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Anita Joyce Bogle
Anita Joyce Bogle was preceded in death by her father, Marlin Baker; her mother, Florence Mayes Bakers; her husband, Lonnie D. Bogle; her brother, Kenneth “Buddy” Baker; and her brother Wayne Baker.
She was survived by her son, Jerry Marlin Reed (Annette); her son, Larry Alton Reed (Jaelynn); her granddaughter, Felicia Joyce Reed (Torry); her grandson, Justin Alton Reed (Jenny); her grandson, Cameron Taylor Reed (Brianna); her granddaughter, Amanda Nicole Neighbors (Boyd); her great-granddaughter, Kara Nicole Reed; her great-grandson, Gavin Davis Reed; her great-grandson, Tyler Jaxon Reed; her great-grandson, Hudson Taylor Reed; her great-grandson, William Victor neighbors; her sister, Sammie Davie; and her sister, Agnes Parker.
Anita was a member of Woodbury Baptist Church. When she moved to Manchester, she always enjoyed going to church wherever her children were going. She enjoyed her family more than anything. Her family was her pride and joy! She loved gardening and sewing in her spare time. She hated cooking! We will miss Anita more than anything in this world, but we hold on to the face that we know we will meet again! Love you to our Mom and Nanny, which were the only two names she went by! You are missed and loved so deeply. Until we meet again!
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bogle family.
5/2/20– Lillian Gaye Bailey
Lillian Gaye Bailey of Tullahoma passed this life on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at NHC Tullahoma at the age of 76. Mrs. Bailey was born in Guntersville, AL to the late J.B. and Katie Baugh Moore. During her life, Mrs. Bailey worked as a seamstress at TN Apparel. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Wilford Bailey, and two brothers, Kenneth and Doyle Moore. She is survived by two sons, James Gregory Bailey and his wife, Terri, and Christopher Scott Bailey and his wife, Amy; four grandchildren, Jackson W, Cody M, Clay V, and Lexi Caroline Bailey; two sisters, Shirly Townsend, and Peggy Brandon and her husband Thomas; and sister-in-law Alicea Moore. Family services will take place Saturday, May 2nd with burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Garden. For those who wish, the family asks that donations in Lillian’s memory be made to Alzheimer’s TN- 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919-9933.
Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thunder Radio Encore Sports Broadcasts Return on Thursday and Friday

After six weeks of no live local sports in Manchester, Thunder Radio continues to broadcast encore editions of some our favorite sports broadcasts. Each Thursday night at 6 PM, we will bring you the repeat of a Hometown Sports Series broadcast of a middle school sports event featuring Westwood Middle School or Coffee County Middle School. Each Friday night at 6 PM, we will bring you the repeat of a Coffee County Central High School sports broadcast.
Coming up this week we turn back the time machine once again. On Thursday night at 6 PM, we will bring you an encore broadcast of the Coffee County Middle School Lady Raiders basketball win over Cannon County on January 2nd of this year. The 1st National Bank Hometown Sports Series traveled to Woodbury to bring you the Lady Raiders overtime win over Cannon County. The Lady Raiders grabbed an exciting 26 to 24 win as Josh Peterson was on the call.
On Friday night, we will rebroadcast a Coffee County Central High School football broadcast from all the way back in 2007. On September 14th, 2007 the Red Raiders hosted Tullahoma in the annual Coffee Pot Game. The Red Raiders rolled to a huge 42 to 21 win and Thunder Radio was there to bring you the call. Tune to listen to both contests at 107.9 FM, 106.7 FM or AM 1320 on your radio dial. You can also listen on your computer at WMSRradio.com. You can also get the broadcast on your cell phone or tablet by using the Manchester Go app.
Birthdays- April 29
Ruby Henegar
Ashley Ray
Mary Cox- 70
Cassie Webb- Pizza Winner!
5/1/20– Maybelle Reynolds
Maybelle Reynolds of Huntland passed this life on Tuesday, April 28, 2020
at her residence at the age of 89. Graveside services are scheduled on
Friday, May 1, 2020 at 2 PM at Moore Memorial Cemetery in Huntland.
A native of Valley Head, AL, she was the daughter of the late Thurman and
Edith Crow Haney. She was a member of the New Covenant Outreach Church in
Huntland and had worked for twenty-six years at Bestway Grocery in Huntland.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin
Reynolds; son, Stephen Buckner Reynolds; step-mother, Nellie Haney;
brothers, Austin, Aure and Gordon Haney and sisters, Eula Cooper, Cecil
Troxtell, Irene Porter, Jean Redford and Vera Dedaux.
