We’ve been talking about where the Tennessee Titans are going to go with their first round picks ad nauseam. But, as we all know, those hidden late-round gems are just as big a part of the NFL draft as the early-round picks. You’ve all heard Tom Brady’s name mentioned in this conversation to the point where you’re probably already rolling your eyes at me. But, a much more realistic example would be, well, last year.
Mid and late-round draft picks contributed significantly for the Titans in 2016. Starting with Kevin Byard in the third round, Tajae Sharpe and LeShaun Sims in the fifth, and Kalan Reed in the seventh, each rookie had his chance to prove himself.
That being said, let’s take a look at some guys who could contribute in 2017 at the Titans primary positions of need.
Cornerback
Rasul Douglas, West Virginia – Physically disruptive with all the measurables you look for in a corner. He needs some polish, but it doesn’t appear to be anything a coaching staff in the NFL can’t fix.
Brendan Langley, Lamar – Athletic, aggressive, and competitive – Langley is a small-school late round project. But, his coverage skills offer intriguing potential.
Fabian Moreau, UCLA – Needs to improve his field vision and locating the football, but he’s stout (6’0″, 205lbs) and was a three year starter.
Cam Sutton, Tennessee – Fluid, instinctive corner who plays smoothly in any type of coverage. Plus, he was a four year starter, which feeds into general manager Jon Robinson’s affinity for productive players.
EDGE
Josh Carraway, TCU – Versatile and athletic, Carraway gets to opposing quarterbacks – could become a nice piece in Dick LeBeau’s rotation of pass rushers.
Dawuane Smoot, Illinois – Big question surround Smoot is his strength and ability to bulk up. Otherwise, he’s quick, disruptive, and has the production to back it up.
Inside Linebacker
Marquel Lee, Wake Forest – Three year starter with loads of production – stops, tackles, sacks, force fumbles, you name it. Needs to develop his tackling technique but could become a solid contributor.
Anthony Walker, Jr., Northwestern – Seems like the right combination of accolades and production that the Titans like, but he’s raw.
Offensive Line
J.J. Dielman, T, Utah – The Titans aren’t in need of an immediate start at tackle, but Dielman just seems like the perfect fit for this team. He’s a big ‘attitude guy,’ bringing his lunch pail to work every day. Plays well in pass protection and run blocking.
David Sharpe, G, Florida – At 6’5″, Sharpe is a behemoth who can drive defenders backwards. True steamroll potential at guard, a position the Titans will need to deepen heading into training camp.
Safety
Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech – Late, late round project safety. At 5’11”, he is short, but he has the instincts and pedigree that this Titans regime has demonstrated they value.
Tight End
Gerald Everett, South Alabama – There’s something intriguing about Everett. He’s been called an oversized wide receiver, but his athletic ability could make him the ‘mismatch nightmare’ type of tight end. The Titans need a playmaker.
Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas – The Titans lost Anthony Fasano to the Miami Dolphins. Sprinkle fits the same type of mold, a traditional tight end. Sprinkle is an exceptional blocker who doesn’t drop the ball when it’s thrown to him.
Wide Receiver
Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington – He’s a gamer – the typical “football player” type. That’s probably why the Titans have already shown interest in the guy. I expect he’ll be a target in the third round if he doesn’t creep into the second round.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama – I wrote, like, 500 words on why Stewart is an ideal fit for the Titans. Of all the dudes on this list, he’s the one the Titans should covet the most if he’s available in the third round. I truly believe he could solve the wide receiver issues the Titans are facing.
Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky – Taylor is the explosive deep threat the Titans are currently lacking. They want one! Or else, why would they have been in so deep on Brandin Cooks?
Let’s hear from y’all, Titans fans. Who are the sleepers in this draft class you want to see in two-tone blue?
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
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