Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson has addressed many of the team’s most pressing needs in this year’s free agency period.
Because of this, Robinson has a lot more freedom as far as which position he selects a player at in the first round as the 2019 NFL Draft approaches.
Two players that have been mocked to the Titans at No. 19 overall are Iowa tight ends Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson.
But just how likely is it that the GM will target a pass-catcher so early on?
According to Titans team reporter Jim Wyatt, there is logic behind it, and both Fant and Hockenson would bring a strong boost to any offense.
“While I’m not endorsing the team taking a tight end, I actually get where it’s coming from,” he wrote. “Delanie is coming back, and I expect him to play at a high level in 2019. I’ll never bet against him. But we can’t ignore the fact he’ll be 35 when the season starts. Also, Luke Stocker signed this week with the Falcons. Jonnu has flashed, no doubt. Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt have had their moments with the team.”
“But some of the tight ends in this draft class are special talents. I was really impressed with Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson. They’re impact players, and matchup problems. Again, I’m not saying the team needs to take a tight end at 19. But with some other needs already addressed in free agency, all options are on the table, and whichever team gets Fant or Hockenson will be getting a really good player.”
Fant especially impressed at the combine, recording a 4.50 50 and 39.5-inch vertical. Hockenson caught the eyes of teams across the league as well with a 39-inch vertical.
It will be interesting to see if Robinson and the Titans capitalize on the opportunity to select either player when the draft begins of April 25.
