For the Tennessee Titans, this has been a “very Titans draft.” That’s the best way I can put it, folks. This organization has a blueprint and they stick to it. They also clearly have their type in a player, and rarely get away from that. It’s hard to argue with the results, as the Titans have had six consecutive winning seasons under general manager Jon Robinson. So, let’s get to it – here is this year’s haul (as it comes in and in between me mowing the yard).
Tennessee Titans Draft Recap (2022)
Round 1: WR Treylon Burks – full report – Brown or no Brown, I love the pick. It’s not fair to compare Burks to Brown – hopefully, y’all will chill on that over time, but I’m not naive enough to count on it. Regardless, Burks has real WR1 potential in my eyes. He’s a guy the Titans can line up across the formation – outside, in the slot, in the back field, wherever – and just feed the ball to. He has the size and physicality we’ve come to expect out of Titans wide receivers. He’s slippery in the open field, and can accelerate when he identifies his opening. I think he needs to get better at drifting against zone coverage – I want to see him find and attack open spots. And, I think he needs to get better at bouncing back from press coverage knocking him out of rhythm early in his routes. Refine a couple of route-running and technique nitpicks, and you’ve got a guy with bona fide superstar potential.
Round 2: CB Roger McCreary – full report – I know this one raised some eyebrows, but I’m completely on board with it. McCreary is a battle-tested and polished cornerback, who is as competitive as they come. Wherever he lines up, he is going to be a press man guy. That’s his specialty – hell, he even told JRob that he just finds his guy, and covers his guy. That simple. He has some great tape against those vaunted Alabama receivers, and Ja’Marr Chase. If you’re struggling with the vision behind the pick, this is going to allow the Titans to play more man coverage, which is ideal for this defense, as they want to send more bodies to the quarterback. The Titans now have three talented man corners.
Round 3: OL Nicholas Petit-Frere – I didn’t get around to studying too much of Petit-Frere’s game, and I kicked myself as soon as I saw the Titans had met with the guy. But, on the surface, he seems like this regime’s type of offensive lineman – versatile and athletic. He should be able to play wherever they need him to.
Round 3: QB Malik Willis – Just an absolute steal to get this guy at #86 overall. We were talking about the Titans having to trade up in the first round to have any shot at getting Willis, and somehow, he falls to them in the third round. Look – it’s well-documented that Willis has plenty of issues to work on – footwork, decision-making, scanning the field, etc.. But, what he has in terms of physical traits is truly special. He would immediately be a top three rusher at the position in the NFL. He has a rocket of an arm and is capable of making big time NFL throws. Luckily, he landed in a spot where he’ll have ample time to develop…and if he doesn’t pan out…the second of two third round picks isn’t all that heavy of an investment. This could…should…be the quarterback of the future for the Titans.
Round 4: RB Hassan Haskins – He’s a durable and powerful runner that protects the football and just doesn’t fumble. He can be an immediate reliever for Derrick Henry, but don’t be surprised if he ends up being the heir apparent at the running back position for the Titans.
Round 4: TE Chigoziem Okonkwo – I thought the Titans could’ve used some explosiveness at the tight end position, and that’s exactly what they get in Chig Okonkwo. He is a menace after the catch, speedy, and has plenty of time to develop a more well-rounded tight end tool kit without having to face the pressure of making an immediate impact.
Round 5: WR Kyle Philips – Philips is good value in the 5th round, and should be a nice addition to the receiving corps as a solid route runner. While he doesn’t possess elite downfield speed, he’s pretty savvy in the open field and has a chance to be an option at slot receiver right away.
Round 6: S Theo Jackson – Just feels like a Titans pick, right? We’re continuing that trend today, for sure. Jackson is a long defensive back who plays fast and aggressive. He has experience playing multiple positions in the secondary, so I imagine this right here is your replacement for Dane Cruikshank. That’s the thinking, I’d imagine anyway.
Round 6: ILB Chance Campbell – I thought there was a chance the Titans would add another inside linebacker to add competition for that 4th spot behind Zach Cunningham, David Long Jr., and Monty Rice. This kind of feels like a reach here, as Campbell wasn’t a guy many expected to be drafted. But, hey – we said they reached for Rice as well. As long as they get their guy and he pans out, it doesn’t matter. Campbell is a big boi at 6’2″ 232 pounds. He was productive at Ole Miss.
It’s hard not to like what the Titans are doing this year. All in all, this looks like another solid class. The Titans like producers, physical guys that are hard to bring down, and guys that can do a lot of different things. They found that, and they were able to add depth to the roster for 2022 while taking a few picks that could be foundational pieces for the next era of Titans football. Hard to argue the vision.
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The Unofficial Titans Podcast on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotify, or wherever you take in your podcasts!
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
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
