NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The history of a specific pick in the first round isn’t necessarily predictive.
But if you’re looking for reasons to be optimistic about general manager Jon Robinson’s chances for a big hit at No. 5 if the Tennessee Titans stick and pick, the recent history of the slot is quite good.
Since 2000, the No. 5 pick has produced nine Pro Bowl players who’ve been in 25 different Pro Bowls. They’ve been named first team All Pro 12 times (second only to No. 3 picks) and have had 97 combined starting seasons (again, second only to the No. 3 picks). (Thanks to ESPN Rams reporter Alden Gonzalez for sorting through the numbers.)
The big hits at No. 5 include Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, running back Jamal Lewis, safeties Sean Taylor and Eric Berry, cornerback Patrick Peterson and pass-rusher Khalil Mack.
Far less stellar: receiver Justin Blackmon, a complete bust with the Jaguars who couldn’t stay out of trouble.
At No. 18, the last 16 drafts have producer four Pro Bowl players who’ve gone to the game nine times. They also account for three first-team All Pros and 82 seasons of starting play.
Center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive lineman Robert Ayers are among the better selections in the position, which also produced quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Chad Pennington.
Minnesota defensive end Erasmus James, from the 2005 draft, was among the quickest fizzlers.
