Tennessee Titans: Winners and Losers of the 2018 NFL Draft Class

Loser: QB Blaine Gabbert

Matt Cassel was a consummate pro during his time as Marcus Mariota’s backup, but the offense clearly became too limited in his spot starts over the last two years, so the Titans chose to move on and sign Blaine Gabbert in free agency. Gabbert, since busting with the Jaguars, has made several quality starts for the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals and appears to be a high-end backup at this point in his career.

Despite this, Jon Robinson couldn’t help but select Luke Falk out of Washington State University when he fell all the way into the sixth round. Falk was an extremely productive passer in college who can make all the throws and displays great rhythm, accuracy, and touch in the pocket, which makes him a great fit for an offense that should capitalize on Mariota’s accuracy, rhythm, and short passing prowess. Falk was beat up behind a bad offensive line in college, which affected his decision making at times and forced some bad throws. He also had some injury concerns heading into the draft, but his high ceiling makes him a great long-term backup and injury insurance for Mariota.

Unfortunately for Gabbert, this move likely makes him expendable after this season, as Robinson has only kept two quarterbacks on the roster in the past. The Titans likely wouldn’t have drafted a quarterback if Falk had not fallen so far down the board, but with his selection, Gabbert does not seem to be in the team’s long-term plans.