Representing the Tennessee Titans in the community mock draft Michaluk selects...

Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee

The Titans have needs now, but these are overshadowed by future needs, especially on the defense.  Something like 6 of 11 defensive starters' contract are up after this season.  In addition to being one of the best players available, Ayers will give the Titans some immediate production and hopefully take over a starting position by the 2010 season.

Background

Last season the Titans won 14 games on the strength of their defense, their ground game and good decision making by Kerry Collins.  They did this despite having a weak receiving corps and a 34 year old starting left cornerback.  In the off-season they lost possibly the best defensive player in football, Albert Haynesworth.  Their starting QB is 36 years old and their back up, Vince Young, is a head case.

The Titans signed WR Nate Washington and DT Jovan Haye in the off-season, but I still see these positions as needs.  Replacing aging CB Nick Harper and finding a long term answer at QB are also concerns.

So why a DE?

Even though it's not optimal, their receiving corps has improved from last year.  Their secondary and quarterbacks are unchanged and I'm not ready to give up on Young.  I think the most difficult thing the Titans will need to overcome to be successful this season is the loss of Albert Haynesworth.  Drafting Ayers provides some short term relief by giving them a quality player to rotate in on the defensive line now and the long term freedom to be stingier about which veterans they try to retain next season.

Come draft day, I think the Titans would be thrilled if Ayers was available to them at 30.  If not, I think it's likely they will trade down rather than over-reaching for a CB or WR.

Commish take after the jump. Hratner and the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock.

Commish take - The Titans could certainly opt to take local guy and all around good value at the spot Robert Ayers. They do seem to have future needs at DE and possibly DT(which Ayers could possibly swing to at times) on the horizon.

The Titans have met privately with WR Hakeen Nicks, so he's a possibility as well.

Mocking the Draft scouting report on Robert Ayers

Picks so far

1    Detroit Lions - Whodie126 - Eugene Monroe

2    St. Louis Rams – Nick Pampani - Jason Smith

3    Kansas City Chiefs - D3keith - Aaron Curry

4    Seattle Seahawks - yophillybro - Mark Sanchez

5    Cleveland Browns – captain nodar - Brian Orakpo

6 - Cincinnati Bengals - Luxury Used Vehicles By Braman - BJ Raji

7 - Oakland Raiders - 21510akland - Michael Crabtree

8 - Jacksonville Jaguars - NorthPhillyKidd - Matt Stafford

9 - Green Bay Packers - LeonSA - Malcolm Jenkins

10 - San Francisco 49ers - Ajay - Andre Smith

11 - Buffalo Bills - Bubqr - Everette Brown

12 - Denver Broncos - Andyb - Rey Maualuga

13 - Washington Redskins - Clyde Simmons - Aaron Maybin

14 - New Orleans Saints - JasonB - Chris Wells

15 - Houston Texans - LEKsensei - Brian Cushing

16 - San Diego Chargers - USMCSLB - Tyson Jackson

17 - New York Jets - Badd - Jeremy Maclin

18 - Chicago Bears - Two Tons of Irony - Michael Oher

19 - Tampa Bay Bucs - Afk_Football - Josh Freeman

20 - Detroit Lions(from DAL) - hratner - Peria Jerry

21 - Philadelphia Eagles - Foos05 - Knowshon Moreno

22 - Minnesota Vikings - Goodfella46er - Eben Britton

23 - New England Patriots - andyreidswaistline - Clay Matthews

24 - Atlanta Falcons - Super Charles - Brandon Pettigrew

25 - Miami Dolphins - wildcatlh - Vontae Davis

26 - Baltimore Ravens - Big Silly - Darrius Heyward-Bey

27 - Indianapolis Colts - Duff Honduras - Percy Harvin

28 - Philadelphia Eagles - Anuj - William Beatty

29 - New York Giants - royboy - Kenny Britt

30 - Tennessee Titans - michaluk - Robert Ayers