Mrs. Reynolds is survived by sons, Gary, Bruce, Brian and Ronald Reynolds;
daughter, Debby Reynolds Gamble; grandchildren, Travis and Troy Gamble,
Austin, Patty, Gary Wayne and Hope Reynolds, Faith Hill and Tiffiany
Tendal; twelve great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Please visit our website at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com to leave
online condolences. Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements.
Lonnie Alvoid “Al” Clouse
Mr. Lonnie Alvoid “Al” Clouse, age 84, of Tullahoma passed from this life on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Murfreesboro, TN.
Al was born on March 25, 1936, in Manchester, TN, the son of the late William and Lena Clouse. He was a United States Army Veteran and a member of Highland Hills Church of Christ. Al loved to travel, he was a singer/songwriter, poet, and actor. He was an amazing salesman, manager, and public speaker. Al was the toughest man his son ever knew. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Al is also preceded in death by one brother, Lloyd Clouse; one sister, Nancy Kay Elam. He is survived by his son, David Clouse (Diana); two brothers, Wayne Clouse and Ron Clouse; two grandchildren, Michael Bryan Ferrence, Sr. and Katelynn Marie Clouse-Jackson; five great-grandchildren, Fabian Jackson, Kaylee Jackson, Gabriella Jackson, Michael Bryan Ferrence, Jr., and Bryson Chase Ferrence.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Al’s honor at a later date.
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Clouse family.
MLB Could Have Realignment for 2020 Season with Three 10-team Divisions, Report Says
by Mike Axisa – CBS Sports

In mid-March, MLB and the MLBPA had to hit pause on the 2020 season because of the growing coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. Opening Day has been pushed back indefinitely. In the meantime MLB and the union are exploring various plans to hold as long a season as possible.
Among them is a plan that would drop each team into one of three hubs (Arizona, Florida, Texas), as reported by our R.J. Anderson last week. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports such a plan would involve league-wide realignment, splitting teams into three 10-team divisions.
Here are the details:
MLB is considering a three-division, 10-team plan in which teams play only within their division – a concept gaining support among owners and executives. It would abolish the traditional American and National Leagues, and realign the divisions based on geography.
The divisions would keep many of the natural rivals together, while playing one another before an expanded playoff format.
Nightengale suggests the three divisions could be based on geography and result in an East Coast division (presumably in Florida), a West Coast division (Arizona), and a Central division (Texas). Obviously this plan would also require a revised postseason format.
Beyond keeping division and geographical rivalries intact, such a plan would also be beneficial for broadcasting. It’s unlikely fans will be allowed into the ballpark, so MLB and the MLBPA will have to make sure everyone can easily watch games on television or online. Keeping every team in its natural time zone only makes sense.
Earlier this month it was reported MLB and the MLBPA are discussing a plan that would split the league into the Cactus League and Grapefruit League, and host games at spring training sites. MLB would remain six five-team divisions under that plan, however, with the divisions based on geography in Arizona and Florida.
It’s important to note MLB is kicking around many ideas at the moment and they are not close to finalizing any plans to begin the 2020 season. These are all concepts and nothing more right now. Any plan will prioritize safety. Not only for the players, but their families as well as anyone else in the baseball world (grounds keepers, umpires, TV crews, etc.).
A Day in the Quarantine Life of Titans QB Ryan Tannehill and Safety Kevin Byard
by Jim Wyatt, TitansOnline.com

The Titans, like the rest of the NFL, are working from a distance this April.
Virtual offseason programs started this week, and players are spending a lot of time in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At least for now, quarantine life is the way of life.
On Tuesday, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and safety Kevin Byard joined reporters on a Zoom conference call to give an update on what they’ve been up to in recent weeks.
And each one was asked what a day looks like for them right now.
Here’s what they said:
Ryan Tannehill: Throwing with Titans TE Jonnu Smith, working out, family time, and home projects
Tannehill has been with his wife and two kids at his home in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the offseason.
