2014 NFL Mock Draft, Complete 1st Round, V 4.0
11. Tennessee Titans
Eric Ebron
Tight End, North Carolina
Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Cincinnati 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
You’d think that I’d have an easy time mock-drafting for this team because they’re whom I most closely follow. Of all the top 20 teams, they have at least the second-hardest situation (Arizona Cardinals are very tough too). It’s so hard to get a feel for what this team will do. My preference is a trade-down. Anthony Barr seems like the pick because of the need for a young pass-rusher and his connection with former UCLA defensive coordinator and current Titans linebackers coach Lou Spanos.
Barr isn’t on my board though. I’m stuck to choose between Eric Ebron (TE), Ra’Shede Hageman (DL) or C.J. Mosley (ILB). I’m about 46-44-10 in favor of Ebron then Hageman. Mosley is a distant third-place choice.
This coaching staff has three former NFL tight end coaches, two of whom played the position professionally. That gives Ebron an advantage over Hageman, whose combination of strength (32 bench press reps), explosiveness and height (6-foot-6 with 35.5-inch vertical leap) would give this team a tall defensive lineman who deflects passes. It sounds simplistic and ignorant, however, Tennessee would really benefit from Hageman’s skill-set.
Realistic Preferred Options if Fell:
- Anthony Barr, DE/LB