Titans' legend Bruce Matthews named best No. 9 pick of all-time

USA Today

2 days ago

The Tennessee Titans are officially in the midst of the most boring part of the offseason. In the weeks between OTAs and training camp, players are on their own to work out how they feel they should, to practice in their own way, and to rest ahead of the real grind of the NFL season. All of that means we have time to create things like early mock drafts and other fun 'what-if' scenarios.
Today, the scenario comes from ESPN's Ben Solak. He created a full, seven-round draft that consists of the top player drafted at that position since the draft era began. There are 10 players from the Titans' history (including the Houston Oilers) who made the list.
9. Bruce Matthews, OT (1983)
Matthews made 14 Pro Bowls over his 19-year NFL career, which is frankly ludicrous. He played all across the offensive line, long-snapped for special teams, and spent his entire career on just one team (even if that team changed names and locations, from the Houston Oilers to the Tennessee Titans, during his career). But despite his glowing résumé, it wasn't easy taking Matthews over Brian Urlacher.
36. Kevin Mawae, C (1994)
A 16-year pro, Mawae sailed off into the sunset, blocking for Chris Johnson's 2,000-yard season in his final NFL campaign. Mawae was an All-Pro-caliber starter at center for three teams (Seahawks, Jets and Titans) and the only Hall of Famer at this spot. Easy pick.
45. Derrick Henry, RB (2016)
It takes a lot for me to select an active player over a Hall of Famer (Dave Casper, a tight end selected by the Raiders in 1974). But Henry is a truly unique player. He has an Offensive Player of the Year award, is one of nine backs to produce a 2,000-yard season and will likely break into the top 10 of career rushing yards this season. The top five is in reach if he stays healthy for another few years. And if he can get a ring in Baltimore …
77. Elvin Bethea, DE (1968)
Pour one out for Demario Davis, now third in our list of "modern long-time Saints players and extremely good third-round picks who just happened to be beaten by a Hall of Famer" alongside Alvin Kamara and Terron Armstead. Bethea made the Hall for his 16-year career with the Houston Oilers and retired jersey with the Tennessee Titans, whereas Davis is a fringe Hall candidate.
93. Charlie Joiner, WR (1969)
An Oilers draft pick who found his home in San Diego with the Chargers, Joiner has his No. 18 jersey retired and a gold jacket on his shoulders for his longevity. He missed one game in his final 13 seasons. Joiner was dominant in the aggressive, pass-first offense captained by Dan Fouts in the late 1970s.
117. Steve Largent, WR (1976)
Largent was only a member of the Oilers' practice squad. He played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1976-89.
214. Ken Houston, S (1967)
Houston suited up for the Oilers from 1967-72 before finishing his career with the Washington Redskins from 1973-80. Over his career, he was a two-time First-Team All-Pro, a 10-time second-team All-Pro, and 12-time Pro Bowl selection.
127. Zeke Moore, CB (1967)
Moore played his entire 10-year career with the Oilers. He was an AFL All-Star in 1969 and a Pro Bowl selection in 1970.
215. Cortland Finnegan, S (2006)
Finnegan was a member of the Titans from 2006-11 and was a First-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection in 2008. He went on to play for the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers before retiring in 2015.
240. Shawn Jefferson, WR (1991)
Jefferson was a practice squad member only for the Oilers in 1991, before joining the San Diego Chargers from 1991-95. He went on to play for the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions before retiring in 2003. He is the father of newly acquired Titans' wide receiver, Van Jefferson.