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5 prospects the Titans should consider early in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Benjamin Mott

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes this reception in for a touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes this reception in for a touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Jay Tufele #78 of the USC Trojans in action on defense during a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Jay Tufele #78 of the USC Trojans in action on defense during a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Jay Tufele, DT, USC

Jeffery Simmons has been great so far in 2020, but the truth is, the difference between when 98 is on the field and when he is off the field, is staggering.

DaQuan Jones, who is in a contract year, is a solid overall defensive lineman, but he’s in the final year of his contract and despite a good performance against the Chicago Bears the Titans may decide that now is the time to invest a high pick in another young talent inside.

There is a chance that Jones just gets a better offer from another team and moves on for a big payday from someone who thinks he can be a guy who plays every down. Going forward, the idea seems to be that the Titans are looking to find someone young behind and beside Simmons (5th round pick spent on Larrell Murchison, UDFA Teair Tart has been getting more snaps lately).

If that is a consideration, then Jay Tufele should be one of the only defensive linemen that the Titans monitor with their first-round pick.

The 6’3, 305-pound defensive lineman opted out of the 2020 season back in August and is preparing for the NFL draft.

In 2019, he racked up 42 total tackles and four and a half sacks, as well as a blocked punt, earning himself a spot on the All-Pac 12 1st team. He could help generate an interior pass rush for the Titans and is pretty stout as a run stopper. He can most likely play the nose tackle position, so if Jones doesn’t return, Tufele can be a solid replacement for him.

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