Titans Draft Profile: TCU Defensive Tackle Ross Blacklock
As everyone knows by now, the Tennessee Titans lost a massive piece of their defensive line when they traded Jurrell Casey to the Broncos earlier in the offseason. Luckily, this hole can be filled effectively by Ross Blacklock, the standout defensive tackle from TCU in the 2020 NFL Draft. Blacklock used his speed and power to […]
As everyone knows by now, the Tennessee Titans lost a massive piece of their defensive line when they traded Jurrell Casey to the Broncos earlier in the offseason. Luckily, this hole can be filled effectively by Ross Blacklock, the standout defensive tackle from TCU in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Blacklock used his speed and power to excel in college, and they figure to be a big part of his role in the NFL as well. His transitions between blockers are silky-smooth and allow him to split interior offensive linemen with ease on some downs. The shift from Big 12-style offenses to NFL offenses may be a process, but he’s got the upside to make it effectively.
The TCU product is still raw, but his physical tools make up for difficult situations he may put himself in. The redshirt junior also flat-out works his tail off, getting to ball carriers on plays he has no business making a play on.
He can be a key piece in the middle of the Titans defense.
Blacklock was the 2017 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. In the past, this honor has been awarded to Aldon Smith, Gerald McCoy, and Brian Orakpo. This certainly puts Blacklock in elite company.
As free agency winds down, the Titans have not filled the physical or mental hole that the Jurrell Casey move created.
Similar to Casey, Blacklock has been praised by his teammates and coaches for being a “first in, last out” type of player. He was a motivator for the TCU squad. If selected by Tennessee, he and Jeffery Simmons could become the heart and soul of their defense for years to come.
Ross had an achilles injury that sidelined him for the 2018 season, but he has no further medical red flags to scare away NFL teams.
As for weaknesses, there aren’t too many that stand out on film. Adding more pass rush moves could be useful for Blacklock, who sometimes relies a tad too much on his pure physical ability. Sometimes, his hand level gets a bit too low when he engages with offensive linemen. His explosiveness can overpower this on most downs.
On a positive note, his movement mimics Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle, Grady Jarrett. Jarrett is arguably one of the most disruptive and underrated defensive linemen in the NFL.
For being 6’4 and 305 pounds, Blacklock has quick feet and nimble knees. Also, he’s got solid bend for an interior lineman that helps him work through double-teams.
You would think Blacklock is covered in soap on some plays with how slippery he is when linemen try to keep their hands on him. Subsequently, this is a big part of why he can be so effective at the next level.
Undoubtedly, the Titans value young defensive line and linebacker talent. Between their past four drafts, they have selected five players in the front seven in the first or second round alone.
TCU’s Ross Blacklock would be an impactful addition in 2020.
Featured Image via Daniel Griffis-USA Today Sports
