Welcome to the weekly Tennessee Titans draft roundup for the 2023 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!
*The Titans locked down one of their cornerstones last week, signing Jeffery Simmons to a four year deal worth $94M. It does absolutely nothing for their draft plans – I don’t think there would’ve been a Big Jeff to select in this draft class even if they wanted to replace him, all due respect to Jalen Carter. They could stand to add another rotational guy or two, but defensive tackle was never a draft-able need, and this signing only solidifies that. This is a good defensive line draft, so they’re in a great spot to get some value. Good for Big Jeff.
*The Titans are meeting with TCU WR Quentin Johnston, and while I’m not the highest on the guy, I’d be eager to see what another guy with his potential could do alongside Treylon Burks. From a size and traits standpoint, that’s a formidable duo, but I think there’s a lot of polishing to do on Johnston’s game. He is currently my WR5 in this draft class.
*They’re also meeting with Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents, who fits the mold of what they’re looking for in a cornerback – long and physical. He can get a little grabby when he’s beat in man situations, but I love the way he approaches the game with a headhunting mindset. He has the traits to mold into a better man corner. I don’t remember who, but I saw one insider say a couple weeks ago that Brents is CB1 on a couple of team’s big boards and could be a surprise first round pick. I don’t think that team would be the Titans.
*I’m still keeping an eye on Jim Wyatt’s ‘Tour of the Mocks’ every week, and this week, I noticed a couple of names that I don’t see pop up too often on mock drafts for the Titans: Tyree Wilson and Bijan Robinson. Now, Wilson was Mel Kiper Jr.’s selection, so we can toss that credibility right out the window. But, I don’t think I would be all that bummed if Wilson was the pick at 11. I wrote about him more here, but I think he has a higher floor than some people are suggesting, and his traits are so freakish that he could end up being the best defensive player to come out of this draft when we look up four years down the road. Robinson checks every box you look at in a running back, and if the team is looking to move on from Derrick Henry, he’d be a great selection to fill that void. He can be the focal point of an offense in 2023. And, in case you are just now introducing yourself to my work, I’ll say it again – I don’t think the Titans are tied to any one strategy come draft day. They can do whatever the hell they want to.
*I am so mad that I had to watch Lukas Van Ness tape because so many people mocked him to the Titans at #11 about a month ago. I’m not even sure this guy is a first rounder – he was a rotational player at Iowa and looks like more of an interior guy than a pure pass rusher. If you’re drafting him high, it’s because you think you can mold him into an honorary Watt brother.
*Adam Rank can go fuck himself for mocking Jordan Addison to the Titans at #11.
*Guys I got around to watching since we last spoke: The Titans have shown some interest in Louisville left tackle Trevor Reid, so I fired up some Louisville offense from the 2022 season, and found him to be a pretty solid value add as a pass protector late in the draft. They keep looking at these dudes who are primarily pass protectors, and it makes me think we’re in for a vastly different style of offense in 2023. I also watched Utah T/G Braeden Daniels, and am now leading the hype train for the Titans to take him, even if it means they spend a third round pick and take him a round higher than he’s projected to go. I’ve written blurbs on both guys over on my Big Board on the SoBros Network Patreon if you’d like some more.
*Guys you should watch because the Titans have shown an interest in them (go follow Justin Melo): Steve Avila, Rashee Rice, Tucker Kraft, Kelee Ringo, Darnell Wright, Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson, Jaelyn Duncan, O’Cyrus Torrence, Emmanuel Forbes, Tyler Scott, Jonathan Mingo, Hendon Hooker, Jacob Copeland, Mark Evans II, Braeden Daniels, DJ Johnson, McClendon Curtis, Quan Martin, Devonnsha Maxwell, Xavier Smith, Ventrell Miller, Trenton Simpson, Trevor Reid, Quentin Johnston, Julius Brents, Will Levis, Tyler Beach, Keion White, Keondre Coburn, Mohamoud Diabate
*My current rooting interest – in other words, what I hope the Titans do come the end of the month:
- Quarterback (Young > Richardson > Stroud)
- Paris Johnson Jr.
- Jaxson Smith-Njigba
- Trade back
- Christian Gonzalez
*As it stands, the Titans currently have six picks in the 2023 NFL Draft:
- 1st round, 11th overall
- 2nd round, 41st overall
- 3rd round, 72nd overall
- 5th round, 147th overall
- 6th round, 186th overall
- 7th round, 228th overall
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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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