2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting the First 10 Selections
By Baily Deeter
10. Tennessee Titans: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Nov 26, 2011; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tide defeated the Tigers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans are another team in need of a positive swing to turn the franchise around, but like a lot of other teams, a quarterback is not the answer.
Tennessee’s answer is secondary help, and Kenny Vaccaro and Dee Milliner would be the main options. Milliner isn’t a game-changer, as he only intercepted six passes in his three-year career with Alabama. Vaccaro had just two interceptions in 2012, but he was still a difference-maker. In 12 regular season games, Vaccaro totaled 87 tackles (7.3 per game).
For a defense that ranked 27th in total defense and 26th in pass defense, Vaccaro’s help would be appreciated. However, Milliner would be a better fit in Tennessee.
Milliner is ranked fourth in Scouts Inc’s NFL Draft top 32 with a grade of 95, even though he had 54 tackles in 13 games, which is hardly spectacular. Vaccaro is more of a difference-maker, but Milliner would be a better fit in Tennessee. The Titans locked up Bernard Pollard, who recorded 98 tackles in 2012, and they already have Michael Griffin, who had 78 tackles and four interceptions.
However, Tennessee is relatively thin at cornerback. Milliner is a talented defensive back who can help a depleted group of cornerbacks, and while Vaccaro is a good player, he isn’t as talented as Milliner (he is rated 16th in the top 32). Both could help the Titans, and while Tennessee could go either way (and could take Vaccaro if Milliner is gone), Milliner is the better fit.