Second-round receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who has immense talent, but has had off-field problems, doesn't lack for confidence. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
NASHVILLE — Kicker Ryan Succop, who eventually gave up No. 8 for first-round quarterback Marcus Mariota, jokingly went to Twitter and Instagram saying that Mariota could have the jersey number for free if he could beat Succop in an arm wrestling match. The Instagram video showed Succop working in the weight room doing some curls.
Succop is giving up the jersey to the new face of the franchise and now will wear No. 4.
Meanwhile, the Titans had an embarrassing moment when they first contacted Mariota to tell him that he was going to be their pick at No. 2 overall. They accidentally hung up on him and had to call him back at his home in Hawaii. The story made big news after word of the hang-up was reported.
–Second-round receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who has immense talent, but has had off-field problems, doesn’t lack for confidence. Green-Beckham said he believes he is the best wide receiver in the Class of 2015 and would have been a top pick had he not had the off-field problems at Missouri.
“I feel like my athletic ability has been getting me by. If I keep working on the little things, I’m gonna be a great player in this league and be very hard to guard,” he said. “I feel like the Titans really picked up a good receiver. I feel like myself that I’m the best receiver in this draft. I know my off-field issues have caused me to drop out of the first round, but I’m just blessed to have this opportunity right now to play for the Titans.
“I feel like I’m gonna make an elite impact coming in and I feel like I’m gonna score a lot of touchdowns. I’m shooting for at least 10 or more.”
A closer look at the Titans’ picks:
–Round 1/2 – Marcus Mariota, QB, 6-4, 222, Oregon
The Titans are putting the franchise and the careers of general manager Ruston Webster and head coach Ken Whisenhunt into the hands of the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner. Mariota, though not quite a fit in Whisenhunt’s vertical passing game, certainly becomes the face of the franchise now. The Titans say they will adjust to Mariota’s skill set while he learns their system in order to find the best mix as he jumps to the top of the depth chart.
–Round 2/40 – Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, 6-5, 237, Missouri
The Titans go boom or bust here with Green-Beckham, who was kicked off the team at Missouri and sat out a transfer year at Oklahoma in 2014 before declaring for the draft. Two drug arrests and an allegation of pushing a woman down some stairs ended his time at Missouri and dropped perhaps the most talented receiver in the draft down into the second round.
–Round 3/66 – Jeremiah Poutasi, T, 6-5, 335, Utah
Poutasi comes to the Titans with a very good chance to start right away at right tackle. All he has to do is beat out unproductive free-agent signee Byron Bell and career backup Byron Stingily in camp. If he does so, then the Titans will have four-fifths of an offensive line with three years experience or less.
–Round 4/100 — Alonzo Blackson, DE, 6-4, 318, Auburn
Blackson joins the Titans, likely getting a look at a five-technique defensive end at first glance, but he also could play some on the nose. The Titans like versatility on their defensive line, and Blackson should fit that bill.
–Round 4/108 — Jalston Fowler, FB, 5-11, 254, Alabama
A curious pick, given that the fullback position has been phased into the background in the NFL these days. But Fowler can carry the football as a big back if need be, and also can line up as a tight end and catch the football. With versatility being a buzzword, Fowler has a role, but it’s still surprising that he went in round four.
–Round 5/138 – David Cobb, RB, 5-11, 229, Minnesota
Cobb was a player the Titans coached at the Senior Bowl and he was impressive during the week with his physical running style. He could easily supplant veteran Shonn Greene from the roster.
–Round 6/177 – Deiontrez Mount, OLB, 6-5, 249, Louisville
Mount comes in as a pass-rush specialist and probably gets to sit behind Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, among others, as he cuts his teeth in learning the rigors of NFL life. He was one of the Titans’ pre-draft visitors and apparently sold himself to the team.
–Round 6/208 – Andy Gallik, C, 6-2, 306, Boston College
A candidate to be the backup center behind Brian Schwenke, as he comes in as a late-round developmental player. Gallik never missed a game in his college career due to injury.
–Round 7/245 – Tre McBride, WR, 6-0, 210, William & Mary
McBride has sure hands and played very well at the FCS level. Another player the Titans got a long look at during the Senior Bowl, he should come in and compete right away for a spot on special teams and as a backup receiver.
