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.
There may not be a more polarizing prospect in this year’s NFL Draft than Arden Key. At one point, this kid was considered to be a surefire first rounder, some even mocking him inside the top 10. But, off-field concerns, namely his entering rehab for drug use, has him plummeting down draft boards. So much so that Mike Mayock doesn’t think Key will come off the board until as late as the 4th or 5th round.
It certainly doesn’t feel like Key is the type of prospect that Jon Robinson wants. But, they could feel the culture and atmosphere they’ve cultivated in Nashville is strong to handle selecting a guy like this. But, even off-field issues aside, Key’s production dipped big time this past year. Granted, supposedly, it was because of his smokin’ habit. Maybe he can correct course there. But, J-Rob seems to value production and he seems to value character. Both of those are huge question marks which leads me to believe he won’t be playing in Tennessee.
But, he’s been mocked to the Titans by several guys. So, that’s why we’re here today, folks. Just doing a bit of homework.
This isn’t exactly a deep draft full of “safe” pass rushing options. I think there’s plenty of talent and potential. But, there’s a major drop off after the guys graded for the first round. I feel like I’ve said it a million times, but the Titans have to come away with someone who can start and someone who can be a disruptive force in the NFL for years to come. But, what if all of those guys are gone?
There is absolutely 0% chance that Bradley Chubb is available. At one point, Harold Landry and Marcus Davenport were thought to be top-10 picks. By all accounts, Leighton Vander Esch will be off the board by the time the Titans select. Sam Hubbard doesn’t really have first round talent or measurables. So, could they be willing to roll the dice on Key’s talent in an effort to alleviate a huge need? Maybe. It’s far-fetched, in my opinion, but maybe.
I would rather see the Titans wait and take a more productive, less risky (albeit less talented) prospect in one of the later rounds and draft the best player available in the first round.
Further Reading: SEC Country goes into Key’s off-the-field concerns in a little more detail.
2018 TENNESSEE TITANS FIRST ROUND OPTIONS ARCHIVES
Lorenzo Carter
Marcus Davenport
Tremaine Edmunds
Rashaan Evans
Ronnie Harrison
Will Hernandez
Sam Hubbard
Malik Jefferson
Ronald Jones
Harold Landry
Josh Sweat
Leighton Vander Esch
Vita Vea
Isaiah Wynn
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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