The one obvious area of need on the Tennessee Titans offense is a speedy deep threat. It’s the one dynamic the unit was sorely missing last season. Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe proved to be exceptional route-runners with dependable hands – just how GM Jon Robinson likes his receivers. The grit factor is high in these two, but every NFL offense could use a burner…a true number one, if you will.
The Titans don’t have that, and it’s the missing piece that would put this offense among the NFL’s elite scoring machines.
Robinson is a strong proponent of building through the draft. That’s fine – that’s how they do things in New England, and it seems to be working out well for them so far. The Titans had a marvelous draft in 2016, and I expect them to make some major upgrades to the receiving corps in 2017.
That being said, Robinson doesn’t have a history of selecting receivers early. It doesn’t mean it won’t happen this year. A lot of fans are clamoring for Clemson’s Mike Williams, who could undoubtedly be a number one receiver in the NFL. But, based on history, it seems unlikely
Like the approach to the draft, it’s all about value in free agency. I have a hard time believing they’re going to spend the money that an Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, or Terrelle Pryor will ask for.
The Titans are more than content with Matthews and Sharpe, but after those two, they’re going to be in a hole. Kendall Wright needs a change of scenery. Tre McBride still can’t be called anything more than a project at this point. Harry Douglas isn’t good for much outside of taking out an opposing cornerback’s legs (still can’t wait for his showdown with Aqib Talib in Atlanta).
So, based on last year, it’s reasonable to believe the Titans will spend a mid-round pick or two on a wide receiver and sign a free agent. Addressing a need is important, but it all comes down to value with this franchise.
Thankfully, there’s an impending free agent that both fits the need of a deep threat on the offense and should come at a value: Ted Ginn, Jr.
When Ginn’s name comes to mind, people usually think about key drops, questions of motivation, or that he never turned into the number one receiver he was drafted to be. Robinson is all about reliability, after all, so how does it make sense?
First off, isn’t it amazing to think of how close Ginn came to being labeled a bust? He’s stuck around NFL rosters for 10 years now, but it’s his last two (with the Carolina Panthers) that make him an intriguing option for the Titans.
2015: 44 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns
2016: 54 receptions for 752 yards and four touchdowns
His best two seasons have come deep into his career. Ginn is like the fine wine of wide receivers – he just gets better with age. But, it’s not just his stats. It’s the striking similarities of the Panthers to the Titans that makes this an ideal fit. He’d be coming from a run-first offense with a dual threat quarterback at the helm to a run-first offense with a dual threat quarterback at the helm. Ginn’s production would be welcomed in Tennessee, and he’s proven he can excel on this type of team.
He’s 32 years old – that’s going to drive his price tag down to ‘reasonable.’ But, the age stigma shouldn’t stick with Ginn. He hasn’t shown any sign of slowing down – even in 2016, he still showed elite speed and a solid ability to win man-to-man battles and get downfield.
Plus, the benefit of playing a run-heavy team is that his reps could easily be limited and he wouldn’t be counted on to be the team’s ultimate playmaker. Let’s say the Titans do draft a receiver early – how would a receiving corps consisting of Ginn, Matthews, Sharpe, and Williams sound to Titans fans? I think that’s pretty damn good.
With Ginn also comes his experience and excellence on special teams as a returner. Marc Mariani was a nice story, but come on. The Titans lacked a real spark at the position. Ginn could be that guy.
Rumor has it that the Denver Broncos will be courting him heavily. But, overall, the Titans likely won’t have to give up too much to get Ginn. He would improve this team tremendously. Make it happen, Mr. Robinson.
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network, Tennessee Titans Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot, Contributor to FanSided’s Bama Hammer, and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @PFSpot, @WrestlingNewsCo, @Bama_Hammer
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