One NFL draft strategy the Tennessee Titans need to avoid at all costs

NASHVILLE — With the 2024 NFL Draft swiftly approaching, the Tennessee Titans are in a favorable position with the seventh overall pick. GM Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan will have a lot of options. If the Titans want to stick and pick at 7, there will be players with stat power still available. […]

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Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon speaks during a press conference during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE — With the 2024 NFL Draft swiftly approaching, the Tennessee Titans are in a favorable position with the seventh overall pick.

GM Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan will have a lot of options. If the Titans want to stick and pick at 7, there will be players with stat power still available. If they decide they want to trade down to get additional draft capital, they will certainly have suitors.

But in my opinion, the trade down draft strategy is one the Titans need to avoid at all costs.

In a recent mock draft, Dane Brugler of The Athletic predicted the Titans to trade back with the Minnesota Vikings.

In Brugler’s scenario, the Titans receive picks 11, 109, and a 2025 second-rounder for pick 7. Minnesota gets their quarterback in J.J. McCarthy while Tennessee lands J.C. Latham and some extra draft picks to fill various roster holes.

In theory, it all sounds good…or does it?

I believe in the high-end talent of this draft class. I think all three of the top wide receivers are going to have phenomenal NFL careers. I am confident that Joe Alt can be a cornerstone left tackle at the next level.

Yes, it’s a deep draft class. But I also think there’s a significant dip in talent after the first 8-9 prospects. If the Titans were to simply hold their spot at 7, they’d be guaranteed a chance to draft one of Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, or Joe Alt. How can you pass up that opportunity?

No disrespect to J.C. Latham, but coming away with him after having the chance at one of those franchise-altering talents feels…underwhelming and not worth it.

I know, I know. Draft picks are unpredictable. There’s no guarantee that Alt, or Nabers, or Odunze even work out and having more swings gives you a better chance to hit a home run. That’s true. But the draft is also about risk management. The draft is about knowing when to gamble and knowing when to take the gift that’s right in front of you.

If the Titans trade out of the Top 10 to get later draft picks and miss on the premier LT or WR they so desperately need, it may be a mistake that sets the franchise back significantly. 

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