The 2023 NFL Draft has concluded, and the Tennessee Titans were one of the most interesting teams to watch. Where did the Titans make their picks, and what draft capital did they possess?
Want to see how the Titans graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Then come check out our full Tennessee Titans draft grades. You can also see the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
Tennessee Titans Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 1, Pick 11
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern - Round 2, Pick 33 (From HOU via ARI)
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky - Round 3, Pick 81 (From DET via ARI)
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane - Round 5, Pick 147
Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati - Round 6, Pick 186 (from ATL)
Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland - Round 7, Pick 228
Colton Dowell, WR, Tennessee-Martin
How Many Draft Picks Did the Titans Have Entering the 2023 NFL Draft?
Ran Carthon conducted his first draft as Tennessee’s general manager after the Titans fired previous decision-maker Jon Robinson in December 2022. Carthon didn’t step into a situation with a bevy of picks, however, given that the Titans owned just six selections.
Tennessee traded their 2023 fourth-rounder — plus a 2022 second-round choice — to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Julio Jones in a 2021 swap. Jones could be in the Hall of Fame someday, but the deal failed to work out for Tennessee. He managed career lows across the board before being released in March 2022.
MORE: History of Tennessee Titans First-Round NFL Draft Picks
Tennessee received a sixth-round selection from the Falcons in the Jones deal. But the club also sacrificed their own 2023 sixth-rounder in a trade for another veteran pass catcher, Robert Woods, who put up 53 receptions for 527 yards and two touchdowns before being cut earlier this spring.
Who Did the Titans Draft in 2023?
It’s unusual for a team’s second-round pick to overshadow their first-rounder, but the Titans managed to accomplish this feat. Quarterback Will Levis was expected to be a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for most of the offseason, but he unexpectedly fell to Tennessee in Round 2.
The selection of offensive lineman Peter Skoronski in the first round may not have been a flashy move, but it was crucial for the Titans to improve their unit. During rookie minicamp, Skoronski played both guard and tackle positions but ultimately appears to be settled as the team’s starting left guard.
Levis will start the year behind veteran Ryan Tannehill until either the team is out of the running or the former is deemed ready for the role. Levis, like Tannehill was when he left college, is a talented athlete with a powerful arm, but he still needs to improve his passing skills. Levis and Malik Willis have been dueling to win the backup job.
MORE: What Will Derrick Henry’s Next Contract Look Like?
Tennessee has taken steps to improve their struggling offense by bolstering their running back depth behind Derrick Henry. The addition of third-round pick Tyjae Spears provides a suitable replacement for Henry should he be traded during the current season or leave in free agency next year. Spears possesses both speed and power, indicating that he has the potential to become a quality starter.
TE Josh Whyle, OT Jaelyn Duncan, and WR Colton Dowell are all vying for a spot on the Titans’ roster as backup players. The team is lacking depth in these positions, providing an opportunity for the rookies to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
