Tennessee Titans: An Underrated Need for the Titans Entering the 2022 NFL Draft
No matter what order you put them in, virtually everyone seems to agree that wide receiver and offensive line are the Tennessee Titans' two biggest needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Most folks agree that the Titans could also stand to add a tight end, even after signing Austin Hooper. The Titans have another […]
No matter what order you put them in, virtually everyone seems to agree that wide receiver and offensive line are the Tennessee Titans' two biggest needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
Most folks agree that the Titans could also stand to add a tight end, even after signing Austin Hooper.
The Titans have another roster need, though, that isn't getting enough attention: safety.
No, safety isn't a pressing need in the way that WR and OL both are; the Titans, really, could stand to add a starting-caliber player at both of those spots.
But the Titans do need to add a safety in the 2022 NFL Draft, since their depth at the position is very suspect.
Tennessee's starters at safety are set in stone. Amani Hooker is a quality player with a nose for creating turnovers, and All-Pro Kevin Byard is among the NFL's very best defensive players.
Beyond those two players, though, the Titans don't have much at the position.
The Titans' best No. 3 option at safety is probably A.J. Moore, who they signed in free agency. Moore, however, is primarily a special teams player with limited experience and success on defense.
They could use an upgrade. If anything were to happen to Byard or Hooker in their current situation, the Titans would be in a tough spot.
Dane Cruikshank served as Tennessee's No. 3 safety in 2021, and he did a good job both as an injury replacement and as a dime linebacker covering tight ends. He signed with the Bears in free agency, though, and his departure leaves a hole.
Both cornerbacks Elijah Molden and Chris Jackson have experience playing safety and could do so in a pinch, but they're primarily corners.
Especially since Hooker is entering the final year of his rookie contract, Tennessee needs to find a capable player at the position who wouldn't be a liability if needed to play meaningful snaps.
Cover image: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today
