2019 NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans full 7 round mock draft 2.0
With free agency (mostly) in the rear view mirror, we now have a better idea of what the Tennessee Titans might choose to do in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Titans addressed several of their biggest positions of need in free agency. Tennessee signed Adam Humphries to give Marcus Mariota a reliable wide receiver. They […]
With free agency (mostly) in the rear view mirror, we now have a better idea of what the Tennessee Titans might choose to do in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Titans addressed several of their biggest positions of need in free agency. Tennessee signed Adam Humphries to give Marcus Mariota a reliable wide receiver. They added a veteran edge rusher in Cameron Wake and they solidified their interior offensive line with the addition of Roger Saffold.
Tennessee also made the wise decision to bring Kenny Vaccaro back to Nashville, after the veteran safety performed well in relief of Johnathan Cyprien last season (Cyprien was released this off-season after injuring his ACL last fall).
The Titans' free agency moves will now allow the franchise to take more of a "best player available" approach during the 2019 NFL Draft.
But while I think the Titans will worry less about need and more about talent, I still believe general manager Jon Robinson will narrow his focus to a few specific positions.
With that in mind, here's how I think the Titans' 2019 draft could play out.
Titans 2019 mock draft 2.0 —–>>>>>
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1.19 — Christian Wilkins — DT — Clemson
A report surfaced a few weeks ago that suggested Tennessee is specifically looking to add a tight end or a defensive lineman.
I think either Iowa's TJ Hockenson or Noah Fant would be a tremendous addition for the Titans. But I think Hockenson will be selected before the No. 19 overall selection, and I think Tennessee could end up passing on Fant in favor of Christian Wilkins.
The former Clemson Tiger is an extremely high character player who can line up at either defensive end or defensive tackle. His quickness and versatility make him an ideal option for teams in the mid to late first round (as does his incredible effort). The Titans might even be able to trade back a couple of spots and land Wilkins, while also securing another draft pick.
And who knows, maybe the Titans could break out this special package for the big guy.
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2.51 — Elgton Jenkins — OL — Mississippi State
The Titans addressed their interior offensive line during free agency by signing Roger Saffold, but there's still work to be done.
Elgton Jenkins is a strong, versatile offensive lineman who played at guard, tackle and center in college. The former Mississippi State o-lineman has the potential to be an early starter in the NFL, despite his lack of recognition on a national level during his college career.
Titans center Ben Jones is scheduled to be a free agenct after the 2019 season. Drafting Jenkins would give the Titans a player they could potentially groom to take over for Jones. And if he doesn't work out at center, Jenkins could still help the Titans at another spot.
Jenkins started games at left tackle, left guard, right tackle and center in college.
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3.83 — Chase Winovich — EDGE — Michigan
Tennessee recently signed veteran Cameron Wake to give the Titans another pass rushing option opposite second year edge rusher Harold Landry.
But Wake, who turned 37 in January, isn't exactly a longterm solution for Tennessee.
Edge rushers are one of the most expensive positions in the NFL to address in free agency, which is why I think the Titans should take some shots at landing a quality pass rusher in the draft. If they hit on someone, it will allow them to better utilize their cap space in future seasons.
If Chase Winovich is available in the third round, I don't think there's any way the Titans can pass on him. Winovich isn't the most athletic edge rusher in the draft (by a long shot), but he's a ravenous competitor who NEVER takes a play off. Titans fans will absolutely love his work ethic.
Winovich is the type of player who will have his physical abilities doubted by scouts, but he has intangibles that can't be taught. I think he'd be a fantastic value if the Titans can land him in the third round.
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4.115 — Emanuel Hall — WR — Missouri
The Titans' signing of Adam Humphries likely means Jon Robinson won't target a wide receiver early in the draft.
But they still need some help at the position.
Corey Davis will look to break out in his third season with the franchise (which is traditionally when wide receivers hit their groove), and Humphries will serve as a reliable option for Marcus Mariota in the slot. The Titans, however, don't have another outside wide receiver they can count on. Taywan Taylor has shown flashes, but he's still not consistent enough for the Titans to rely on him.
Emanuel Hall might not be the answer either, but he's worth a shot for the Titans. Especially if he's still available in the fourth round. Hall is a fast wide receiver (4.39 seconds in the 40 at the combine) who is capable of delivering a big play at any time.
There's always a chance he could be a Taylor clone, but unless the Titans are willing to spend big in free agency (or make a deal for an Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham Jr, which they don't seem inclined to do) or use an early draft pick on a wide receiver, then this is the route they're going to have to take.
Essentially, the Titans have to keep selecting mid-round wide receivers, hoping one of them turns into a star.
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5.147 — Josh Oliver — TE — San Jose State
Let's face it — Delanie Walker doesn't have a lot left in the tank.
I think Walker, who is hoping to return to form after a dislocated ankle forced him to miss nearly the entire 2018 season, will be a productive player for the Titans in 2019.
But I'm not sure how long Tennessee can count on him beyond next season.
That means the Titans need to identify their next starting tight end.
While everyone else has been falling in love with Iowa's tight ends (rightfully so), I've been obsessed with San Jose State's Josh Oliver. He's a mid-round pick that I think has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL.
Oliver is a hard worker who could immediately make an impact as a pass catcher. His blocking needs some work, but that will come with time.
I think Oliver would be an absolute steal in the fifth round.
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6.176 — Keaton Sutherland — OL — Texas A&M
In the sixth round, teams are just hoping to land a player that can contribute in any way possible. Teams aren't looking to add additional starters or future stars this late in the draft (even though it does happen sometimes, but rarely).
Keaton Sutherland is a versatile player who can play at guard or tackle. He dealt with some injuries in college that will likely affect his draft positioning.
I think Sutherland would provide the Titans with some quality depth along their offensive line. I don't think he's a future starter in the NFL, but I think he'd be a good "utility" offensive lineman who could finish a game in the event of injury. He'd also be good for a spot start here and there.
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