The Tennessee Titans had six selections going into this year’s NFL Draft. But, due to several trades made moving up to get their guy, they’ve (supposedly) finished this year’s draft with four new rookies. Let’s hit the recap for this year’s Titans draft.
Round 1 (22nd): ILB Rashaan Evans, Alabama – Absolutely loved the pick, and I don’t mind that they traded up to get him. The Pittsburgh Steelers were in talks to trade up and get him at #22, but there were also rumblings that New England had their eye on the kid at #23. So, no matter what, if this is the guy Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel wanted, they had to pull the trigger.
I love the pick – Evans is a sideline-to-sideline, rangy inside linebacker. He’s tough, aggressive, and fills what was in my mind the biggest need of these team for 2018. On 104.5 The Zone’s Wakeup Zone, Mark Howard said it’s like getting a C.J. Mosley that’s better in coverage. If that rings true, this kid could be the second coming of a guy named Keith Bulluck.
Round 2 (9th): OLB Harold Landry, Boston College – Honor Landry was an excellent selection…I mean…oops…Harold Landry…Anyway, yeah – this was downright shocking. Many thought that the first round pick was going to come down to Evans -OR- Landry. Who would’ve thought they’d end up with both? If Landry can recreate his 2016 season, he’s going to be an absolute beast.
Now, I have to give credit where credit’s due. Friday evening, I get a ping from Smokey saying, “the Titans could not draft another player this year and I’d be happy with this draft class.” I agree with that. These were the only two real missing pieces on this team.
Round 5 (15th): CB Dane Cruikshank, Arizona – The Titans trade up yet again to get their guy. I’m not surprised by the selection at all. Cruikshank was a guy who the Titans spent a lot of time with throughout the draft process. But, I wonder whether or not it was worth giving up the extra pick to get him. Time will surely tell.
But, to those who are poo-poo’ing the pick, saying “we don’t need another corner,” it looks like the Titans have already announced that he’ll be playing safety as a Titan. That’s fine, because that’s probably where his skill set translates best in the NFL, and the Titans needed to get some depth and competition at the safety position.
Round 6 (25th): QB Luke Falk, Washington State – At 199th overall, the Titans get their developmental “project” quarterback….at the Tom Brady slot, no less. If you would’ve asked me, I would’ve bet money on the Titans signing Houston’s Kyle Allen as a free agent, but they probably saw Falk slide to 199 and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Plus, with the picks made before him, they had the luxury of going anywhere with this one. All major team needs were addressed. I like Falk a lot. He’s risky, sure, but I think he’s going to have a legitimate shot in the NFL.
I think it’s safe to go on and post this. But, if Jon Robinson taught us anything, it’s that you never say never with the guy. If the Titans somehow trade up back into this draft, I’ll keep this post updated.
