The Tennessee Titans are going to be in the market for a cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft, which will take place virtually from April 23 to April 25.
It would be shocking if general manager Jon Robinson doesn’t nab a starting-caliber corner in either of the first two rounds, but there’s also the possibility he takes multiple throughout the draft if he doesn’t feel comfortable with the situation at slot corner or with the team’s depth at the position overall.
With that said, we’re going to take a look at a cornerback the Titans could take in each round that should be available when the team’s pick comes up.
Just a reminder: the Titans don’t have picks in the fourth or sixth rounds, so we didn’t include those rounds here.
Round 1
Jeff Gladney | TCU
The former track standout has the kind of speed cornerbacks need in this day and age, but also has the size and strength to hang with big-bodied receiver on the outside and is a good tackler.
While he is versatile enough to play in any scheme, he really excels in man coverage. He’d serve as top-notch depth in his rookie season, however he has the potential to be a top-notch starter for the Titans after that.
Round 2
Jaylon Johnson | Utah
Johnson played the entire 2019 season with a torn labrum, so it’s possible he’s even better than what he showed last year. Unfortunately, the surgery he had to repair the torn labrum was the third shoulder surgery of his career, which is a concern.
However, if he can remain healthy, Johnson has the ceiling to be a lockdown corner and can play both inside and out. He’s a solid tackler and is strong against the run. He could be an absolute steal at the end of the second round.
Round 3
Amik Robertson | Louisiana Tech
Robertson is actually a prospect the Titans met with at the 2020 NFL Combine. While Robertson is undersized, he plays hard and would be a nice fit as a slot corner in Tennessee thanks to his quickness. He’s also an asset against the run.
Of course, drafting him would depend on what the Titans plan to do at slot corner, whether that be bringing back Logan Ryan, giving the job to Amani Hooker, or going in a different direction entirely.
The Louisiana Tech product doesn’t solve the outside corner issue the Titans might have after 2020, but he does provide solid depth and is a potential starter in the slot.
Round 5
Lamar Jackson | Nebraska
Jackson is a big, long corner who will play strictly on the outside at the next level. Perhaps his best trait is the physicality he brings to the table.
With that said, there’s going to be some development needed, but that’s something you’d expect from a fifth-round pick. Thankfully for the Titans, Jackson would have the time needed to hone his skills with the starters on the outside locked in with Adoree’ Jackson and Malcolm Butler.
Round 7
Trajan Bandy | Miami
If the Titans want to take a flier on a late-round corner who can play in the slot, Bandy could be the guy.
Despite his small frame, Bandy is aggressive and can bring the heat as a tackler. And, like Ryan, he’s effective when blitzing off the edge, which adds to the intrigue of taking him in the later rounds.
