The Tennessee Titans have made several key additions to their defensive front through free agency. Head coach Robert Saleh has already begun molding this defense into his own, but he's not done yet. With the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Titans will look to add more key contributors on the defensive side of the ball.
Many experts and fans expect the Titans to target an edge rusher position early in the draft. Whether it's on Day 1 or Day 2, it's hard to imagine they make it to Saturday without adding some pass-rush help. One prospect that could tempt the TItans on Day 2 is Michigan EDGE/LB Jaishawn Barham.
Barham is one of the more polarizing prospects in the NFL Draft. He recorded 32 tackles and just four sacks last season for the Wolverines, so his production is certainly questionable. He played in a hybrid role in his final two seasons at Michigan, rotating between off-ball linebacker and playing on the edge.
Once you turn on the film, you start to wonder why the Wolverines didn't keep him on the edge every snap.
NFL Draft: Jaishawn Barham could help Titans defense form an identity
At 6'3", 240 pounds, Barham possesses the prototypical size you'd expect in an NFL edge rusher, particularly in Saleh's 4-3 scheme. When lined up on the line of scrimmage, he doesn't get pushed around by offensive linemen and has the strength to set firm edges against the run. His agility also allows him to bounce around blocks and spring into the backfield.
The pass-rush upside is one of the more intriguing aspects of his game. Barham has the ability to win with speed around the edge and can also bull-rush through tackles. At the NFL Combine, his 1.61-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash showcased this explosiveness, ranking above projected top-five pick David Bailey.
Barham's prospect profile isn't picture perfect. As a pass rusher, he lacks the bend you would see in elite prospects, and his tackling in the backfield can be inconsistent at times. His pass-rush move arsenal is pretty raw as of now, but those moves can be coached. Explosiveness and strength on the other hand, cannot be coached.
His presence against both the run and the pass projects him as a potential three-down player. That violence off the edge would pair well with Jeffrey Simmons and John Franklin-Myers, and could help bring some toughness back to Tennessee's defense.
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