Here’s what Tannehill said when asked what his days look like:
“It’s not so exciting. Usually in the morning I get up, a couple days a week I’ll go throw. Jonnu is down here, so I’ll go throw with Jonnu (Smith) a couple of days a week down here in South Florida. Get a workout in, run on the field. I’ll come back to the house, have some breakfast, usually spend a few minutes with the kids there. I have a little gym at my house, and I’ll head out to the gym and get a workout in. Depending on the day, upper (body), lower (body), combination, recovery – it could be yoga, could be Pilates, something like that. By that time, it is getting close to lunch, I’ll spend a little time with the kids, have some lunch. My wife is really holding down the cooking – I think she is probably sick of cooking, because she cooks every meal. But she does a great job and keeps us all fed and happy. I’ll have some lunch, and then in the afternoon, it kind of just depends on what the day is (as to what I’ll do). Projects around the house — I am a guy that can’t really sit still and not do anything. I don’t really watch much TV or movies or anything like that during the day – I am a guy that likes to do something. So, it is either working out, watching some tape, going over a playbook or if I had anything around the house (to work on). Right now, one thing I am working on is hanging up a pull-up bar in my gym. So I am trying to get that all squared away and up. Of course, I am no pro, so it is taking me multiple trips to pick up supplies and re-cut wood and things like that. It could happen faster, but I am getting it done. And I am enjoying family time along with just being able to start preparing to get ready for the season.”
Kevin Byard: Diaper-changing, family time, and workouts – including a lot of time on the Peloton
Byard said he bought a Peloton for his wife last year, but he’s been using it himself while at home. Several of his teammates said they’ve tried to buy one themselves, but they’ve been on back order, and they’re still waiting. Recently, he began training again with Jason Spray while using social distancing. But he’s spent most of his days at home with his wife and daughter.
Here’s what Byard said when asked what his days look like:
“A day in the life for me has been dramatically different because of the quarantine. I think that is for most people in America honestly. Somebody in my position, I am very routine-based, so my routine has been changed and thrown off a little bit. But I have been able to adjust as time has gone on. First and foremost, my wife and I are woken up by our daughter early in the morning – 6 or 7 in the morning. She gets me up – that’s my alarm clock at this point. I don’t even need an alarm clock. So, I get up, change her diaper, clean her and things like that. I usually try to get my workouts in around 10 or 11ish after she finishes her breakfast. Other than that, it is being with my wife, being with my family, watching TV and videos. I have different things that I do to try and keep myself occupied. I read books. … I am actually partnering with NeoroTrainer, a new reality thing where I am training my mental to strengthen my reaction time. It is really family time, training, family time, training. There is really nothing else to do at this point because I am staying at home and everything else is closed down. I am just trying to do everything I can do to be the best family man, best husband, be the best father I can be. When everything picks up I’ll focus on that but I am focusing on staying in shape and trying to be the best man I can for my family.”
TSSAA Addresses Summer Sports Activities

Executive Director Bernard Childress and the TSSAA state office staff are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on interscholastic athletics in Tennessee.
Due to the ongoing social distancing efforts, the Board of Control’s three-day meeting originally scheduled for June in Murfreesboro has been cancelled. The Board will take into consideration the items from the June agenda at the August meeting. The first day of the June meeting was to be set aside for a classification study session. Instead of a face-to-face meeting, each Board member will be sent the plans they requested to review with the goal of holding the classification study session in late July.
“The classification process is very important to our member schools and with so many different variables and plans to discuss, I believe this is a meeting that should take place in-person if at all possible,” said Bernard Childress, Executive Director. “The plans under consideration by the Board and the decisions they’ll be making on classification will not go into effect until August 2021, which does allow us some leeway on the timeline considering the circumstances.”
In regards to the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar and what school-related
activities are permitted during the months of May, June, and July, all member
school athletic programs will need to follow the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar as
written.
TSSAA is recommending that member schools follow the state and local government
along with the CDC and local Health Department guidelines concerning social
distancing, understanding that these guidelines will continue to change from
county to county and as the summer progresses.
“It is totally the decision of local Boards of Education, Directors of Schools, and/or Heads of School as to how much they are going to allow coaches to do face-to-face activities with their students,” added Childress.
“No one knows when school or non-school teams will be allowed to compete against one another,” he continued, “but in terms of practice, coaches should already be familiar with the Council’s calendar for their sport and are free to conduct practice sessions within the framework of those rules and the social distancing guidelines of health professionals and their LEA.”
