Titans fans were hoping for a shiny new Wide Receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. They didn’t get one. Julio Jones is a heckuva consolation prize, though. Meanwhile, Jon Robinson and co. addressed their biggest needs early in the draft. They not only drafted for need, but also for value. The ceilings of the prospects they took rival any other team’s draft class.

Virginia Tech Cornerback Caleb Farley was their first selection. The injury concerns are legitimate, but his talent had him projected as a first-round pick earlier in the process. That means his upside is what Tennessee is betting on. Many teams right behind them probably would have too, like Cleveland and New Orleans.

Farley has elite athleticism and fits in nicely with the Titans’ defensive philosophy. His effectiveness in both man and zone coverage helps him to be extremely versatile no matter the scheme as well.

Second-round pick Offensive Tackle Dillon Radunz was in the first round of a lot of mock drafts. Although his competition was not the best at North Dakota State, he dominated it throughout his career. He has the tools to be a legitimate starter at Offensive Tackle for years in the NFL. Not to mention, the opportunity is there for him. The race for the OT spot opposite Taylor Lewan consists of Radunz and Kendall Lamm. That’s it.

Radunz could be a day-one starter for Tennessee, and good play from him could turn an offensive line in Tennessee from good to great. Plus, he was an absolute grinder in the run game while at NDSU. He’s a relentless blocker. That is music to Derrick Henry’s ears. He may add the most value off-the-bat to the Titans.

Elijah Molden is who many believe may have been the defensive steal of this draft. He plays with an intensity that few others do, and everyone around camp so far says he is competing and earning a starting spot. He gives Tennessee versatility as he can take meaningful reps at Safety and Cornerback. That can go a long way for a secondary that could run a little thin throughout the season.

Look for him to compete with both Amani Hooker and Kristian Fulton at their positions. Molden will also almost certainly spend time on the field with both Hooker and Kevin Byard, too.

Monty Rice was another day two selection that projects to have a nice outlook in the league. At minimum, he could be a very solid special teams player. Rice also plays the run very well. So, the depth he provides at linebacker for the Titans could be important if Jayon Brown or Rashaan Evans get injured or struggle at times.

Wide Receivers Dez Fitzpatrick and Racey McMath will also vie for depth roles at pass-catcher. They may not be the high-end addition that Titans fans hoped for before the draft, but Julio will surely fill that role.

The 2021 NFL Draft showed that the Titans front office was planning for the months in advance with how they attacked it. They took the best talent available at multiple picks while also filing important holes. No, they did not know for sure that Julio Jones is on the way, but they had the confidence in themselves to make the moves needed after the draft. Julio Jones is quite the move.

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