The Tennessee Titans currently pick 51st overall in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Here are three possible selections for the Titans.
The Titans made numerous moves in free agency, including signing Cameron Wake, Adam Humphries, and Rodger Saffold. They also traded for former Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill. As of today, Tennessee does not possess a sixth or seventh round pick. Barring any trades, they will have five total picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Below, I preview some options (in no particular order) with the 51st overall pick in the second round.
1. Dexter Lawrence, DL Clemson
In my first round prospects preview, I featured fellow Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. If the Titans address a different position in the first round, Lawrence would be a great choice in the second. The 6-foot-4, 340-pound junior is a mammoth in the middle of the field. He is a pure nose tackle and would fit Tennessee’s 3-4 scheme as a run-stuffer. According to Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network, Lawrence is “Most effective is a bull rush to push the pocket and get bodies into the lap of the opposing quarterback. Other rushes are elementary and can be won with a powerful upper half.”
Lawrence’s dominance in the run game would compliment Jurrell Casey’s pass-rushing ability nicely. He is a college national champion and has big-game experience. His ability to step in immediately in the defensive line rotation makes him valuable in the second round. Lawrence can improve his pass-rushing skills by learning from Cameron Wake and Casey in his rookie season.
2. Deebo Samuel, WR South Carolina
I would not read too much into the Humphries signing in terms of Tennessee’s plan to draft a receiver. Humphries works best out of the slot, and the Titans still lack a true number two wide receiver to help Corey Davis. Deebo Samuel is the best route runner in the 2019 NFL Draft and has incredible hands. Titans receivers have not helped QB Marcus Mariota in the past, and have dropped a lot of footballs. While Samuel does drop the occasional football, he can make acrobatic catches and has incredible feet and body awareness along the sideline.
Tennessee desperately needs Samuel’s big play ability. Throughout his four seasons at South Carolina, Samuel averaged over 13 yards per reception. He had 11 touchdowns his senior year and can also contribute on special teams as a kick returner. He added four touchdowns as a return man and averaged 29 yards per return throughout his collegiate career.
Samuel would fill a need for Tennesse and also provide tremendous value. Adding Samuel would give Tennessee a complete receiving corps. With Delanie Walker back from injury, Marcus Mariota would have the most surrounding talent in his career.
3. Chase Winovich, DE Michigan
I have been seeing a ton of buzz surrounding Winovich and for good reason. A lot of scouts (and even more Twitter scouts) thank Winovich is better than Michigan teammate Rashan Gary. Gary has a first-round grade while Winovich could very well be there when Tennessee drafts in the second. Winovich’s versatility makes him a great fit in Tennessee’s 3-4 defense. He could line up as a defensive end next to the nose tackle, or stand up and play OLB.
Johny Ledyard of The Draft Network had this to say about Winovich’s best trait, his pass-rushing:
“Elite combination of moves and ability to work various plans of attack to get home. Maximizes his average physical and athletic tools by having a plan of attack and consistently executing. Terrific job of showing hands and then attacking his opponent’s punch when he overreacts. Gets linemen lunging and deploys the snatch maneuver. The transition from snatch to rip at the top of the arc is so smooth. Push-pull is deadly. Creates some push with his bull rush. 2-hand swat is a thing of beauty.”
The Titans need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Jurrell Casey led the team in sacks last season with just seven. While that is great for interior defensive linemen, the Titans need more from their edge rushers. Winovich had 18.5 sacks over three years in Michigan and spent his first season as a tight end. He would provide instant value to a defense that was top five in scoring last year.