Schools have also been advised that summer begins when the school and/or school system was originally scheduled to be dismissed. Up until that point, all sports are in the off-season. In following the TSSAA/TMSAA Sports Calendar, it should be noted that coaches may conduct “online” practice sessions as long as they are following the guidelines which are specific to their sport. As usual, weight lifting and conditioning, even if conducted “online,” must be open to all students and not required of any of them to participate.
The “Dead Period,” a two-week period in the summer where coaches are not permitted to be in contact with players, will remain in place.
Included is an FAQ that should help to answer several of the most frequent questions.
Q: If the CDC or our local health department recommends that only 10 or fewer people be together, can we have multiple practices on a single day with a different small group of kids each time and only be considered a single practice for the purposes of the TSSAA Sports Calendar?
A: Yes. This would be permissible provided that your LEA and school administration allows it.
Q: What do we do about kids who are not able to get a pre-participation physical due to the lack of availability of medical professionals who are open or available to perform this service?
A: Pre-participation physicals that are dated on or after April 15, 2019 are good for the purposes of TSSAA eligibility throughout the summer of 2020 up until the first official day of practice for a fall sport that the student wishes to participate in. We are aware that getting a pre-participation physical may be an issue for some students due to the lack of availability of medical professionals, and we will have more information on how this will be handled in the coming weeks.
Q: Can we host a game this summer to honor our seniors who did not have a chance to be recognized this season?
A: TSSAA Bylaws do not permit a high school graduate to participate in TSSAA scrimmage or competition between two TSSAA school teams. However, there is no TSSAA compliance issue with a senior playing on an independent team with other students from his or her school.
Q: Can a coach host a video conference meeting (eg. Zoom, Webex, Hangouts) during the offseason with his or her team?
A: It depends. If sport-specific instruction is given during the video conference meeting (eg. installing offense, blocking techniques, etc.) then the meeting would be considered practice and could only take place when the TSSAA Sports Calendar does not restrict practice for the particular sport in question.
Q: Is it considered a recruiting violation if we post information about summer workouts and practice schedules on social media for incoming 9th graders?
A: No, provided that this information is distributed openly and is not being sent to a specific student or groups of students.
What They’re Saying About the Titans’ 2020 Draft Class

The NFL Draft is now in the rear-view mirror.
The Titans ended up making six picks, and a trade for a pick in next year’s draft.
The haul:
1 (29) Isaiah Wilson, T, Georgia
2 (61) Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
3 (93) Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
5 (174) Larrell Murchison, DL, N.C. State
7 (224) Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
7 (243). Chris Jackson, DB, Marshall
TennesseeTitans.com surveyed reports cards and comments from analysts across the country about the team’s draft.
Here’s a look at what the analysts are saying …
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Titans didn’t get edge-rush depth, but they did everything else they needed as Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel got a needed right tackle, third cornerback, second running back and rotational defensive tackle. Taking Fulton to play off Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson and Evans to complement Derrick Henry were especially terrific values.
Grade: A.
Andy Benoit, Sports Illustrated
It’s straightforward: When you’re a run-heavy team and you just lost your quality right tackle in free agency, it’s imperative you find a new quality right tackle. Quality offensive tackles require an early-round pick. Especially when that tackle weighs 350 and is athletic.
What’ll be interesting is to see if Isaiah Wilson, at his size, can play at the NFL level with the needed quickness and mobility for Tennessee’s wide-zone blocking scheme. He wouldn’t be here if the Titans had many doubts that he could.
Adding a run-blocker makes even more sense if you add a dynamic runner later. Third-rounder Darrynton Evans has big-time home-run hitting ability, and Tennessee’s wide-zone rushing attack presents opportunities for him to find space on the perimeter. He’ll fill departed veteran Dion Lewis’s old role and, given Derrick Henry’s passing game limitations, likely get every chance to earn the third-down duties.
There were some concerns about Kristian Fulton’s inconsistent balance and technique at LSU, but he often compensated with his late recovery ability. Those recovery skills may not transfer cleanly to the much more competitive NFL, but the good news is Fulton steps into a scheme that features a lot of disguised zone coverage, including heavy doses of Cover 2. That can hide some of his warts.
