Tennessee Titans 2008 Offseason Update

Last season, the Titans went 10-6 and secured a playoff berth by defeating the Colts in their final regular season game. The season came to an end when they lost to the Chargers in their Wild Card round game.

Because they advanced to the NFL playoffs, the Titans had the 19th pick of the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. From the University of Texas, they picked up safety Michael Griffin. From the second round they picked up a running back from Arizona. The Titans' third pick brought them Paul Williams from Fresno State. In the fourth round, the Titans choose Leroy Harris out of N.C State and they choose wide receiver Chris Davis of the Baltimore Ravens. In the fifth round they grabbed defensive tackle Antonio Johnson out of Mississippi State. From the sixth round the Titans choose three new players, Joel Filiani, wide receiver from Texas Tech, Jacob Ford, defensive end from the San Diego Chargers, and corner back Ryan Smith from the Colts. In the seventh round, the Titans picked up their final player from the draft, an offensive tackle named Michael Otto from Purdue University.

The biggest story from the draft, for Tennessee at least, was first round draft pick Michael Griffin. Griffin preformed well in Texas as throughout his college career he had 368 tackles and 14.5 sacks. In addition, he broke the school's record for blocked field goals, having eight in his collegiate career. Not only does Griffin come with great talent but also a great story.

In the 2005-2006 college football season, the Texas Longhorns faced the USC Trojans for the BCS Championship in the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns won in dramatic fashion to claim the National Championship. Another member of that team was quarterback Vince Young. After the game Young entered the NFL draft and was selected third by the Titans. This year's draft united Vince Young with his old teammate Griffin, both whom played for the Championship game more then two years ago. The two were able to bring the championship Texas and Tennessee fans are hoping they can bring a different kind to Nashville.

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Former Titan Adam Jones was also the subject of local and national headlines this off season.

Better known as Pacman Jones, the Titan was drafted from the University of West Virgina 6th overall and fans had high hopes for the corner. In his rookie year, 2005, Jones played well but far below expectations with only 44 tackles and no interceptions. On special teams, Jones did equally well with one touchdown and 1,399 yards. The next year, 2006, Jones became one of the best defensive players in the league with three punt returns, four interceptions and 62 tackles.

After the season, Pacman was caught up in a serious incident involving a Las Vegas shooting. This incident prompted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Jones for one full year. When the suspension was to end the Commissioner said he unhappy with Jones and said he will not be reinstated at that time. It was around this time that Jones said on a radio station that he would like to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, Jones was signed to the Dallas Cowboys and has began to participate in team functions.

Last season the Titans were fairly successful, granted they didn't make it to the super bowl or conference championship, they did do well without Jones.

Thankfully, Tennessee fans don't need to worry about the empty void that Jones left in secondary. Last season Tennessee did not have a defensive player that stood out on there roster like Jones had. The management hoped to fix that issue with the draft this year by picking up several defensive players across the country. One player who definitely has the ability to fill Jones's shoes is 19th pick Michael Griffin.

With training camp only days away, the Titans off season has been very productive and eventful.

By Chad Hamilton
ProFootball-fans.com Tennessee Titans Correspondent