2019 NFL Draft: Could the Tennessee Titans Trade Down in Round One?
Tennessee Titans general manager has never shied away from making trades on draft day. When the 2019 NFL Draft rolls around later this week, there is certainly a chance that he stays true to form. Robinson addressed the Nashville media on Monday afternoon in his annual pre-draft press conference. The GM was asked whether he […]
Tennessee Titans general manager has never shied away from making trades on draft day. When the 2019 NFL Draft rolls around later this week, there is certainly a chance that he stays true to form.
Robinson addressed the Nashville media on Monday afternoon in his annual pre-draft press conference. The GM was asked whether he would consider trading out of the 19th overall pick, which the Titans currently hold.
“Would love to have more draft picks," Robinson said, "So we’ll see how that goes. We felt last year that we made some decisions to put ourselves in a position to add those guys that we ended up with, and you just see how it unfolds on draft night—on Thursday, Friday and Saturday—and the value of the player versus the value of a potential trade that might come up and then make that determination.”
As things currently stand, the Titans hold 7 selections, one in each round, for the 2019 NFL Draft. Based on what Robinson said, there definitely seems to be a chance for that number to change.
The most likely possibility is that the Titans make the decision to trade down in the first round in order to acquire more picks later in the draft. Such a choice would make a lot of sense.
Last year, the Titans made just four total draft choices (LB Rashaan Evans, LB Harold Landry, S Dane Cruikshank, QB Luke Falk). One of those picks (Falk) didn't even make the team.
That left the Titans with just three worthwhile players out of last year's class. The lack of quantity from last year's draft could prompt the Titans to stock up on players in this year's.
When a team makes a draft selection in the NFL, they aren't just drafting a player. The team also drafts a contract, which is up to 5-years long for a first-round pick and 4-years long for a second-round pick.
Those contracts are extraordinarily helpful to teams, as they are very cheap. Some players selected as early as day two of the draft will sign lengthy contracts that pay them just barely more than the NFL's veteran minimum.
There is unmistakable value in rookie contracts, and the Titans missed out on that value last season by electing to trade up three times and giving up a handful of picks in the process.
By trading down, the Titans would be able to add an extra pick or two and, in turn, an extra cheap contract or two. Considering how many current Titans players are on the verge of "cashing out," that could be a wise decision.
Star safety Kevin Byard has just one year left on his rookie deal, and he figures to command a very high salary whenever negotiations between him and the Titans begin. Running back Derrick Henry, cornerback Logan Ryan, and quarterback Marcus Mariota also have contracts that are set to expire after 2019.
If the Titans let any of those players go, they will need young replacements. If they re-sign some of those guys, they must be able to rely on cheaper players at other positions to offset the added salary.
Assuming they use the extra picks they would acquire on quality talent, it would be hard for the Titans to go wrong by electing to trade down in the first round.
Cover image: Tennessee Titans
