It’s safe to say that the two biggest needs for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Draft are EDGE and ILB. I expect they’ll address those two positions early in the draft. But, there are several other positions that Jon Robinson and company could look to fortify with their six picks in next week’s draft.
They could use some safety depth – specifically a guy who could potentially be the heir to Johnathan Cyprien. Play-makers are always welcome – be it wide receiver or running back. And, the team may still elect to bring in a guard/center to develop for the future.
I’ve identified some guys on offense and defense that the Titans could or should look at between the third and fifth rounds next week.
Offense
C Bradley Bozeman, Alabama – The Titans may be thinking about a potential successor for Ben Jones. Bozeman has had a rough draft season, but as a 5th-ish round investment, could develop into a serviceable center.
WR Deon Cain, Clemson – The Titans will probably look to fortify the receiving corps, and I’m of the opinion that Cain would be a steal in round 3-4.
RB Chase Edmonds, Fordham – The Titans spent some time with Edmonds at the combine, and he fits the bill as a Jon Robinson guy. Highly productive and dynamic. The Titans don’t have a dire need at RB any longer, but could look to add a play-maker as insurance.
WR Michael Gallup, Colorado State – I’ve seen Gallup mocked to the Titans by a couple of people, but I don’t see them investing the capital to get him. It may take a 2nd round pick and I don’t foresee the Titans using that on a WR. If they could get him later, it’d be an excellent value.
RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern – I haven’t seen Jackson’s name pop up in Titans circles, but I think the guy would be a tremendous fit in Nashville. He had a huge workload in college and produced. The Titans don’t need a starter, so I could see Jackson becoming a sort of specialist on this team.
OT Jamarco Jones, Ohio State – He’s the prototypical “GSD” guy – not going to blow you away athletically but gets shit done. The Titans may look to add depth at tackle to avoid catastrophe should one of their top three guys go down.
C/G Frank Ragnow, Arkansas – The Titans added interior o-line depth in free agency, but it doesn’t say much for the future. They could look to develop a guy into a starter years down the road. If that’s the case, Ragnow would be an excellent choice – they may have to give up that 2nd round pick to get him though.
G Braden Smith, Auburn – He’s big and powerful and would come in and compete right away. Some have suggested Smith may even sneak into the 1st round.
C/G Sean Walsh, Iowa – Same idea as Ragnow, but at a better value. Walsh figures to come off the board a few rounds later in the draft.
WR James Washington, Oklahoma State – I keep saying I like the idea of someone opposite Corey Davis or Rishard Matthews to just “run down the sideline real fast and catch the ball.” I like Washington as potentially that guy.
Defense
DE/OLB Dorance Armstrong, Kansas – I like Armstrong’s skill set a lot based on what the Titans need. He’s a guy the team spent some time with this draft season, so he’s already on their radar.
S Jessie Bates, Wake Forest – I’m not as high on Bates as a fit with the Titans, but I’m mentioning here because the Titans have visited with him. He’s more Kevin Byard than Johnathan Cyprien, and the Titans don’t need more Byard because they already have….Kevin Byard.
LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt – The Titans need a potential starter at ILB and Burks has the build and leadership qualities you look for in a linebacker.
CB Carlton Davis, Auburn – It’s a pipe dream, as Davis, is gone in the first round on a lot of mocks. But, if he’s still available later, he would solidify an already promising secondary.
CB Rashaan Gaulden, Tennessee – A much more realistic mid-round selection. The Titans have already visited with Gaulden, and he would be a nice developmental addition to the secondary.
LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF – Jon Robinson spent a lot of time with Griffin when in Orlando for the NFL meetings back a few weeks ago. The Titans have a need for a dynamic linebacker.
DE/DT Rasheem Green, USC – Jon Robinson tends to value production over potential, so that may rule out Green. But, if he’s willing to roll the dice, Green could become an explosive disruptive force along the defensive line.
LB Josey Jewell, Iowa – People talk about “football character” when it comes to Jewell. He has tremendous instincts, and while he may not have the measurables that people look for, could develop into a productive player.
DE/OLB Arden Key, LSU – The off-the-field stuff will have teams running from Key. But, if someone’s willing to take a chance on him, he has a ton of talent. Are the Titans that team? I doubt it – but he’d be awfully tempting in the 4th round.
S Armani Watts, Texas A&M – If the Titans want another rangy athletic safety, Watts is the better value than Jessie Bates.
For more Titans draft coverage, check out my series on options for the Titans at #25.
TENNESSEE TITANS FIRST ROUND OPTIONS ARCHIVES
Lorenzo Carter
Marcus Davenport
Rashaan Evans
Ronnie Harrison
Will Hernandez
Sam Hubbard
Malik Jefferson
Ronald Jones
Harold Landry
Leighton Vander Esch
Vita Vea
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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