The Train Daddy is back, bringing sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Life is good, I crave everything it has to offer, and as we head into May I realize how fast life can pass us by.
It’s a great time to be a loyal fan of Tennessee sports, one of those bonuses life sometimes brings to those willing to enjoy it. The Tennessee Titans just had a great 2018 NFL Draft. With a limited amount of draft selections, Titans General Manager Jon Robinson proved, even at the young age of 42, he has turned this team into a force that can shoot ju-ju all over the AFC.
But let’s be realistic. Set football aside; Nashville has gone honky-tonk hockey crazy! I did just witness Titan Taylor Lewan turn a catfish mouth into a beer bong on live TV. This must top the list for most disgusting ways to chug a beer, not to mention it was a Bud Light. But it was awesome, and I guarantee if I could hang with Marcus Mariota and the offensive line at a Predators game I would chug beers from a dead catfish mouth ’til I passed out. Thank God, the man who needs to use his brain during the NFL season has the sense to just watch and laugh. Love you, Marcus Mariota!
I could dedicate this entire article to the Predators and the superior fans of Smashville and still not do the franchise justice. It is something you must experience firsthand to appreciate how special this fan base is compared to others. With that said, the series vs. Winnipeg is still in play as of this issue’s release, so no predictions, no trash talk, no guarantees,—it’s only the second round! But I will make a quick complaint prior to breaking down the Titans draft picks.
They call it a statistical oddity: for the second straight year the two best records match up as early as the second round of the NHL playoffs, with the Predators vs. Winnipeg. The new system debuted in 2014 and the NHL claims it reignites and creates new rivalries. Bullcrap! Two of the top four teams in the league are guaranteed to be eliminated before the second round this year.
This is the reality of divisional playoffs, compared to the past of ranking teams 1 through 8 by conference. Some divisions are stronger than others, making this format unfair, as well as unkind to the top-seeded teams. Last season, the Capitals won the Presidents’ Trophy with 118 total points and the Penguins finished the season in second with 111 points, followed by the Blue Jackets in fourth with 108. All three of these teams play in the same division, ultimately creating a tougher road to the final, and after it was said and done only one of those teams survived past the second round. Unfair?
Capitals forward Daniel Winnik stated, “It’s stupid, it’s the stupidest thing ever!” It’s a shame, and this year we have an epic match-up between the two best in the NHL, Predators vs Winnipeg. Only one team can move on past the second round in a very even match-up, one that should be the Western Conference Final. The old 1-8 format, the fair format, would have Nashville playing San Jose and Winnipeg playing Vegas in the second round. Instead, the two best play now. Good luck!
That’s my rant! Next issue will pick up from there and I pray the Predators are still playing hockey! On to the Tennessee Titans and the 2018 NFL Draft.
So how did the Titans 2018 NFL Draft go?
Let’s be honest here, they did a phenomenal job with what they had. It wasn’t a heavy draft, but the Titans filled up holes, and that is what the draft is all about. The Titans traded up on all their top 3 picks. Boom shaka laka! The Titans drafted only four players, yet made the most of it. In the first round, partially in response to the departure of Avery Williamson, the Titans got their new play-making linebacker Rashaan Evans out of Alabama. This kid can drop, rush and enforce the run. He is an every-down player and a great fit for Coach Vrabel and this Titans defense.
In the second round the Titans may have gotten the steal of the draft, moving up and taking defensive end Harold Landry out of Boston College. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper had Landry going to the Titans in the first round on his mock draft. Many experts state that Landry is the best 3–4 edge rusher in the class. His stock dropped after injuries in 2017, but with an impressive 2016, it was enough for the Titans to gamble on possibly the best pass rusher in the class. This 2018 Titans defense is going to make some noise!
With the No. 152 pick the Titans took safety Dane Cruikshank, and once again the Titans moved up to snag him. They gave up picks 162 and 215 to grab a very versatile player. He runs a fast 40 and bench-pressed 225 pounds 25 times at the NFL combine. He may be a work in progress but he should fit in nicely with Logan Ryan, Malcom Butler and last year’s first-round pick, Adoree Jackson. Let’s not forget about first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard as well. The Titans should see much better pass coverage this 2018 season.
As we wrap up this article, let’s talk about how the Titans wrapped up the draft. Tom Brady pick! That’s right, the Titans found a backup for Marcus Mariota (unless you truly believe Blaine Gabbert is the answer). The Titans selected Luke Falk out of Washington State with pick 199—the same pick as Tom Brady all those years ago.
The irony of it all is, Luke idolizes the 5-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, and even follows his TB12 extreme workout and diet rituals. Ranked 96th on Kiper’s big board, Falk said he was surprised to still be on the board in the sixth round. So did the Titans, and they drafted him! Questions surround Falk’s mobility, yet, like Brady, Falk is known for his accuracy, his ability in the pocket and his throwing motion, which is even compared to the Patriot superstar. This is a win for the Titans if Faulk can gain trust and win the backup job. Marcus is most definitely the Titans’ superstar, but with injury concerns it’s nice to have a young talent that Coach Vrabel and staff will have extra time to develop.
That’s it. The Train Daddy is rolling into the station. I can’t wait for some Titans football, but I am quite content with hockey for now. My love for the sport has been growing, and the Predators make that love easy. Hockey is hands-down the second-best sport in the world, and as of late has been gaining on football. Go Predators!
It’s all your fault!
