Titans Reach Contract Agreement with WR Filani

I had the fortune of watching him grow as a player throughout the spring/fall and regular seasons of 2004, 2005, and 2006. I've never seen anyone improve as much as he did. He went from being somewhat of a butterfingers to one of the most sure-handed receivers on the team.

I'd say that Joel's balance and strength are his biggest upsides. Some of the tackles he broke over the years were simply amazing. Filani was also great at fighting to get those extra yards to the first down marker. I can't remember a single time when I saw him acquiese to being tackled or shy away from contact.

I'd wager that he was a big-time steal as late as you guys got him in the draft. I expected him to go higher than he did. Then again, all of our WRs get the dreaded "system" tag, which slights the real talents like Welker and Filani who are much more than just guys who put up gaudy numbers on a stat sheet.

Yeah, you guys did kind of throw a net out there to give yourself options. I know many Titan fans were a bit displeased with the WR-laden draft, but that's the reason Tennessee ended up with a gem like Joel.

The veteran WR route is a big mistake, IMO. This usually applies to most teams, but it's especially true for the Titans. The focus should be on development of the talent on the team already, because that's how you build a cohesive, productive receiving corps. Teams who get up in arms about not having a consensus #1 guy are misguided. Overall receiving success is about putting players in the best roles and refining their strengths. Filani and Williams, from what I've seen, really bring something to the table.

Hopefully the coaches see his potential. I did, however, miss one of Filani's biggest career highlights on the video due to losing the game footage. During his ludicrously awesome 255-yard game against KSU in '05, he had a pass thrown way behind him and seemingly over his head. He turned his body completely around, jumped backwards, extended his arms, and snagged the ball out of the air while his body was literally horizontal to the turf. It's impossible to describe, but it was phenomenal. Needless to say, the place erupted. I really wish I could show it to you.

I'm right there with you, and I'll be happy to let you in on whatever I can tell you about Joel.

 

His balance is especially impressive in that video. Some of those hits he took, and then the spins he made to get out. And he just didn't go down. He seems to have great lower body strength (and upper) to break tackles, but he also just stays up. Incredible body control. Did he always look like that?

 

"everyone looks good on a highlight reel"
Yeah. But some have LONGER highlight reels.

 

that means ABSOLUTELY nothing...

 

4.57..

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=9005

According to this site both his 40 times in the combine were sub 4.60 and he didn't run at pro day. I think it is safe to say he has enough speed to be a player.

 

perhaps it means that the player has more highlight worth plays than a person with a shorter highlight reel.

 

bingo!

 

Yep. Playmakers naturally have more highlights to show.

 

ok, so if i make a 2 minute highlight reel of vince young, then i bring a 5 minute highlihgt reel of KFC, that means KFC is definatly better right??? i mean his highlight reel is longer..... :ha: