Welcome to the weekly Tennessee Titans draft roundup for the 2018 NFL Draft. Over the course of the next several weeks, I’ll be releasing this column once a week with my very professional journalism opinions. You’ll find everything from rumors to wild speculation to actual analysis (sometimes). Titan up!
*The big news of the week so far is Ndamukong Suh signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams, who are building a star-studded defense this offseason. I mean, DAMN – if those pieces come together, this could be an incredible unit. But, for the Titans, it means they lost out on getting a starter along the defensive line, and now they need to find one. Sylvester Williams and Karl Klug were let go, so as it stands, the Titans are going to ride it out with a rotation of young guys that they feel pretty good about.
But, this week, I’ve seen Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne’s name popping up in a few mocks, and just wanted to address the possibility. Do I think he’ll be there at #25? No – I think it’s unlikely. But, if he is, the Titans could do a lot worse. I still say edge rusher is the #1 need, with ILB a close second. But, it’s not like the Titans are completely devoid of talent anywhere. And, adding a guy like Payne to a line that includes Jurrell Casey and a healthy DaQuan Jones would make for a formidable unit. Plus, the loss of Avery Williamson hurts in run support. This would be a move about retaining one of the league’s best run defenses. I don’t think I’d be disappointed by that.
*Jon Robinson spent the day before the NFL League Meetings started in Orlando with UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin. Robinson had several complimentary things to say about Griffin’s abilities and intangibles. By all accounts, Griffin fits the bill as a J-Rob type of guy. Plus, he performed like a genetic freak at the NFL Scouting Combine. Don’t take these types of meetings too lightly. In this case, I think it’s a genuine interest in the prospect.
*The Titans signed Blaine Gabbert to alleviate the need for a backup quarterback, but I still think they take a flier on a young quarterback late this year. They worked out Houston quarterback Kyle Allen recently. Allen was a decent enough quarterback at Texas A&M, but never could definitively hold on to the starting job. The Titans aren’t going to invest a high draft pick in a quarterback, so this is the type of player we’re looking at.
*Sam Hubbard says the Titans are one of the teams to show the most interest in him. I’m not as high on the potential selection as others. I don’t know that he has the talent to become an elite pass rusher in the NFL. He’s more of a work ethic guy, though, in fairness, there’s a case against that opinion.
*I love Jon Robinson breaking out the pads at Tennessee’s Pro day.
*The Titans are reportedly showing some interest in Iowa center James Daniels.
*Another name to watch this year is G Braden Smith – The Titans met with him at the combine, and he was recruited by Mike Vrabel when he was at Ohio State, before choosing Auburn.
*Finally, let’s talk about Joel Klatt mocking Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey to the Titans. What a stupid move. What an absolute display of complete cluelessness – this guy has NO idea what the Titans actually need. You’ve got a Pro Bowl left tackle…an All-Pro right tackle….you’ve got Touchdown Dennis Kelly relieving those guys as needed….but, no….we need a tackle! I don’t always believe that there’s a small market bias against the Titans, but this is definitely an example of the national media not doing their homework. Sad!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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