Here’s what to expect from every Tennessee Titans draftee.
As the 2021 NFL regular season approaches, the Tennessee Titans have a number of rookies looking to make an impact early. They’re constantly under the gun, but the questions revolve around, even before these guys take the field, how they’ll perform when one tries to measure their talent and opportunities.
How will each rookie fare in their first season with the Titans? What will they look like when the pressure comes on. Those are great questions. Here’s an attempt to answer them.
Round 1 draftee Caleb Farley, cornerback:
We begin with the first-round pick, cornerback Caleb Farley. He was quite possibly the most talented corner to come out of the 2021 NFL Draft, but questions surrounding his recent back surgery in March and the possibility of that back issue lingering throughout his career can’t be ignored.
At times in training camp, he has underperformed, At times, he has flashed. Just recently when being matched up with superstar Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans in joint practices, he was abused on three separate occasions. Now, while these struggles can be concerning, we shouldn’t forget that he didn’t play at all in 2020, so it may take some time for him to fully make an impact as a starting NFL cornerback.
In a crowded cornerback room with Janoris Jenkins, Kristian Fulton, and fellow rookie Elijah Molden, he could be prohibited from making an immediate impact, so look for Farley to be mixed in as the number three or four corner on the depth chart early on.
Tennessee Titans second and third-rounders
Round 2 draftee Dillon Radunz, offensive lineman:
Next up is second-round draft choice Dillon Radunz. He began camp struggling mightily but appeared to get more comfortable in the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. He still has a long way to go to be game-ready against starting defensive ends, but the improvement as of late is encouraging nonetheless.
Radunz will need as many reps as he can get to gain confidence and chemistry with his teammates on the offensive line. Expect him to serve as the backup to starting right guard Nate Davis early on, but the more he can show improvements throughout practice and build his strength in the weight room, his role should increase.
Round 3 draftees Monty Rice (linebacker) and Elijah Molden (defensive back):
The Titans drafted two prospects in Round 3, both on defense, inside linebacker Monty Rice and cornerback Elijah Molden. Rice was thought of as a reach when selected, but he comes from a school that has produced very talented defensive players in the NFL.
What’s standing in his way are starting inside linebackers Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans. There’s also David Long Jr., so the opportunity won’t be there to make an early impact. Rice will most likely serve as a second-team inside linebacker alongside Long Jr., and he could fill in on run downs if Evans or Brown were to get injured.
Molden was arguably the best value selection the Titans made this past April. He was forged in the same mold as Tyrann Mathieu. Molden should compete for playing time immediately and could make the earliest impact among all Titans rookies in 2021.
Tennessee Titans Day 3 draftees
Round 4 draftees Dez Fitzpatrick (wide receiver) Rashad Weaver (outside linebacker):
Wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick was the first of two 4th round picks for Tennessee, and while he has good talent and college productivity, he simply hasn’t shown much in training camp to warrant a spot on this roster. At best, he is eighth on the WR depth chart, and unless they are able to sneak him on the practice squad, he could very well become a cut casualty before the final 53 man roster is revealed.
Rashad Weaver is next up on this list, and while he still has off-field issues to deal with, he has shown the ability to set the edge well in the run game. He could line up as the third outside linebacker behind only Bud Dupree and Harold Landry. Look for Weaver and John Simon, to spell Dupree and Landry as a part of the linebacker rotation, especially on run downs. Don’t expect too much from him as a pass rusher until he can develop and add to his repertoire of moves.
6th round draftees Racey McMath (wide receiver) and Brady Breeze (safety):
Racey McMath and safety Brady Breeze shouldn’t be counted on to make much of an impact in the coming season. McMath has provided a few flash plays here and there in training camp, but he lacks consistency. Breeze hasn’t really stood out in camp and could be a cut candidate before the regular season begins.
General Manager Jon Robinson is hoping to get better results from his 2021 class than he got from the 2020 version, but patience and tempered expectations will be needed when evaluating the majority of these rookies.