Round 2, Pick 61: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Other Potential Picks: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame — Noah Igbenoghene, Auburn, CB
It feels like Bradlee Anae has been towards the top of Titans’ fans draft wishlists since before we even knew Tennessee would need an EDGE rusher. But now that Clowney’s NFL future is as uncertain as ever, it’s time to reignite the Anae draft crush.
The hyper-productive pass-rusher out of Utah hasn’t just been on fans minds, however. The team reportedly met with Anae during practices at the Senior Bowl in February, and had every reason to be interested in talking to the game-wrecking specialist based on his college production alone.
Anae will be coming into the NFL after leaving behind an impressive legacy with the Utah Utes. His 30 career sacks are first all-time for Utah, his 41.5 tackles for loss are fourth all-time, and his stellar 2019 season helped the pass-rusher become a consensus All-American and Morris Trophy winner in his senior year.
Arguably more than anything, the Titans need players that can get into the backfield and hit the quarterback. Harold Landry has been great at outside linebacker for Tennessee, but he can’t do it all on his own. Anae could come in and be an immediate game-changer for the Titans, giving them a pass-rushing presence they desperately need.
If Anae is off the board at 61, a player like Julian Okwara out of Notre Dame would be a stellar consolation prize for the Titans. Or if they decide to address the pass-rush in the first round, they could find a cornerback like Auburn’s Noah Igbenoghene in the second. But Anae’s production and upside make him a fantastic value in the late second round.