I know, I know. Two weeks before the 2021 NFL Draft is cutting it a little close to be finally putting out my shopping list for the Tennessee Titans. Truth be told, I thought the Titans would be a little more active deeper into free agency. I didn’t want to put out my draft list and then the Titans sign some guy that alleviates the need. But, at this point, with just a couple of weeks to go, I’d be willing to bet we’re just going to see teams settle in and focus on the draft. Afterwards, we’ll see another run on free agents as teams fill in the gaps. So, with that said, let’s get to it. This is my list of Titans draft needs for 2021.
As it stands, the Titans currently have nine picks in the 2021 NFL Draft:
- 1st round, 22nd overall
- 2nd round, 53rd overall
- 3rd round, 85th overall
- 3rd round, 100th overall
- 4th round, 126th overall
- 5th round, 166th overall
- 6th round, 205th overall
- 6th round, 215th overall
- 7th round, 232nd overall
Tennessee Titans Draft Needs (2021)
Cornerback
People seem to be citing cornerback and wide receiver as interchangeable in terms of importance for the NFL Draft, but I’m not so sure. They’re in a tough, tough spot at cornerback after blowing up just about the entire secondary from a season ago. They signed Janoris Jenkins, Jackrabbit, who is a terrific man coverage guy. As it stands, he’s probably your top corner. They invested a 2nd round pick in Kristian Fulton a year ago, and in doing so, demonstrated an obvious hope that he can pan out to be a starter. But, he’s not proven. His rookie year was riddled with injury. Cornerback, in my opinion, is far and away the biggest need on this team. They have to get a guy that can not only play, but make an impact at the position, right away.
Caleb Farley scares the hell out of me because of his injury history and opting out of football for the 2020 season. After what you went through with Adoree Jackson a season ago, you’re going to take a flier on a guy who is entering the league with injury questions? I don’t know, guys – doesn’t seem like the move to me. I don’t think Jaycee Horn is going to be there for the Titans to select at #22, but I’ll agree that he’s at least in the conversation for the best cornerback in this draft. So, for me – I land on Greg Newsome out of Northwestern. He’s a sticky coverage guy, which would give you a pair of solid man coverage defenders, freeing up the front seven to tee off. Regardless of whether it’s at #22 or not, the Titans have to spend an early pick in this year’s draft on a cornerback.
Wide Receiver
Receiver is a huge need after losing Corey Davis to the New York Jets. But, that is not to say that they need a clone of Davis. It doesn’t matter how the Titans offense gets production, it just needs production, y’know? There’s a plethora of options to add a new dynamic to the passing game. This is an incredibly deep receiver class, which would lead me to believe that it’s not as pressing of a need as cornerback. The Titans can afford to wait until the second round or later and grab a guy like Elijah Moore or Rondale Moore.
Edge Rush
I don’t think the Titans should be done at pass rush. Sure, adding Bud Dupree is a hell of a move, and Harold Landry has proven to be a sturdy presence in the pass rush rotation. But, this was a historically bad pass rush in 2020. The Titans aren’t just a piece or two away in this regard. They need to blow the whole thing up, and bring in some HORSES. I don’t think they should even be done after the draft either. Bring in another veteran who is just going to be a rotational piece and get sacks as the third guy. Dupree’s addition does make this less of a pressing need, but it’s something I expect the Titans will still add through the draft.
Right Tackle
Well, you cut Dennis Kelly – maybe it’s because you’re trying to save money. Maybe you’re trying to get ahead of the curve on the guy…releasing him a little too early because you’d rather do that than release him a little late. I don’t know. But, the guy you drafted to be the heir apparent to the right tackle position last year (Isaiah Wilson) was a total failure…a historically bad draft pick. You could not have whiffed any harder on a prospect than the Titans whiffed on Isaiah Wilson a year ago. You sign Kendall Lamm, and I imagine he’ll be a serviceable stopgap. Maybe you’re thinking you can get by with what you have because you produced a 2,000-yard rusher with your 7th and 8th guy in 2020. Again, I don’t know – but you need a damn right tackle now.
Tight End
Oof – it’s a rough year to be looking for a starting caliber tight end. I don’t know that there’s many of those guys in this year’s draft class. The Titans are NOT going to end up with Kyle Pitts. Say it with me, Titans fans – I think some of you need to beat this into your head. The Titans are NOT going to end up with Kyle Pitts. The Titans are NOT going to end up with Kyle Pitts. I would not be surprised to see them invest a second round pick in a prospect like Pat Freiermuth or Brevin Jordan. But, beyond that, the position is a total crap shoot. I expect they may roll with Anthony Firkser and Geoff Swaim and get creative in how they replace the presence of Jonnu Smith with multiple guys. A mid-to-late round flier on a raw tight end with a lot of upside isn’t out of the question.
The Trenches
Finally, I’d say the Titans could stand to round out the room on the defensive and offensive lines. They could stand to add a couple of interior offensive linemen and a tackle or two to serve as depth in the event of injury. Hell, why not try and get a guy you could develop into the right tackle of the future? The center of the future? Ben Jones ain’t gettin’ any younger. You get the idea – add some competition along the offensive line. The defensive line is a bit more pressing. It’s rather shallow compared to years past. They added Denico Autry, and that should provide a significant boost next Jeffery Simmons. But, they need another difference-maker along that line. Hell, I wouldn’t even be surprised to see them take a swing on a guy in the first round if the value is there. Christian Barmore, anyone?
Check out the latest episode of The Unofficial Titans Podcast, on which I break down the hiring of Jim Schwartz, and the 2021 Titans draft needs HERE:
Listen to “Ep. 58: The Return of Jim Schwartz, 2021 Draft Needs” on Spreaker.MORE 2021 NFL DRAFT CONTENT
- It Is Insane To Suggest That Anyone Other Than Trevor Lawrence Should Be The Top Pick In This Year’s Draft
- My Top Five QBs Heading Into The 2021 NFL Draft
- Titans First Round Options: Zaven Collins
- Titans First Round Options: Greg Newsome
- Titans First Round Options: Jaylen Waddle
- We’re Thinking Mac Jones at Third Overall, Huh?
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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