So far in free agency, the Titans have been busy. They’ve signed 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 with the 83rd overall pick in the third round. For a list of my first round prospects check out the two articles below.
1. Ben Powers, IOL, Oklahoma
Powers is one of my favorite under-the-radar prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, Powers has great size for the guard position and was a three-year player at Oklahoma protecting both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Powers definitely needs to refine his skills, but he makes the most out of what he has and is as tough as they come.
At Oklahoma, Lincoln Riley used Powers to pull on running plays, and had fantastic technique meeting defenders in the open field. I believe Powers’ ability to pull in on running plays make him a perfect fit for the Tennessee Titans offensive line. Tennessee needs to get running back Derrick Henry in the open field more, and pulling run plays led by Powers work well. Powers will almost certainly be available in the third round, and the Titans could pair him with newly acquires Rodger Saffold to solidify the interior of the offensive line.
2. Zach Allen, DE Boston College
In my second-round prospects article, I had the Tennessee Titans linked to DE Chase Winovich from Michigan. In the third round, Tennessee could get the steal of the draft by targeting Allen. The Boston College senior is a mammoth at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds. His best trait in run defense is setting the edge, and while he may be an edge, he finds the football like a linebacker. From 2016-2018, Allen had 40.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. He also intercepted two passes and recovered four fumbles.
That kind of productivity is exactly what Tennessee needs on their front seven. Allen would fit nicely in the defensive rotation and give Mike Vrabel versatility on the defensive line. I think it is possible Allen goes as high as early round two, but if he makes it to 83rd overall, the Titans have to jump at the opportunity.
3. KeeSean Johnson, WR Fresno State
The Tennessee Titans have been notorious for drafting wide receivers that bust. I think Corey Davis is due for a huge year in 2019, and the Titans did well to bring in Adam Humphries. He will solidify the slot, but Tennessee still needs another receiver outside. Keesean Johson would be a tremendous value in the third, and checks all the boxes. He’s 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. He is one of the best route runners in the draft, and he has solid hands. With Davis using his athleticism to stretch the field, Johnson can succeed on short to intermediate routes.
A lot of people view Marcus Mariota’s struggles as a product of his surroundings. Tennessee has spent a lot of resources to fix that. They added Rodger Saffold and Adam Humphries. They promoted Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator. And they will use at least one draft pick on a receiver. Keesean Johnson could be that guy in round three, and would give Mariota a sure-handed weapon outside.