NFL Draft predictions for Tennessee Titans and others
Predictions for the NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday night.
The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting times in all of sports. In the draft a lot of times we have to learn to expect the unexpected. Things can change in the blink of an eye that will not only affect the rest of the draft, but the entire league for years to come. Below are a list of changes that, while unexpected, maybe should be expected. Although all of these won’t directly affect the Tennessee Titans, any move made in the NFL Draft indirectly affects every team.
The Not So Bold Predictions
The Tennessee Titans will take a pass rusher at pick No. 5 overall
Most expect the Titans to trade down, but don’t be surprised if this doesn’t happen. It is rumored many teams are in the market to trade down. Some of these teams include the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. In such a deep draft class, trading down will be hard to do, as teams will be reluctant to move up.
Because the Titans won’t be able to trade down, the value of the pick comes in. While Marshon Lattimore is likely to be on the board and he would fill a huge need, I’m not sold on the value. This draft is extremely deep at the cornerback position, and Lattimore has had trouble staying healthy. All that being said, I wouldn’t hate the Lattimore pick, but knowing I could get a starter at 18 or possibly in round three, the Titans may go in a different direction.
Having a bit of an idea of how the Titans value positions, an edge rusher makes a lot of sense. The Titans place a lot of value on players that play in the trenches, and they just so happen to need some depth at the position. There are three candidates who could fit this bill if left on the board: Solomon Thomas, Derek Barnett, and Jonathan Allen.
The Titans will trade pick No. 18 overall
If the Titans want to trade down from their No. 18 pick, that would probably be the easier option to move. With teams such as the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks all needing offensive linemen, they may need to move up to get their pick of the litter.
If the Titans have a player eyeballed, such as Mike Williams, Corey Davis, Gareon Conley, or Marlon Humphrey, they may need to package the pick and move up. Trader Jon will have plenty of chances to move this pick, but it will be up to him to make that call when the time comes.
Tennessee Titans
Obi Melifonwu will be drafted before Jabrill Peppers
(Editor’s note: this was written before it was known that Peppers failed a drug test)
Did you just call me crazy? Hear me out first. After scouting both of these guys, I’ve come to the conclusion these guys have a lot of similarities but a lot of differences. Both are insanely athletic and have room for improvement,
Melifonwu is better in coverage and has better size. Many teams believe with his size and athleticism he could develop into a true number one cornerback as well. Peppers is a better and more willing tackler. He is more of play down in the box safety. Both have the ability to come in and become that hybrid safety teams covet. The difference is, it is easier to teach players proper tackling technique, than to teach a player how to develop in coverage.
Reuben Foster falls out of the top 12
There is no question about Foster’s talent, production, or on the field leadership. Unfortunately for Foster, a diluted drug test at the combine will hurt his stock. The diluted sample could come as a result of drinking too much water. If that were the case somebody is going to find a real steal in the draft. Even with the diluted sample, I can’t see him getting past the Cardinals (13), Eagles (14), or Colts (15).
Most trades in this Draft will contain a player.
Typically in the NFL draft trades are made using only later draft picks or future picks. In this draft a lot of veteran players are going to be flying to new cities. Some of these players include but are not limited to: Richard Sherman, Malcolm Butler, Jimmy Garoppolo, Giovani Bernard, Martavus Bryant, and Dee Ford. I’m not predicting this players will be traded, just and example of teams including veteran players in package deals. Because the draft is so deep, teams are likely to include these players rather than give up more picks.
The Bold Predictions
The New England Patriots receive two first round picks through trades
If you had to pick one winner of the offseason, you’d have to pick the New England Patriots. After winning the Super Bowl, the Patriots then managed to improve their roster. Not to be outdone there, the Patriots have a few players left over that they believe are worth first round picks. The next hurdle for them will be to get other teams believing so.
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One of the players the Patriots believe is worth a first round pick is Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo has spent his entire career being Tom Brady’s backup, but has looked good in the little we’ve seen from him. No one is going to give the Patriots an early first rounder for Garopollo, but after making some moves these teams could be interested: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Houston Texans.
The other player is Malcolm Butler. Most remember him from his Super Bowl-winning interception against the Seattle Seahawks. The New Orleans Saints have been linked to making this trade for a while now. Other interested teams could include: The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Oakland Raiders.
One of the top three receivers goes in the top ten
Everyone knows by this point that the top three receivers in this draft are Mike Williams, Corey Davis, and John Ross. Inside the top ten picks, the Tennessee Titans (5) and Buffalo Bills (10) have a need at receiver. The L.A. Chargers (7) and Carolina Panthers (8) also have a need, though not so pressing.
The Titans are considered to be a wide receiver away from being one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Bills have Sammy Watkins, who has shown flashes but has a problem staying healthy. Like the Bills, the Chargers have a really good receiver in Keenan Allen, but he can’t seem to stay healthy. The Panthers have some good and big receivers in Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, but need a speed element to stretch the field.