and an even better man. But Titans aren’t in a position to be waiting for developmental tackle prospects right now.
This team finished one game short of playing for a Super Bowl title, getting a jump at more immediate impact positions, like corner, make the most logical sense right about now.
Sure, Isaiah Wilson can magically clean up his technique, and somehow find his way playing some good football for the Titans this fall.
But extreme shifts like that for rookie offensive lineman are rare, and shouldn’t be expected whatsoever.
Wilson’s upside is great, I’ll say that, but his situation fits better with a team that can afford to wait on his development.
That team isn’t the Titans.
I won’t completely say this pick is wrong, but it feels like it could’ve been addressed a little better than it was.
The Titans have a big chance to address corner tonight, as the 2nd round is full of players ready to contribute in the secondary.
If they can get that impact guy, then I can feel a lot better about Isaiah Wilson’s selection.