The Tennessee Titans are in an excellent position at this point. They don’t have too many glaring holes on the roster, which gives them the benefit of essentially going “best player available” in this week’s NFL Draft. Jon Robinson needs to boost the pass rush, and the Titans could use an ILB to take over for Avery Williamson’s departure. But, while it’s easier to get the early rounds right, finding that gem late in the draft is a little more difficult. Let’s take a look at some guys the Titans could target in rounds 5-7.
Offense
QB Kyle Allen – Do I think the Titans will actually invest a draft pick in a quarterback this year? No. But, I’m mentioning Allen here because the Titans actually spent time with him throughout this draft season. Allen could develop into something over time. And, let’s face it. Blaine Gabbert ain’t the long-term solution as Marcus Mariota’s backup.
WR Robert Foster – Foster had virtually no real production at Alabama, and that doesn’t fit the bill for a Jon Robinson type of prospect. That said, he possesses the one thing the Titans receiving corps seems to lack right now: pure straight-line speed. Foster is a premium athlete. According to many experts, though, the Titans might not even have to use a draft pick on him. Many project him as an UDFA.
WR Richie James – Unlike Foster, James has the production (when healthy). I expect the Titans to look at WR in this draft, and James is an intriguing option. Injuries restricted him during 2017, but if he can recapture some of the magic of that 2016 season, he could find a nice role within the offense. It all depends what J-Rob and company will be looking for.
RB John Kelly – I’ve been high on Kelly for quite a while now, and I still say we shouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans bring in another RB. There are still questions about Derrick Henry’s ability to start with a full workload, and Dion Lewis does have a substantial injury history. Kelly could develop into a nice player.
OT Will Richardson – The NC State prospect has a lot of talent potential. If you’re willing to look past the character concerns, you may very well get a nice developmental project. The Titans beefed up the interior offensive line in free agency, but may want to add some depth at tackle in the draft.
Defense
ILB – Shaun Dion Hamilton – Back-to-back season-ending knee injuries caused him to plummet down draft boards, but he really is the quintessential “football player” at ILB. Great instincts, technically sound, and above average football intelligence. If he could stay healthy, he could end up being a steal in the later rounds.
EDGE Jeff Holland – The Titans will be looking to fill Erik Walden’s void as a pass rush specialist in 2018, and someone like Holland could just do it. He’s a pure pass rusher (read: can’t cover) who needs to work on his technique, but has potential to push for a starting role.
DT Bilal Nichols – He won’t help in the pass rush. But, he’s a good effort guy with decent production. Nichols is a project, but could add to an already good run defense.
DT R.J. McIntosh – If the Titans wanted to travel in the opposite direction of someone like Nichols, they may look at McIntosh. He’s a phenomenal athlete who can harass quarterbacks, but needs work in defending the run.
DE Mike Love – He’s big enough to play defensive end, but would figure to play OLB in the 3-4. Love has some injury concerns, but is a high-motor pure pass rusher.
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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