Grade: B
Mel Kiper, ESPN
The Titans made a surprise run to the AFC title game last season, taking down the Patriots and Ravens on the way, and they did it with an efficient quarterback, bruising running game and steady but unspectacular defense. Well, their first-round pick is clearly designed to continue that offensive trend in 2020. Offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (29) was a little bit of a reach, but I see the traits that put him at the end of Round 1, even if I question whether he could start right away over Dennis Kelly and replace Jack Conklin at right tackle. At 6-foot-6, 350 pounds, Wilson is a project, and he needs to clean up his technique, but that could come with NFL coaching.
Opinions on cornerback Kristian Fulton (61) were all over the map inside the league, but it’s decent value getting him at the end of Round 2. He is my eighth-ranked corner, just after A.J. Terrell, who went No. 16 overall. It’s a little risky, though, just because of his inconsistencies. Darrynton Evans (93) opened up some eyes at the combine with a 4.41 40-yard dash, and he could be the favorite to spell Derrick Henry as the No. 2 running back. On Day 3, Larrell Murchison (174) is just a rotational defensive tackle, and quarterback Cole McDonald (224) has a loooong delivery and will need time to fix that and adjust to the speed of the NFL. But he could be a decent backup.
I was surprised the Titans didn’t take an edge rusher, and Wilson was a reach on my board.
Grade: C+
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Draft picks: Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson (No. 29 overall), LSU CB Kristian Fulton (No. 61), Appalachian State RB Darrynton Evans (No. 93), N.C. State DT Larrell Murchison (No. 174), Hawaii QB Cole McDonald (No. 224), Marshall DB Chris Jackson (No. 243)
Day 1 grade: B-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: B+
Draft analysis: The Titans crushed Day 2 of the draft, getting the corner they absolutely needed in Fulton and finding that quick complementary back to Derrick Henry in Evans. Tennessee’s pick of Isaiah Wilson in Round 1 could work out thanks to the massive young man’s (6-6, 350 pounds) lofty potential. Tennessee traded their fourth-round choice to Miami last year for QB Ryan Tannehill … which has worked out pretty well. Murchison, an active defensive lineman, was a top-100 value they picked up at No. 174 overall. McDonald’s arm and athleticism made him worth a late-round flier. Adding depth at tight end should be the Titans’ top priority when looking to sign, umm, priority rookie free agents.
Pro Football Focus
Round 1 (29): T Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Round 2 (61): CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
Round 3 (93): RB Darrynton Evans, App State
Round 5 (174): Edge Larrell Murchison, NC State
Round 7 (224): QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii
Round 7 (243): CB Chris Jackson, Marshall
Day 1: Isaiah Wilson was 111th on the PFF Big Board entering the draft, so this pick is clearly a reach. Wilson is an absolute unit at 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, and while that can be a pro, it’s also a huge con as it makes playing consistently low a struggle. We actually like him more at guard than at tackle as a result. Wilson could thrive at guard because of how immediately he ends reps when he’s able to quickly get his hands on an opponent. Still, that doesn’t quite warrant a first-round selection.
Day 2: Fulton was the 12th-ranked prospect on our draft board and easily the CB2. He owns the highest PFF coverage grade in the country over the past two seasons, and he produced the nation’s highest forced incompletion rate (30.5%) when lined up on the outside. His ability to stick with his man, consistently force tight coverage and win at the catch point is as good as anyone. He was in SEC receivers’ hip pockets constantly, and he’ll be the same way in the NFL. This was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft.
After getting a steal in Fulton, Tennessee responded with a pretty huge reach in Darrynton Evans. He was only 221 on our draft board. While he is a speedster, he’s undersized and doesn’t break a lot of tackles, nor does he play well after contact in general.
Day 3: Tennessee needed a backup quarterback, and the Titans got one of the biggest arms in the entire draft in Cole McDonald. McDonald also brings to the table elite athleticism for the position and decent accuracy. McDonald had nine completions of 40 or more yards in 2019, which led all FBS quarterbacks. The big issue with McDonald was his ugly decision-making and Jameis-esque style of play — he ranked 18th in big-time throw rate and had the 12th-worst turnover-worthy play rate at the same time.
Draft Grade: C+
Dan Kadar, SB Nation
You could see the pick of offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson coming a mile away for the Titans. The right tackle is perfect for Tennessee’s run-based offense. He’ll replace Jack Conklin and give the Titans a blocker who can open massive holes for Derrick Henry.
