Titans draft rumblings: 'Not getting cute' and one prospect they love, per NFL insider

NASHVILLE — According to the latest NFL Draft report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans "fell in love" with Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.,  but may not go that direction with the seventh overall pick. It would take some very unforeseen circumstances for Harrison to fall to the Titans at No. […]

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) looks on during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE — According to the latest NFL Draft report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans "fell in love" with Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.,  but may not go that direction with the seventh overall pick.

It would take some very unforeseen circumstances for Harrison to fall to the Titans at No. 7. No matter how much they like him, they probably won't get an opportunity to draft him. 

That leaves Tennessee shifting their focus to some of the other top wide receivers and offensive tackles in the draft. But according to Russini, fans should "look for the Titans to take a tackle."


"After spending heavily in free agency and addressing many needs, the one position not addressed by the Titans this offseason was offensive tackle," wrote Russini in her most recent article. "Look for them to not get cute and take their tackle at No. 7. If the player they want isn't there, I wouldn't be surprised if the Titans go wide receiver, understanding that new coach Brian Callahan wants to score points."

"The Titans fell in love with Harrison during the combine interview, but the chances he's there at 7 are slim," Russini continued. "Keep in mind, president of football operations Chad Brinker, who has seen his involvement increase this offseason, comes from the Packers front office, and that franchise hasn't gone wide receiver in the first round since 2002."

This is pretty much where the Titans have been at all offseason. None of this should come as a surprise to Titans fans who are plugged in. 

Because of the addition of Calvin Ridley in free agency and the lack of additions at offensive tackle in free agency, Joe Alt with the seventh overall pick is the most likely outcome on Thursday. According to Vegas, Alt is still the landslide favorite to land in that spot. 

Wide receiver is a very real possibility if Alt is off the board. While I personally would take Malik Nabers before Alt if given the choice, the Titans are unlikely to have both available. Even if four quarterbacks go in the first six picks. It's likely four QBs, Marvin Harrison Jr., and either Alt or Nabers going with the first six selections. If that scenario plays out, I'd bet the Titans take whichever one of Alt or Nabers is still on the board.

I don't put much stock in Russini's note about Brinker's experience with the Packers deterring the Titans from drafting a wide receiver. Sure, the Packers never took a receiver while he was there, but most of Brinker's time was spent on pro scouting and contract management. 

Brinker would develop strategies for free agency and signing undrafted free agents. He analyzed other NFL rosters to identify players that would fit with the Packers. He managed the salary cap alongside Green Bay's general manager and director of football operations.  I don't think there is reason to believe he made any significant decisions regarding Packers first round picks. The fact that he was in the front office and the Packers "haven't gone wide receiver in the first round since 2002" is irrelevant.

My thoughts on the state of the Titans draft remain the same. It's all going to be about how the board plays out in front of them.