It seems it happens every year. Inevitably, a rookie catches fire and lights up training camp and the preseason. For the Tennessee Titans last year, that player was wide receiver Tajae Sharpe. The rookie out of UMass looked every bit the production machine he was in college. Titans fans began to anoint him the number one receiver before he’d ever played a meaningful snap. But, it’s hard not to get excited – I mean, football is in the air again. At this point, every team has Super Bowl aspirations. We’re all eager to see our favorite team’s new investments pay off. This year, that player could be Jayon Brown.
At least, if you paid attention to Titans Twitter last night, one would think the foundation has been laid for such a run.
Now, obviously things haven’t worked out the way it appeared they would for Sharpe. I should specify that I’m comparing the two only in preseason hype. Brown could go on to become one of the greatest Titans linebackers of all time. Or, he might not. We don’t know – again, to reiterate, I’m simply comparing the two in preseason hype alone.
The Titans drafted Brown in the 5th round of the 2017 NFL draft. The former UCLA Bruin had renowned coverage skills in college, which happens to be an area of need for the Titans. Dick LeBeau’s defense lacked a linebacker who could drop back into coverage and hang with running backs and tight ends. I said they should have used a higher pick to address the need, but alas, the Titans (shockingly) do not ask my opinion on such matters. Plus, it’s possible they saw flashes of Brown’s potential throughout the draft process. Maybe they liked his skill set so much that THAT is why they drafted him??? HMMMMMM….
Anyway, those coverage skills were on display last night:
Jayon Brown in coverage. Exactly why he was drafted. Big need on this defense. pic.twitter.com/zMq7UcWyny
— Terry Lambert (@TLambertFB) August 13, 2017
But, Brown also showed a propensity for solid tackling:
Jayon Brown has looked pretty good tonight, especially as a tackler. pic.twitter.com/JU7mrvc3ZJ
— Ty Wurth (@WurthDraft) August 13, 2017
More Jayon Brown tackling. Doing well tonight pic.twitter.com/3yHG809OlT
— Ty Wurth (@WurthDraft) August 13, 2017
Indeed, he was all over the field last night. But, it was simply one preseason game.
Titans Twitter is already raving about Brown, so one can only imagine the calls into Nashville sports radio on Monday…they’ll be ready to retire his number. Okay, no more jabs at Titans social media…but, tip of the cap for a fine debut, Mr. Brown.
Check out my recap of last night’s game here.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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