Second-round pick Kristian Fulton should help the Titans fix their 24th-ranked pass defense. Adoree’ Jackson has been uneven throughout his career and Logan Ryan has yet to be re-signed. The Titans also let LeShaun Sims and Tramaine Brock walk this offseason. If Fulton can clean up a couple areas of his game, he should start as a rookie.
Running back Darrynton Evans, taken in the third round, is a nice replacement for Dion Lewis, a cap casualty this offseason.
Grade: B+
Luke Easterling, Draftwire
After losing Jack Conklin in free agency, the Titans found the perfect replacement in Georgia’s Isaiah Wilson, who was every bit worthy of a first-round pick. He was tested at right tackle against SEC competition, and his punishing style is exactly what Tennessee loves up front.
LSU corner Kristian Fulton was one of the biggest steals of the entire draft at No. 61 overall, and he can replace the departed Logan Ryan in the starting lineup immediately. Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans is the perfect complement to Derrick Henry.
North Carolina State defensive lineman Larrell Murchison was one of this year’s most underrated interior defenders, making him a huge bargain in the fifth round. Hawaii’s Cole McDonald is an intriguing developmental prospect at quarterback.
GRADE: B+
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune
The lowdown: You could argue edge rusher was the Titans biggest need and they didn’t touch it. Evans is officially lightning to Derrick Henry’s thunder.
Grade: B-
WalterFootball.com
Goals Entering the 2020 NFL Draft: Tennessee made an unexpected run to the AFC Championship, but things will be much more difficult in 2020. The Titans won by bullying their opponents in the trenches, but with Jack Conklin and Jurrell Casey gone, they won’t be as imposing on the offensive and defensive lines. Tennessee needs to make sure it replaces those key free agents, while also adding some talent to the offense.
2020 NFL Draft Accomplishments: We were all shocked by what occurred in Mike Vrabel’s household during the draft, but Tennessee’s draft plans were far more predictable. It was the least-surprising thing in the world to see the team use its first-round choice on a blocker. Isaiah Wilson is a massive lineman, but isn’t limited athletically. He should be able to take over at right tackle at some point in the near future as a replacement for Jack Conklin.
The Titans also addressed their defensive line, albeit in Round 5. Still, they were able to get a nice value in Larrell Murchison. In between, the Titans addressed needs at cornerback and running back with Kristian Fulton and Darrynton Evans, respectively. Fulton was my least-favorite addition, as he was frequently torched last year. Still, the “C” the Titans were slapped with for him was the worst grade they received all weekend.
Tennessee didn’t have a spectacular or sexy draft by any means, but this rock-solid haul was emblematic of the values this franchise holds.
Grade: B.
Ryan Dunleavy, New York Post
Key Picks: Isaiah Wilson (OT, Georgia), Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU) Darrynton Evans (RB, Appalachian State)
Analysis: They married need and value every time. Evans and Derrick Henry are the NFL’s new thunder-and-lightning tandem. Wilson and Fulton replace free agents Jack Conklin and Logan Ryan.
Grade: A-.
Evan Silva, Establish the Run
Overview: Maintaining their bully-ball philosophy on offense, the Titans began their draft with 6-foot-7, 350-pound mauler Wilson, who should seamlessly replace Jack Conklin at right tackle. GM Jon Robinson’s best value pick was Fulton, who allowed a miniscule 43.6% completion rate when targeted over the past two seasons and ran 4.46 at 6-foot, 197 before the draft. Both filled big needs on Tennessee’s roster. The Titans will hope darting change-of-pace prospect Evans succeeds behind Derrick Henry where Dion Lewis could not. Murchison projects as a situational three-technique tackle, while McDonald and Jackson are probable throwaways. This six-man class failed to yield an edge pass rusher but should net two immediate starters and at least one useful early-career role player.
Grade: B-
Nate Davis, USA Today
Hard to argue with the program GM Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel are building but unclear if this year’s picks will help much in 2020. First-round OT Isaiah Wilson is 21 and may not be ready to capably replace stud Jack Conklin, who’s now in Cleveland. Second-round CB Kristian Fulton must prove he’s past questionable off-field behavior. And third-round RB Darrynton Evans is a nice handcuff for 2019 rushing champ Derrick Henry, but it’s not clear if Evans is even ready for a third-round role at present.
