The Tennessee Titans have an interesting offseason coming up. With holes on the offensive line, at running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, and with the potential of the top overall pick the Titans have a lot of ways they can spend their first pick.
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Looking around the league at 2016 NFL Mock Drafts, it is easy to get a look at a lot of different scenarios the Titans could find themselves in.
Let’s look at this four round 2016 NFL Mock Draft from Draft Tek. Just a heads up, I am a big fan of Draft Tek and the way they look at things and I encourage you to check them out here.
Round 1, pick 1: Joey Bosa DL, Ohio State
Their take:
“Each week, it looks more and more like the Titans have found their “Quarterback of the Future” in Marcus Mariota. He’s incredibly poised and has to show development into an NFL quarterback. Now it’s time for Tennessee to solidify everything on the rest of the roster. This pick will either by Laremy Tunsil, the incredible left tackle from Ole Miss, to help build a strong offensive line around Mariota, or Bosa, the talented pass rusher from Ohio State. Right now, especially with the season not over, and way too far away from the draft, it’s hard to project what Tennessee thinks of Taylor Lewan at left tackle for the future, and if Jeremiah Poutasi will stick on the right side. So for now, we’ll stick with the Big Board’s. top overall prospect in Bosa, who will bring a strong presence along the defensive front in both the run game (16 tackles for loss in 2015) and the pass rush (26 career sacks). ”
My take:
I am a big proponent of drafting the BPA at the top of a draft, and Bosa is that player for me. I like this pick and think that it is clear that the Titans need pressure with this back four. Without Derrick Morgan this team hasn’t been nearly as good on defense, and they can’t afford to have their best unit slow down.
Round 2, pick 32: Austin Johnson NT, Penn State
FanSided
Their take:
“With their first pick, the Titans took Bosa to bolster the defensive front, so why not go back to it? The DRAFTSIM model gives Tennessee Austin Johnson here, a massive Nose Tackle with incredible ability to eat up space, and rated as the 21st best player on the Big Board. He’s not flashy by any means, but most guys at this position usually aren’t. Johnson has shown incredible development during his time with the Nittany Lions, turning himself into the best defensive lineman on the roster. Putting him in the middle of the defensive line should free up room for players like Jurrell Casey to generate more pressure in backfields. Other options for the Titans could include Derrick Henry, who could potentially improve the Titans’ very average. running attack, or Vadal Alexander to improve the offensive guard position, which has been a weak point for Tennessee, and could possibly make more sense to address if Tennessee ends up drafting a defensive player in the first round. ”
My take:
I am generally opposed to taking an interior defender this early, but I like this logic. With a 3-deep group of 10-sack potential pass rushers, and with Jurrell Casey and a strong NT in the middle this would be a dangerous group.
Round 3, pick 64: Landon Turner OG, North Carolina
My take:
They didn’t offer an opinion after round two, but I think this is a good pick. I like the thought of adding an interior lineman in round three. Believe it or not, over the past 10 years more Pro Bowlers have been selected on the interior line in round 3 than any other position.
Having someone come in ready to replace Chance Warmack or Quintin Spain is a good idea. He could also get a look at center too give what the Titans have there.
Round 4, pick 96: Max Tuerk C, USC
My take:
I like this pick, though some may not. I think he is a nice center with a big frame, experience, nastiness, and a balanced set of skills. While I don’t know if this is the way I would have gone, I definitely understand the idea.
One thing I would change: Round 2
I like Austin Johnson alright and think it makes the Titans defensive line very good, but I think a player like Angelo Blackson or DaQuan Jones may be just as good if not better next year after some experience in this defense. While I like the theory, I just don’t think Johnson is so good that you have to take him there.
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The player I would have taken went one pick later: Josh Doctson. Doctson is a WR from TCU who stands at 6’3″ and can do anything you ask him to. He wins with the ball in the air, he beats people with his routes, he has the quickness to separate off the line and the burst to set people up and beat them on deep balls. I think he gives the Titans a great set of hands and potentially a true number one receiver.
With Corey Coleman blowing away man coverage on deep routes and Laquon Treadwell winning in the SEC, it is easy to see why the flashy players are covering up Doctson. However, one look at any of his games and you will instantly see a player who could become the best wide receiver on this team in a year and compete for rookie of the year.