If I'd Been Picking for the Titans

First, I admit that I lack the credibility and expertise to criticize any NFL team's draft-day decisions, but I nonetheless must question the home team's use of its second- and third-round picks. I know that we desperately need help in the backfield, but I can't understand why we picked an average running back (Chris Henry) on a below-average college team (Arizona) in the second round. After losing top running back Travis Henry in free agency, were Jeff Fisher and Mike Reinfeldt looking for a replacement back or just a replacement named Henry?

(I don't mean to insult Chris Henry. I'm sure he's a fine person and a solid football player. I'm just not convinced that he was worthy of the #50 overall pick.)

Anyway, here's what I would have done: The Titans were clearly looking for running backs and wide receivers. No premier backs were left when the Titans picked in the second round, but at least one very promising receiver—Steve Smith of USC—was still available. I would've taken Smith at #50. (Smith excites me much more than Paul Williams, the Fresno State wide receiver the Titans took in the third round.) Then, in the third round (#80 overall), I would have taken a chance on Louisville running back Michael Bush. Durability is certainly a question for Bush, who sat out the entire 2006 season after breaking his leg in the opening game against Kentucky. Still, if Bush can get healthy and stay healthy, I think he'll be the second best running back in this draft class. At any rate, I'd rather take a chance on Bush than on Chris Henry.

Alas, what's done is done, and no one asked me.