The Titans have five major needs but what prospects will the Titans draft that fits their mold?
In my recent post, I discuss how some players will fit the mold of what the Titans are looking for in a prospect. Just to help understand what I mean by “mold”, Jon Robinson has stated that the Titans want players that are hardworking, versatile and team first players.
Having an understanding of what Jon Robinson means is great, but taking a dive into last year’s draft we can see what players fit this mold.
The first selection in last year’s draft was Jack Conklin. Conklin was a senior walk-on who was characterized as a physical run blocker. He was the perfect fit for the Titans offensive scheme and became a rookie All-Pro.
The first out of three second round selections was a defensive end out of Clemson, Kevin Dodd. I think the Titans took a risk on him, as he fits the style of pass rusher the Titans want and when he has played, he has played well. Dodd is still a huge question mark and this year is a big year for him to prove he was worth a second round selection.
The Titans stayed on the defensive line and selected the leader of the Penn State defense, Austin Johnson. Johnson is a versatile player who can play all three defensive line positions.
The second round that pick that a lot of experts questioned was the big, bruising running back out of Alabama, Derrick Henry. Looking back at this pick, Henry was a steal and fits the Titans run first offense scheme.
The third round selection, Kevin Byard, has proven that he can be a key part of the secondary. Byard was a four-year starting free safety that had major production, recording 19 career interceptions and finishing 6th on the all time list in career tackles at Middle Tennessee State.
In the fifth round, the Titans selected another productive college player, Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe is the all time leader at Massachusetts for receptions and yards.
The other fifth round selection was LeShaun Sims, a cornerback from Southern Utah. Sims was a three year player from a small school who excelled at man coverage and was a good fit in the defensive scheme.
The sixth round selection was known for his power and aggressive run blocking, Sebastian Tretola. Tretola fits the Titans run first offensive scheme.
The first of the two seventh round selections was Aaron Wallace, a linebacker from UCLA. Wallace is a versatile linebacker who has the ability to play all linebacker positions.
Last but not least, Kalan Reed, a cornerback from Southern Mississippi. Reed is another prospect that is versatile and had a productive college career.
Almost all of last year’s selections had what we can identify as the traits that fit the “Titan Mold” below:
- Leaders/four year players
- Versatile/team first guys
- Production at any collegiate level
To confirm these points, Jon Robinson just had a pre-draft press conference and noted what he is looking for in some key areas of need.
Robinson said ball skills, tackling, technique, versatility and speed all things the @Titans looking for at CB position
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) April 25, 2017
Robinson said he's looking for WRs who can get open, catch and block @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) April 25, 2017
Here at Titan Sized, we have all talked about what the biggest needs are that the Titans need to fill. I have discussed what I think and believe are the Top 5 needs for the Titans:
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
- Inside Linebacker
- Edge Rusher
Going through all the prospects, in my opinion, I have been able to determine the top five at each need that would fit the mold of a Titan. I have taken prospects like Myles Garrett and Marshon Lattimore out of the equation because these are blue chip players that fit any team or system. Starting with the biggest need cornerback, there is a ton of quality prospects and many that will fit with the Titans.