The 2018 NFL Draft takes place April 26-28 this year, and as it stands, the Tennessee Titans have one first round draft pick. General manager Jon Robinson and first year head coach Mike Vrabel currently hold the 25th overall selection. Over the next few weeks, your boy “Big Natural” Stoney Keeley will be taking a look at some of the prospects who are either rumored to be tied to or who make sense for the Titans.
With the moves we’ve seen in free agency so far, the Titans’ need for an inside linebacker has increased. Avery Williamson is out, but he was never really that rangy do-it-all type of linebacker. Dude was a beast of a tackler and stuffed the run with the best of ’em. But, the Titans need a guy at the position who can do a little bit of everything. And, folks – we’re here today to talk about a dude who can.
When you think about Rashaan Evans, you think versatility, plain and simple. This guy lined up, and lined up reliably mind you, all over the place at Alabama. Outside linebacker, inside linebacker, rushing the passer – it made no difference. The dude was a beast.
I’m a ‘Bama fan, so I saw plenty of it firsthand, and can say that if this is the pick, I would be ecstatic. He has the size to play the position, but possesses above-average athleticism. He’s explosive and doesn’t mind dropping into coverage one bit. We haven’t seen a Titans linebacker do that consistently over the last couple of years.
Perhaps most importantly is the leap he made from 2016 to 2017. That’s encouraging – maybe this guy hasn’t even reached his potential yet?
Some are saying it was easier for him to stand out playing behind Alabama’s defensive front. Maybe that’s true, but I’ll say this. The Titans have a pretty damn good defensive line, so that shouldn’t be a concern here.
Lot of people are saying he’ll fit best at inside linebacker in a 3-4. Well, guess what, analysts. The Titans need a difference maker at ILB, and they happen to run a 3-4 that should be pretty aggressive if Dean Pees’ prior defenses are any sort of indication. He needs to work on his instincts a bit, but this guy could be a potential blue-chipper if he lands in the right situation. The Titans would be one of those ideal situations.
Further Reading: Alex Kirshner had a great piece on Evans’ versatility for SB Nation.
Tennessee Titans First Round Options Archives
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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