The 2017 NFL Draft has just concluded, so let’s not waste any time. Here’s a comprehensive look at the new haul of Tennessee Titans:
Round 1, 5th overall: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan – Many thought this was a reach, but we always say if you covet a guy, you have to grab him when you have the chance. Clearly, Jon Robinson and Mike Mularkey see an elite NFL future for Davis. He should emerge as the Titans #1 receiver throughout training camp and the preseason, and become a deadly weapon for Marcus Mariota.
Round 1, 18th overall: Adoree Jackson, CB/KR, USC – Jackson is a difference-maker. He possesses game-breaking speed and is a threat with the ball in his hands. The former Trojan is a bit undersized, but he’ll have time to develop into a corner in the NFL. This coaching staff is content starting 2017 with Logan Ryan and LeShaun Sims starting at cornerback.
Round 3, 72nd overall: Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky – The Titans traded up to get him, and I love this pick. Taylor has a lot of the characteristics of Brandin Cooks – blazing speed and deep-play potential. That was the missing dynamic on this Titans offense last year, and Taylor should provide that. I would’ve been okay if this was the first receiver the Titans took this draft.
Round 3, 100th overall: Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International –It seems as though every scout’s NFL comparison for Smith is Delanie Walker. He has a similar skill set, so why not have him come in and learn from Walker? This draft was clearly about getting Mariota some upgraded weaponry.
Round 5, 155th overall: Jayon Brown, LB, UCLA – The Titans may have waited a bit too long to address the issues at linebacker. Brown is undersized, but he’s fast. The hope is that he’ll be able to come in and run with some of these more athletic tight ends. Avery Williamson’s spot is safe, but Brown will compete with Wesley Woodyard.
Round 6, 217th overall: Corey Levin, G, Chattanooga – We all knew the Titans would address guard at some point in this draft, and Levin seems like a Titans type of player. Again, Quinton Spain had to wrestle away the starting job last preseason, and Josh Kline isn’t the long-term solution. Levin should get an opportunity to compete for a job, if he can beat out Sebastian Tretola.
Round 7, 227th overall: Josh Carraway, OLB, TCU – Earlier in the week, I wrote that Carraway was a guy the Titans should look at as an edge rusher. Lo and behold, he is now a Titan. Carraway will get a chance to play in 2017. He is extremely versatile and athletic, and has an opportunity to get in the OLB rotation right away.
Round 7, 236th overall: Brad Seaton, T, Villanova – Seaton is a behemoth at 6’8″ and 329 pounds, but he plays a position of great strength for the Titans. It’ll be hard for him to be anything more than competition in camp unless he improves his technique. He’s a total project.
Round 7, 241st overall: Khalfrani Muhammad, RB, Cal – He’s a much smaller and shiftier back than DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. I imagine the coaching staff is envisioning a Darren Sproles type of role for this guy should he stick on the roster, but it keeps up the theme of getting alternate weapons for Mariota. Time will tell.
Overall: The Titans did not approach this draft at all how I thought they would. I figured with the defense needing improvement where it did, we’d see a linebacker and pass rusher chosen earlier than we did. I also thought they’d look at a safer cornerback prospect earlier on than Jackson. But, as I’ve hammered on throughout this process, this coaching staff may be content to start 2017 with Sims and Ryan. For now, I have to give it a C+, but I’m fully confident this team will prove me wrong.
There’s a reason I’m sitting here typing this and those guys are running a NFL team. Happy draft season y’all – catch your breath and take a break!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork
