While many expected the Tennessee Titans to draft an EDGE in the first round, there are still a bunch to choose from on Day 2.
When the Tennessee Titans traded up to pick No. 22 last night in the NFL Draft, many believed it would be to snatch up free-falling EDGE Harold Landry. Instead, Jon Robinson got the captain for the middle of the defense in LB Rashaan Evans.
With inside linebacker now fully squared away after the drafting of Evans and signing of Will Compton, the Titans will likely turn their attention to pass-rusher. EDGE pass-rushers tend to come off the board rapidly, but that has not been the case this year. Only two EDGEs have been drafted through the first 32 picks.
Medical and production concerns might be contributing to the slide of some of the EDGE players in this draft. While that isn’t good for the players themselves, it sets Robinson up to hit a home run on Day 2. Here are the best EDGEs yet to be drafted.
Round 2 Players
Harold Landry, Boston College
Tennessee Titans
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Landry has been medically flagged by teams. That is the only reason he hasn’t been taken yet. Landry is arguably the best pure pass-rusher in this draft, and some team is going to get an absolute steal early in the second round. He’s unlikely to last to the Titans.
Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
Carter is a guy who immensely helped himself during the pre-draft process with an outstanding Combine, but teams are still likely worried about his low levels of collegiate production. Carter’s athleticism and versatility makes him an intriguing prospect. He won’t last long on Day 2.
Josh Sweat, Florida State
Another athletic specimen with production concerns, Sweat has also been flagged by many teams due to a knee issue. The Titans spent plenty of time with Sweat during the pre=draft process, and it would be the least shocking move of the draft if the Titans picked him at 57.
Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
While I don’t believe Hubbard is actually and EDGE due to his size and I don’t like him as a player, many teams do. The Titans in particular have been linked to Hubbard often, mainly due to his ties to HC Mike Vrabel. Hubbard appears to be a capped-ceiling player, but one the Titans seem to be interested in.
Others: Kemoko Turay, Rutgers; Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Round 3 Players
Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State
A Titan Sized favorite, teams have probably knocked Mata’afa down their draft boards due to him having to make a position switch at the next level. An undersized DT in college, the mythical Roman god managed to be uber-productive and dominate his competition despite going up against much bigger players. Mata’afa showed the proper traits to be a good EDGE at the next level, and should have his name called late in the second round or early in the third.
Arden Key, LSU
Key might be the most polarizing prospect in this draft. In 2016, he played like a top 5 pick. A series of injuries that led to weight gain and a leave of absence from the team in 2017 has made him a walking character concern. It’s risky to take him within the first three rounds, but the talent he flashed in 2016 will tempt teams, especially ones looking for a strict pass-rusher.
Others: Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest; Uchenna Nwosu, USC