[Editor’s Note: Version 1.0 below originally published on February 28]
Head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson have done a phenomenal job building the Titans into a true contender. Their efforts were rewarded with the Titans’ electric playoff run to end the season. If the Titans can have another successful draft and free agency period, they could have the firepower to move beyond the AFC Championship and reach the Super Bowl. Before running through a full Titans 7-round NFL mock draft, let’s address the team’s biggest needs heading into 2020.
Team needs
Pass rusher: The Titans don’t have a true feared pass-rusher coming off the edge opposite Harold Landry. Cameron Wake is signed through 2021, but at age 38, it would be unwise to trust him in anything more than a mentor/third-down role. Tennessee could look at someone like Dante Fowler Jr. or Matthew Judon, or they could turn to the draft, which is not flush with pass rushers.
Cornerback: Vrabel has remarkably put together a fierce front seven with young emerging stars featuring pass rusher Harold Landry, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, and linebackers Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown. However, there are some question marks in the secondary behind this promising young group.
Logan Ryan is set to make top-tier cornerback money this offseason in free agency. Malcolm Butler hasn’t lived up to the standards of his lucrative contract, and Adoree’ Jackson will be in the fourth year of his rookie contract. Backup cornerback LeShaun Sims is also set to become a free agent. Even if the Titans choose to pay the big bucks to bring Ryan back, drafting a solid young cornerback to bring four fresh years on a rookie deal would really form a complete defense heading into 2020 and beyond.
Right tackle: Vrabel mentioned earlier this week that it is going to be tough to keep bring quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry, and right tackle Jack Conklin all back next season. Conklin will likely receive a big payday in free agency, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him be the odd man out of the three. Tennessee may want to get cheaper at this position via the draft.
Interior Offensive Line: It took Nate Davis some time to get comfortable at the guard position, but once he and Rodger Saffold started clicking, the offensive line dominated down the stretch. The Titans were still weak from a depth perspective and should use the later rounds of the draft to build the trenches. Whatever happens with Conklin could impact the entire offensive line, but adding a versatile player who can play both guard and center would only help this unit.
Titans 7-round NFL mock draft
Round 1, Pick 29: Noah Igbinoghene, CB Auburn
Noah Igbinoghene is flying under the radar amongst the 2020 NFL Draft cornerback class. I believe he has a case to be made as the best cornerback behind Jeff Okudah. The dual-track athlete has both the athleticism and explosiveness to make plays near the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed and agility to stick with receivers downfield. Perhaps the most promising thing about Igbinoghene is his upside — he has only played two seasons at cornerback after being a wide receiver through high school and his freshman year.
Round 2, Pick 61: Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia
The redshirt sophomore is an absolute monster at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. His athleticism alone is tantalizing, and if he can iron out the fundamentals, he can develop into a very solid starter at the next level. He projects best in the run game, where his athleticism is best used. If the Titans decide to let Conklin explore free agency, Isaiah Wilson could be a great replacement, and the team’s electric rushing attack could continue its dominance.
Round 3, Pick 93: Alex Highsmith, EDGE Charlotte
In the first two rounds, we weren’t able to find a Harold Landry-type pass rusher to fall into our laps in this Titans 7-round NFL mock draft. However, Alex Highsmith offers great value and upside late in this spot late the third-round. Senior PFN Draft Analyst Andrew DiCecco recently covered Highsmith in-depth, chronicling his strong background and rise from walk-on to one of the most dominant players in Conference USA. Highsmith and the 49ers were faced with a daunting matchup in the Clemson Tigers last season, and Highsmith performed more the admirably, drawing praise from Dabo Swinney and the Clemson offensive line.
Highsmith offers scheme versatility with a nice combination of size and athleticism. The pass rusher has trended upwards his entire career, making him a high-upside pick that fills a major need for the Titans.
Round 5, Pick 175: Darrynton Evans, RB Appalachian State
Drafting dominant players, especially on Day 3, feels like a good strategy, and that’s exactly who Darrynton Evans was at Appalachian State – a two-time All-Sun Belt First-Team member and 2019 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year. Evans is a well-balanced running back with a seemingly perfect balance of size, speed, durability, and versatility. The Titans will likely give Henry, as the face of the franchise, a hefty new contract, so ensuring such a big investment will be a priority. Evans is far more than just insurance and could be the newest mid-to-late round running back to blossom into a rotational starter sooner rather than later.
Round 6, Pick 209: Kevin Dotson, IOL Lousiana-Lafayette
Kevin Dotson, another Sun-Belt star, was an AP First-Team All-American in 2019. Dotson followed up his tremendous season for the Rajin’ Cajuns with a dominant showing at the East-West Shrine Game. He is considered one of the biggest snubs of the NFL Combine and offers tremendous value given his background if still on the board this late. Poor offensive line depth nearly derailed the Titans’ 2019 season early on. Dotson bolsters a shallow interior offensive line and can compete with Davis for the starting right guard position.
Round 7, Pick 237: Tipa Galeai, EDGE Utah
Vrabel loves speedy athletes up front on defense, and speed is Tipa Galeai’s best weapon. Galeia is lean for the position but could be deployed on third downs and become a day one starter on special teams. Vrabel likes to take chances on athletes, so Galea’i offers upside in that regard.
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