ESPN predicts Tennessee Titans will take a QB in the middle rounds of 2022 NFL Draft
There's been some talk lately — mostly thanks to various mock drafts — about the Tennessee Titans possibly taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While that doesn't feel like a likely scenario (though you never rule anything out with Titans general manager Jon Robinson), it's possible that Tennessee could […]
There's been some talk lately — mostly thanks to various mock drafts — about the Tennessee Titans possibly taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
While that doesn't feel like a likely scenario (though you never rule anything out with Titans general manager Jon Robinson), it's possible that Tennessee could take a quarterback later in the draft as a possible future replacement for Ryan Tannehill.
In fact, that's exactly what ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has the Titans doing. Reid predicted on Thursday that Tennessee will take Nevada quarterback Carson Strong in the third round.
From ESPN:
After the inconsistent play of Ryan Tannehill in the postseason, the Titans might look to throw a dart at the QB board on Day 2. Strong is the opposite of Tannehill from a playing-style standpoint, and his ability to attack the deeper portions of the field would stress defenses that attempt to pack the box against running back Derrick Henry.
Opinions will vary on Strong because of his medicals — he had two knee surgeries in college — but there might be a few other teams comfortable with taking him around this spot.
I like the idea of this. Regardless of how you feel about Tannehill, the truth is that he's not getting any younger. And at some point soon, the Titans have to start thinking about what life after Tannehill is going to look like.
Taking Strong in the third round would be a nice gamble for the Titans. Maybe Tennessee finds their version of Russell Wilson (a former third-round pick). Or maybe Strong is a complete bust. If he's a bust, it's not like the Titans wasted a first-round pick. And if he turns out to be a future starter, then it's viewed as a brilliant selection.
It's really a no-lose situation for the Titans.
As for Strong, he has all the tools to be a productive NFL quarterback. Great arm, can make off-schedule throws, and he's known as a great leader/locker room presence.
The big question is his health. Strong has had some knee issues. If those are behind him, then he could be a steal in the third round. But if those knee injuries are going to be a problem moving forward, this could be a wasted pick.
Strong met with the Titans earlier this offseason, so there's at least some interest there.
The Titans have a lot of options in the 2022 NFL Draft. That's one of the luxuries of being a franchise without any glaring holes on the roster to fill.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
