How Titans Draft Day trade already looks Iike a win
Everything changed for the Tennessee Titans the night they traded AJ Brown. On April 28th, 2022, as the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was unfolding, the Titans sent Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for a trade package that included the 18th and 101st pick in the draft. It was a symbol of change. […]
Everything changed for the Tennessee Titans the night they traded AJ Brown.
On April 28th, 2022, as the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was unfolding, the Titans sent Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for a trade package that included the 18th and 101st pick in the draft.
It was a symbol of change. Not a change from contender to rebuilder, but a change in approach from GM Jon Robinson and the Titans front office.
Things were no longer “Super Bowl or Bust” in Tennessee. The AJ Brown trade was a symbol of Robinson's commitment to extend the Titans' competitive window and construct a roster and payroll that is sustainable.
After all, that’s his job.
General Managers are ultimately paid by ownership with one goal in mind: Win as many games as possible for as little money as possible.
Even with Brown's early success in Philly (10 catches for 155 yards in Week 1), it’s still too early to tell if the trade was worthwhile for Tennessee.We will only be able to determine that one in hindsight, based off of Treylon Burks' Titans career.
The same cannot be said for another trade the Titans made on draft night, though.
Overshadowed by the AJ Brown news, the Titans turned around and made another trade with the New York Jets as the first round played out.
The Titans sent picks 26 (their original first rounder) and 101 (acquired from Eagles) to the Jets in exchange for picks 35, 69, and 163.
Turns out, the Titans made those picks count. Those draft selections turned into Roger McCreary, Nicholas Petit-Frere, and Kyle Philips.
Three Week 1 starters with documented success to start their careers.
McCreary is already the Titans' CB2, and was targeted just one time in his NFL debut. Nicholas Petit-Frere is a starting right tackle with the versatility to line up on either side, and Philips was the Titans' most targeted WR in Week 1, and the early focal point of the Titans passing game as a 5th round rookie.
McCreary and Philips (along with Burks) also ranked in the top 15 NFL rookies in PFF grade during their NFL debuts.
The Jets used the picks they received from Tennessee to draft DE Jermaine Johnson, and TE Jeremy Ruckert (did not play in Week 1 and currently listed as TE4).
Say what you want about the Brown trade, but the follow-up trade with New York is already looking like an absolute win for the Titans' front office.
The Titans acquired more draft capital by trading back and turned it into three day one starters, all of whom have had early success.
That type of process is exactly why Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel have sustained success in their first four seasons as a duo, and why they will continue to replenish the Titans' talent pool in the years to come.
Image via Mark Zaleski/ The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
