The 2022 NFL Draft is just nine days away – indeed, we’re in the endgame now. For the Tennessee Titans, this draft is about planting depth across the roster, accentuating strengths, and addressing the few needs they actually have. That might be a hot take, but I think this is already a pretty talented roster that doesn’t have a whole lot of holes in it. What they do in the first round, with their 26th overall pick, is completely up in the air. Taking a defensive lineman, linebacker, or running back are about the only things they could do there that would genuinely surprise me. I expect to see them grab their quarterback of the future, address the offensive line, or add an explosive wide receiver – one of those three, and I’m not even certain about that. Jon Robinson can get to wheelin’ and dealin’ after all. But after that, anything is fair game. Below, I’ve listed (in alphabetical order) several guys I would like for the Titans that they should be able to grab in the later stages of this year’s NFL Draft.
Draft Sleepers For The Tennessee Titans
TE Austin Allen – Some people see a guy running through quicksand, but I see a gamer. Allen is just all-around decent, and I mean that in the way Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys would say it. He has the length, solid hands, he’s a solid blocker, and while he might not electrify with the ball in his hands, he’s dependable. That could be a valuable skill set at the next level.
RB Tyler Badie – Badie’s skill set is being a bit underrated, and I get it. He doesn’t have the “ideal” size for a running back. But, he looks like the perfect change-of-pace pass-catching back. A 1:1 Darrynton Evans replacement?
[INSERT PROJECT QB HERE] – If I’m the Titans, it’s first round or no quarterback at all. But, there’s always the chance that they look to the later rounds to bring in a developmental prospect to challenge Logan Woodside. Who could that be? Well, there’s a myriad of guys I like (in general, but again…not necessarily for the Titans). Cole Kelley is the traits-y option. EJ Perry is the jack-of-all-trades option. Jack Coan is the polished pocket quarterback option. Take your pick. Oh, I should also mention Aqeel Glass here or I fear Zach from Football & Other F Words might open-hand slap me in the face the next time I see him.
LB D’Marco Jackson – Jackson is a shifty and rangy coverage linebacker that has added value on special teams. The Titans love their stud special teamer linebackers.
WR Velus Jones Jr. – Probably not exactly a “sleeper” for all the Vols fans reading SoBros Network locally, but he’s a speedster that can be lined up all over the formation and used in a myriad of ways.
DB Gregory Junior – Nobody seems to be talking about the cornerback out of Ouachita Baptist, but he impressed me with some tight coverage in big moments during Senior Bowl week. He’s not the shiftiest guy, but I’ll be damned if he can’t get up there and use his big frame to jam guys up.
WR Bo Melton – I don’t get why more people aren’t talking about Bo Melton and it’s making me crazy. He’s a sharp guy that shows a knack for finding the open spot on the field. Maybe not the most polished receiver, but knows how to get open and can make plays because of it.
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo – He’s a raw prospect, for sure, but if you can polish those explosive physical traits up into a more well-rounded tight end, watch out. Dude could be a weapon.
DB Leon O’Neal Jr. – Super underrated because he doesn’t flash as a rangy center-fielder, but this dude is a hard-hitter with good closing speed in the run game. He’s a guy you want crashing the box.
OT Chris Paul – There’s a lot of potential with Paul because of his size. If he gets with a coach that can connect with him on his technique, he is capable of becoming a quality right tackle.
RB Abram Smith – I get that he’s not the most explosive runner, but I think there’s some value with Smith late in this draft. He’s a great downhill runner with a willingness to navigate traffic to get yards, and also has an underrated one-cut step when he finds his hole.
TE Cole Turner – I’m higher on Turner than a lot of folks are, but he was a real surprise from the Senior Bowl, where he improved his stock by being a willing blocker and making explosive plays when called upon. He could be a steal late for someone
OT Cordell Volson – Volson has some intriguing size and chooses violence on a regular basis. I know some fans are shuddering at the thought of another North Dakota State offensive lineman, but let’s remember that book hasn’t been written completely just yet.
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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, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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