Latest NFL draft rumor could change everything for the Tennessee Titans
It's no secret in NFL circles that the Tennessee Titans have considered trading up to the number three overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tennessee's future at quarterback is undecided, Ran Carthon has done his homework on this year's quarterback class, and Cardinals' GM Monti Ossenfort has a long history with the Titans' organization […]
It's no secret in NFL circles that the Tennessee Titans have considered trading up to the number three overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tennessee's future at quarterback is undecided, Ran Carthon has done his homework on this year's quarterback class, and Cardinals' GM Monti Ossenfort has a long history with the Titans' organization that could come in handy during negotiations.
While there's no knowing just how serious Tennessee is about making the move, the latest draft rumor could change everything.
Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport are the two most widely known, universally respected NFL insiders in the business. When Schefter or Rapoport speak, people listen. They're both as well plugged into league circles as it gets.
But somehow, these two titans of industry have very differing opinions when it comes to what the Houston Texans are going to do with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Monday afternoon, Schefter predicted on NFL Live that the early run on quarterbacks most people are anticipating at the top of the first round might actually come later than expected. Schefter said he does not expect the Texans to select a quarterback with the number two pick and that the teams considering trading up to three (Tennessee) know that Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud will be there.
Rapoport, on the other hand, had the opposite opinion when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “From my information, the people I have spoken with, I would be surprised if the Texans do not take the quarterback of their future at number two," Rapoport said.
We won't know for sure where the Texans are going to go with their pick until Roger Goodell reads the card from the stage in Kansas City. But let's say the pick is Will Anderson Jr. and the entire draft is flipped on it's head.
What then? Should that change what the Titans do? In my opinion, absolutely.
If Young or Stroud (presumably Stroud, if the rumors out of Carolina are true) are still available at the number three spot, the Titans need to move heaven and earth to go get him. Not only would Tennessee then have their answer at quarterback for the foreseeable future, they would also be jumping the division rival Colts (4th pick) and preventing Stroud from landing in Indianapolis.
Stroud is everything Mike Vrabel and Ran Carthon could want in a quarterback. He's an accurate passer that throws with power, touch, and anticipation. He has good size, plus athleticism, and the toughness to stand tall in the pocket under pressure.
During the National Semifinal against the Georgia Bulldogs, Stroud completed 23 of his 34 passes for 348 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
If the Texans are foolish enough pass on Stroud, the Titans need to seize the opportunity. Trading up for Anthony Richardson or Will Levis would be polarizing, but trading up for Stroud is a no-brainer. It would probably require Tennessee to part with first round picks in 2023, 2024, and 2025, but that's the cost of doing business. Being in position to draft a high-profile quarterback is rare.
C.J. Stroud in two-tone blue would recharge the Titans fanbase for years to come.