Grade: D+
Hayden Winks, Rotoworld
Wilson received a second-round grade from me and many other analysts because he’s a below-average athlete, but I rounded up his grade for the ideal team fit. He will start immediately as RT Jack Conklin’s replacement and has always been better as a mauling run-blocker than pass protector, which fits the Titans’ culture and offensive identity… Not only is Fulton good (6.6 yards per target allowed in coverage) and athletic (4.46 speed), but he also fills the Titans other massive need at corner. He walks into a starting role with CB Logan Ryan likely gone and offers a more physical presence to their undersized secondary… Evans has been a running sleeper of mine all draft season because he’s young (21), productive (1,480 rushing yards), and fast (4.41), and I can’t complain about the landing spot. He’s an ideal complement to Derrick Henry and is skilled-enough as a receiver to play passing downs as a rookie. With Henry playing on the franchise tag, Evans has a lot of sleeper appeal in dynasty leagues.
Grade: B.
Logan Mullen, NESN
Isaiah Wilson is an unsurprising move in the first round since they’re banking on Ryan Tannehill going forward — and obviously keeping him inside the pocket is best for all parties. But the Titans did have a pair of sneaky good moves: Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans in the third round will make for a compelling backfield partner with Derrick Henry, and we love the flier on Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald at 224.
Grade: B.
Tim Bielik, Cleveland.com
The Titans took Wilson to try and replace Jack Conklin at right tackle, but he will need some time before he can step in Fulton was a steal late in the second round to add more talent to the Tennessee secondary, and I like Evans as a complement to Derrick Henry. Murchison could add more depth on the defensive line for the Titans, who had a solid draft without a lot of flash.
Grade: B
Phillip Heilman, Denver Post
The Titans plugged holes at right tackle with Isaiah Wilson (first round) and cornerback with Kristian Fulton (second). Fulton is among the most-talented players in this draft. Darrynton Evans will be a nice complement to Derrick Henry at running back.
Grade: B.
Justin Leger, NBC Sports Boston
Analysis: Wilson makes perfect sense for Tennesee as he’ll fit right into the run-first offense. Fulton will make an instant impact on the Titans’ defense as he was our fourth-rated corner and a potential first-rounder. Evans is a solid replacement for Dion Lewis, who was released this offseason. McDonald creates some QB competition for Ryan Tannehill, but isn’t exactly a threat to take the starting job. After all, the Titans invested a ridiculous amount of money in Tannehill not too long ago. Altogether, a nice draft for Mike Vrabel.
Grade: B+
The Score
Wilson was an obvious fit to replace Jack Conklin at right tackle, but it’s easy to question the value of taking him at the end of the first round. And with an opportunity to potentially add a starter at a position of need in the third, it wasn’t the best investment to take a complementary running back to play alongside workhorse Derrick Henry. Capitalizing on Fulton’s surprising slide is what really saves this class and gives it the potential to look good long term. The LSU standout, who many expected to go in the opening round, could be an impact player from Day 1.
Grade: B-.
The Spun
Isaiah Wilson wasn’t one of the four coveted tackles in the first round, but he’s a big, athletic piece who could become a long-time option at the position for Tennessee. Fulton was a solid piece of the national championship LSU Tigers, and App State’s Darrynton Evans was an explosive playmaker out of the backfield. The most fun pick here, though? Hawaii’s Cole McDonald, who could throw for five touchdowns and/or five interceptions in a given week. He’s a true gunslinger, and we hope to see him get a shot at some point.
Grade: B-
Touchdown Wire
If you thought it was a headache to tackle Derrick Henry last season, imagine how many aspirins opposing defenses will need when Henry has the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Isaiah Wilson from Georgia grading roads for Henry to roam on the right side. Wilson is the second-best power tackle in this class behind Mekhi Becton, and he’s good enough as a pass-protector. Picking up LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton in the second round could be one of the top value picks in this draft if Fulton can get his leverage and technique straight, and third-round running back Darrynton Evans from Appalachian State looks like an outstanding “lightning” component to Henry’s thunderback role.
Grade: A-
Joe Tansey, Bleacher Report
The fall of LSU defensive back Kristian Fulton ended at Tennessee’s second-round pick.
Fulton displayed some flaws during the national championship run, and he was overshadowed by freshman phenom Derek Stingley Jr., but he is a solid corner who could make re-signing Logan Ryan less of a priority.
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans could be a good third-round find as a different threat out of the backfield when Derrick Henry is on the sideline.
Grade: B.