Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said the Titans answered needs and improved depth during the 2003 NFL Draft.

''I think we were very fortunate,'' Reese said. ''We have to bring in the right guys, we have to be able to teach the right guys and we think we have done that.''

The Titans selected three offensive players, including two in the first three rounds, and three defensive players. The team found two defensive backs, an area where the Titans lost considerable depth in free agency. Reese said the Titans made the right decision on taking cornerback Andre Woolfolk with the first round pick.

''Had we waited, we might have missed out on all five or six corners,'' Reese said.

Similarly, a run on safeties follwed the Titans' selection of Ohio State's Donnie Nickie in the fifth round. Tennessee traded with New England to move up and get Nickie.

''I think when we got the safety, we jumped up and got in the position to take him,'' Reese said. ''Had we not jumped when we did, he might not have been there. If we're going to lose a pick, this is the place do it.''

Reese said Nickie rated as the best safety among a group of four available.

Defensive tackle Rien Long dropped to the fourth round in large part due to questions about his consistency and personality. Reese said Long could have been a first day pick.

''Rien had enough ability to be a top 40 pick,'' Reese said. ''Both Jeff and I talked to him extensively. I think he realizes. He has a personality that kind of rubs people wrong. I think he understands that. If he hits the way we think he can hit, he could be the pick of the draft.''

Fisher said the challenge now moves to the coaching staff who must get these draft picks ready for action.

''The younger players are going to play sooner than they've ever played,'' Fisher said. ''It's part of the process now. You've got to get the guys ready to play.''