Tennessee Titans 2022 NFL Draft grade: Theo Jackson

The Tennessee Titans needed a defensive back to replace Dane Cruikshank and that is exactly what they got in former Tennessee Volunteer Theo Jackson.

Here’s what that means if you’re a Tennessee Titans fan

Last night it looked like the Tennessee Titans might use Roger McCreary as the slot corner and allow Elijah Molden to play more safety in certain packages, and maybe they still do. However, the addition of Theo Jackson gives them another big, athletic DB that can give you snaps at cornerback or safety.

There seems to be a theme in draft classes where Jon Robinson has a surplus of picks on Day 3, and that is to find athletic DBs that can be physical presences on special teams in the hopes that they develop into starters on defense over time.

Guys like Theo Jackson, Amani Hooker, Chris Jackson, Kalan Reed, and Brady Brees all followed the same path. While some guys have more success than others, it is hard to argue with that hit rate considering the risk and reward.

Looking at those testing numbers, it is easy to see the upside as long as you don’t ask him to come down and cover a shifty receiver in tight spaces.

What did the Tennessee Titans miss out on?

Doing a little projection, after this selection the Titans have added a WR1, WR3, CB4, OT3, QB2, RB2, TE2, and now a fourth safety. The only real need that they have at this point is possibly some competition at left guard for Aaron Brewer and Jamarco Jones. With plenty of linemen on the board, that seems like something they might wait until UDFA signings to target.

Late on Day 3, the only goals are to take some shots at filling low priority needs or to try to improve special teams, so taking an athletic defensive back like Jackson is a smart bet.

It is also nice to see a Tennessee Titan who has played at the University of Tennessee. The last Vols draft pick for the Titans was Justin Hunter nearly a decade ago and as the team gets back to prominence, it is nice to see local products.

Not that it has any bearing, but it would be nice if Theo Jackson was able to shed some light on some of the skill players at Tennessee because they are going to produce some stars sooner rather than later.

Grade: B