Welcome to the weekly Tennessee Titans draft roundup for the 2019 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!
*Mike Vrabel was at Houston’s Pro Day – I know there’s a lot of that going on this time of year, with teams having at least a presence at the majority of Pro Days. But, I figured this one was noteworthy because the head coach was in attendance. I imagine it’s to check out DT Ed Oliver, but who knows?
Oliver would not be my first choice at DT, but if Christian Wilkins goes early, they might not have a choice. The guy’s as talented as they come, but there’s the whole character issue. He did fight his coach over a jacket, after all.
*The team hosted a meeting with Florida State EDGE Brian Burns. Considering they only get 30 of these, this is worth mentioning. Burns is as pure a pass rusher as you’re going to find in this draft, but he may not possess the size to help in run support or the skill to cover anyone in space. Now, if you just want pass rush help and are okay with trying to develop Burns into a more complete player, by all means – the Titans could do much worse. He will likely be available at #19, I’d imagine.
*The Titans met with Devin Singletary at Florida Atlantic’s Pro Day. They were one of only three teams to do so with the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. Kinda surprised by this one, as the team appears set with Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. But, Lewis didn’t play to expectations in 2018, and while Henry had a solid finish to last season, the jury’s still out on whether or not that stretch is now the norm or an exception. Singletary is as productive as a running back as they come, and we know Jon Robinson has a big thing for production.
*I still think it’s worth bringing in a third quarterback. Whether it’s a late round draft pick or an UDFA, it’s best to be prepared. Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill both have an extensive injury history. They tried to do this last year with Luke Falk, and it failed miserably. It’s worth trying to get right, though. How about a minimal investment in Nick Fitzgerald? He has the size and college production, running ability, and a good arm. The problem is that whole ‘accurate passing’ deal. I don’t know that he can make NFL throws, but if you have time to develop him, he could become a serviceable guy. Am I way off base here? It feels like I’m being crazy.
*So far, I’ve taken a pretty hard stance against drafting a tight end in the first round. But, slowly but surely, I’m coming around. After the Titans addressed some major needs through free agency, I think it frees them up to go ‘best player available’ in the first round. They need EDGE help. They need a RG now. And, they could use another starting caliber receiver. That said, they need play-makers and mismatch nightmares. Both of the Iowa boys (T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant) fit that bill. I wouldn’t be outraged if either guy was the pick.
*On Jim Wyatt’s latest ‘Tour of the Mocks,’ I couldn’t help but notice a severe lack of interior offensive linemen. ONE GUY mocked Garrett Bradbury to the Titans. That was it – someone even put Drew Lock to the Titans at #19. I’m a fan of Lock – don’t tempt me with your hot takes, people.
I did like Mel Kiper slotting Dexter Lawrence to the Titans, and Dan Cotton of CBS Sports going with the aforementioned Burns. It seems we’re all in agreement now that Montez Sweat will NOT be there at #19.
*As it stands, the Titans will have six picks in this year’s draft:
- 1st round – 19th overall
- 2nd round – 51st overall
- 3rd round – 82nd overall
- 4th round – 121st overall
- 5th round – 157th overall
- 6th round – 188th overall
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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