The Tennessee Titans finished the 2015 season with a 3-13 record and will receive the First Pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Team Needs
1. Offensive Tackle – Protecting Marcus Mariota should be the Titans number one priority right now since he was sacked an unbelievable 38 times in the 12 games that he played in this season. The Titans could play it safe with their number one pick and take Laremy Tunsil, who’s the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft, or they could go the free agent route and pick up a tackle like Russell Okung. The Titans are eyeing another top 10 pick in 2017 and adding a veteran to the offensive line might be smarter than getting another young offensive lineman that will possibly go through the growing pains that come with the transition from the college game to the NFL.
2. Cornerbacks – Coty Sensabaugh got off to a good start this season and showed signs of potential, but ended the season poorly and is now a free agent. The Titans should look for two new cornerbacks to go with Perrish Cox. Tennessee could take a corner like James Bradberry or Artie Burns with the first pick in the third round.
3. Running Back – The Titans running game was almost non-existent during the 2015 campaign, finishing 25th in the NFL in rushing. Tennessee should have an opportunity to take Derrick Henry with the 33rd pick in the draft and it would be a smart move to take a guy that has drawn comparisons to former Titan great Eddie George.
4. Safety – Da’Norris Searcy was solid for most of the 2015 season, but Michael Griffin continued to struggle and it’s about time for the Titans to move on and get a new free safety. Its possible that Jalen Mills will be available in the fourth and so should Miles Killebrew, who’s size (6’3″, 230) makes him an exciting prospect to keep an eye on.
5. Center – The Titans offensive line is just atrocious and the team will continue to look for upgrades. This is a position they could upgrade early on in the draft, possibly taking Ryan Kelly with the 33rd pick. Tennessee could also take Mike Matthews in the fifth round or go the free agency route.
6. Wide Reciever – Dorial Green-Beckham has shown potential and has all the making of an elite reciever, while Kendall Wright will be a free agent after next season and the Titans will most likely let him walk unless he has an amazing 2016. The Titans will probably look to add some more depth to this position via free agency or a late round pick.
7. Nose Tackle – The Titans struggled to stop the run for most of the season and could use a big defensive lineman to stuff the middle. This is another need they could address via free agency, but there’s plenty of talent in this year’s draft that could be available in the fifth or sixth round. They could take Antwan Woods or Vincent Valentine late in the draft, both players have plenty of talent but lack the explosiveness you see from A’Shawn Robinson and Andrew Billings.
What should the Titans do with their number one pick?
The safe move would be to take Laremy Tunsil, but the team has a rare opportunity to add the best player available in Joey Bosa. Just imagine a defensive line with Jurrell Casey and Bosa on it, that combo would strike fear in opposing quarterbacks just like the Texans defensive line does. Tennessee could also trade down and take a corner/safety or offensive tackle, while adding multiple draft picks over the next few years.
Tennessee Titans Mock Draft
First Round (1) – Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Second Round (33) – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Third Round (63) – James Bradberry, CB, Samford
Fourth Round (97) – Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Fifth Round (128) – Jack Allen, C, Michigan State
Sixth Round (159) – Tyler Marz, OT, Wisconsin
Seventh Round (190) – Duke Williams, WR, Auburn
Tennessee Titans Mock Draft (Trades)
Titans trade number one pick to Cowboys for first round pick (4), second round pick (34), 2017 first round and 2017 sixth round pick. Dallas takes Jared Goff and gets their quarterback of the future, while the Titans get extra draft picks to add more depth to their roster.
First Round (4) – Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State
Second Round (33) – Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Second Round (34) – Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Third Round (63) – James Bradberry, CB, Samford
Fourth Round (97) – Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Fifth Round (128) – Jack Allen, C, Michigan State
Sixth Round (159) – Antwaun Woods, NT, USC
Seventh Round (190) – Duke Williams, WR, Auburn
Tennessee Titans Free Agents
1. Zach Brown (26) – ILB
2. Al Woods (29) – DE/DT
3. Sammie Lee Hill (29) – NT
4. Coty Sensabaugh (27) – CB
5. Byron Bell (27) – OT
6. Mike Martin (26) – DT
7. David Bass (25) – DE/OLB
8. Craig Stevens (32) – TE
9. Jamon Meredith (30) – OT
10. Steven Johnson (28) – ILB
11. Joe Looney (26) – C
12. Brandon Harris (26) – CB