Professor

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....801130412/1027

The Titans didn't call on their rookies much this season, and that was just fine with General Manager Mike Reinfeldt.

They were his first draft class in his first year in his current job, and they will be part of his resumé for some time. He's perfectly willing to wait to see how they pan out in years two and three, when fewer surprises will await them.

Reinfeldt was pleased that the 2007 Titans were able to post a 10-6 record and earn a spot in the playoffs with just 10 starts and 44 games out of first-year players — five draft picks and undrafted receiver Biren Ealy.

"The good thing is we weren't in a situation where we had to play them," Reinfeldt said. "We had other depth available and that's a good thing. Maybe in past years guys have had to play or had to be thrown in the fire, and I think we were in a situation this year where we could be a little bit more patient."

A rundown of the class of 2007:

Free safety Michael Griffin (first round, 19th overall): He started off at cornerback, but once the team was settled at the position, he was shifted back to where he came from and started 10 regular-season games and the playoff game.

"He's instinctive, he's aggressive, he's got a knack for getting the ball, he's kind of all the things we thought he was," Reinfeldt said. "The time at corner helped him and in situations where he's got to be in man-to-man coverage, he steps up and doesn't miss a beat."

Griffin finished with 49 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defensed. He's a candidate for all-rookie teams, but Washington's LaRon Landry and Jacksonville's Reggie Nelson also have strong cases.

Running back Chris Henry (second round, 50th): He showed minimal instincts early and had to wait for his chance. But over two games, his first 15 carries were good for 105 yards and two touchdowns. A four-game NFL suspension for taking something on the NFL's banned substances list set him back and he did little after his return.

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