The story behind Titans’ only No. 7 pick in franchise history is wild

Barring a trade, the Tennessee Titans will make their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft at No. 7 overall, a pick the franchise hasn’t had since the days of the AFL draft.

You’d have to go all the way back to 1962, when the Houston Oilers selected defensive tackle Hershel Ray Jacobs in the AFL draft. He was also selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL draft the same year.

But he never played a snap for either team and the story behind the start to his career is wild.

According to his obituary, via the Corsicana Daily Sun, Jacobs ended up signing with the Cowboys and Oilers at the same time after being drafted, which led to a lawsuit between the two teams that Houston ultimately won. The Oilers went on to waive Jacobs in 1963, though.

Ray was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery when Mickey Mantle came with legendary football coach Bear Bryant to sign him to his first professional football contract. He blamed it on the pain medication and the thick stack of cash they dangled in front of him that he signed with the Houston Oilers and the Dallas Cowboys at the same time. The ensuing lawsuit between the two teams ended with the Oilers winning but they put the trouble-maker on waivers.

After being let go, Jacobs, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 82, was picked up by the Denver Broncos and spent four seasons there and started in 38 of the 46 games he played in. He posted a career-high five sacks in 1965, leading to a second-team All-Pro nod.

The Howard Payne product also spent two seasons with the Miami Dolphins and one with the Boston Patriots.  He finished his career with 16.5 sacks in 79 games (65 starts).

Thankfully, the Titans won’t have to worry about Jacobs’ scenario playing out when it’s on the clock again at No. 7 overall.