Tennessee Titans: What to expect from top 2019 draft picks

Tennessee Titans-1st Round: Jeffery Simmons

Out of all the Titans rookies in 2019, Simmons might be the most intriguing. Before tearing his ACL in February, Simmons was thought to be a top-five to -10 value in the draft; however that obviously took a hit.

The Titans landed him at No. 19 overall in the first round, and while it will take some time, Robinson might have landed himself a real stud for a steal of a value.

Robinson is a big man who will not only help clog up the running lanes up the middle, but he can also get to the quarterback and create pressure in the backfield with his impressive athleticism and strength. He totaled seven sacks and 30 tackles for loss in his last two years at Mississippi State.

The former of those two abilities might be more important, as the Titans’ biggest weakness on defense last season was against the run. Tennessee’s unit finished as the No. 18 defense against opposing ground games. Pro Football Focus had them ranked slightly higher at No. 15.

Granted, the Titans’ pass-rush could use a boost and Simmons can certainly help in that regard, but a young and fierce linebacker group—including the addition of Cameron Wake—should mostly take care of that issue.

Simmons will just be a bonus in the pressure he can bring up the middle and when combined with star defensive lineman Jurrell Casey, this pair has the potential to be elite together, both against the run and pass.

Of course, all of this will be dependent upon how quickly Simmons can return. He’s just four months into what is typically a seven- to nine-month recovery. The Titans will almost certainly take their time with Simmons, so I’d expect a December return at the earliest, if at all.

Should the Titans make a push for the playoffs this season, Simmons could make his debut at the perfect time and be a major shot in the arm for the stretch run.