Thor Nystrom’s 2020 NFL Mock Draft pick for the Tennessee Titans

Is this the best choice for the Tennessee Titans in the 2020 NFL Draft?

I know you have been clamoring for it, so here it is some premium 2020 NFL Draft content for the Tennessee Titans!

Alright, I am sort of kidding. Most people are still recovering from the marathon that is draft season, but there are a few of you (myself included) looking towards the future to get a handle on how the 2020 NFL Draft sets up to fill the Titans needs.

There are a few people that I lean on heavily during draft season, and that list doesn’t go on for very long without getting to Thor Nystrom’s name.

The Rotoworld writer posted his first 2020 NFL Mock Draft a few days ago, and I have looked at it more than a few times by now. So, I am sure you are curious who the Titans selected…

(Before that, seriously go check out that link. He posts GIFs and clips of prospects so he can explain what they do well and why you should consider them as potentially high draft picks heading into what could be their final seasons.)

Let’s start with just the pick and then get to the analysis.

16. Titans – LSU CB Kristian Fulton

Now, hold on. Before you grab your pitchforks, remember that Logan Ryan is set to be a free agent after this year and the Titans only have so much money to spend. There is a chance that for once they are actually in the cornerback market heading into the draft next year.

Here is his explanation:

"“Fulton was better than Greedy Williams last year. He gave up only 17 completions, and he doesn’t come with similar tackling concerns. And that was his first year of action: Fulton was suspended for his freshman year for tampering with a urine sample (a situation that will be looked into by the NFL, obviously).”"

That is a pretty incredible stat. Teams chose to actively target other receivers vs a defensive backfield that included Greedy Williams and Grant Delpit. As far as stats you can’t really see, that is a huge one.

What would I have done?

With a huge free agency to come, I don’t know what needs the Titans will or won’t have. Having said that, I think Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel like what they have at cornerback with Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler under contract.

The sleeper here is 2019 4th round pick Amani Hooker. I know what you are saying, “Hooker is a safety!” and you are right. However, he was also one of PFF’s highest graded players every in slot coverage:

If he takes the slot role and Butler and Jackson are on the outside, then I think the Titans could look somewhere else in the 1st round.

My pick would actually be:

Tristan Wirfs OT, Iowa

In case you don’t know, Wirfs is the dominant OT that no one is talking about right now. Well, I say no one but over the last few days people have started to circulate clips of him dominating in practice and looking at his game film:

I didn’t discover him, in fact I didn’t even know who he was until a week or so ago. But after looking into him, he is going to be a guy that Robinson and Vrabel love.

-First freshman to start at offensive tackle in the Kirk Ferentz era.

-Has the size that the Titans have coveted in players like Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly and others.

-Extremely physical as shown in the clip above.

-Seemingly only had 2 official offers coming out of high school according to 247 Sports, Rivals and ESPN.

-Started 20 games in his first two years at right and left tackle.

-Broke the hang clean record held by former Outland Trophy winner Brandon Scherff.

Some people thing he will need to move inside at the next level, but either way there will probably be a spot for him on the starting offensive line in 2020.

Option 1: If Kelly/Conklin play well at RT then he can come in and play right guard allowing Nate Davis more time to develop and potentially take over for Rodger Saffold down the road given his age.

Option 2: If the don’t play well, he is a plug and play RT.

Option 3: Kelly/Conklin play at a decent level, but you don’t think they can be the long term solution. You can give them bridge deals and give them a chance to compete for the RG spot in 2020.

No matter what, the Titans need to continue to find great players to help the team. If Jack Conklin and Dennis Kelly both go and get starter money in free agency, then the Titans need a solution at RT.

Maybe it is Kevin Pamphile or maybe Jon Robinson has another trick up his sleeve, but if not then this draft is perfect for the Titans.