ESPN gives the Titans a surprise Vol in latest mock draft
We are officially one week from the 2022 NFL Draft. That means we are also officially from the Titans selecting 26th in the first round, albeit if they make a trade. They could go a plethora of different ways with that selection. Offensive line, offensive weapon, defensive back, quarterback, or even linebacker are all on […]
We are officially one week from the 2022 NFL Draft. That means we are also officially from the Titans selecting 26th in the first round, albeit if they make a trade. They could go a plethora of different ways with that selection. Offensive line, offensive weapon, defensive back, quarterback, or even linebacker are all on the table. With just a handful of days until the draft begins, where do ESPN's Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. have the Titans going?
Round 1, Pick 26: Zion Johnson, Interior Offensive Lineman, Boston College
Johnson would be a slam dunk selection for the Titans in round one. It may be difficult for him to get past a plethora of interior offensive line-needy teams in the middle of the first round, but it is certainly possible. Johnson is a scheme fit for the Titans right off the bat. Additionally, he has a good amount of position versatility along the OL. He's projected to go right around the pick for the Titans.
Johnson is a fantastic athlete at his position. That shows up on tape as he has exquisite lateral mobility and overall agility for his size. He rarely gets beat early in a rep due to his polished hand usage. Johnson was a consistent force for Boston College throughout his career, and he makes a ton of sense for the Titans.
Round 3, Pick 90: Velus Jones Jr., Wide Receiver, Tennessee
This would be pretty exciting for Titans fans, huh? Jones Jr. broke out for the Tennessee Vols this past season as a really fun, explosive weapon. He was both a threat on offense and special teams. The former USC and Vols WR is an older prospect as he will be 25 shortly after the draft. That being said, he fits a lot of what the Titans want to do with their passing offense.
Jones Jr. is a jitterbug with the ball in his hands, and he can turn a small gain into a massive one rather quickly. He's sure-handed, but his route tree is fairly minimal. That isn't surprising for a player of his size, but it may need to expand a bit for him to get consistent playing time in the NFL. He will be a slot target at the next level, and he would be another frustrating matchup for defenses with the ball in his hands on the Tennessee offense. A.J. Brown and Robert Woods are part of that club as well.
With the Titans only having two picks in the top 100, they really need to hit on them. Trading back may make some sense, but it may be tough to find a partner that wants to come up to where they are in the first round. Regardless, this combo of prospects on the first two days of the draft would be solid for the Titans.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
