The Tennessee Titans have just a few small changes to make before they’ve got the makings of a team that can consistently contend in the postseason.
One position the Titans would do well to address in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is cornerback.
The future of Logan Ryan remains uncertain, and this is a big year coming up for Malcolm Butler to continue to prove his worth. Adoree’ Jackson hits the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2021, if he doesn’t secure an extension beforehand.
Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler presents an option for the Titans here, and could very well be the best player available for the team and its needs with pick No. 29 in the first round.
Here’s a complete look at what Dantzler — who the Titans have already shown interest in — brings to the table.
Pros
One of the SEC’s best at the position over the past couple of years, Dantzler is going to enter the NFL with no lack of experience, making 22 starts in his time with the Bulldogs.
Dantzler provides a versatile option with length and solid athleticism, and does particularly well in the red zone and in zone coverage.
While Dantzler has had some missed opportunities over his career, his ball skills are good overall and he’s got aggressive hands.
His production at Mississippi State was impressive, as he totaled 108 tackles (78 solo), 1.5 sacks, five interceptions, 20 pass deflections, and one forced fumble and recovery.
Cons
Dantzler ran a 4.64 at the combine and 4.38 at his makeshift Pro Day. The only issue with this is that there’s no true way to verify this, and some may be very skeptical to see such a drastic improvement in Dantzler’s numbers — especially considering how poor the original time was.
The cornerback’s explanation, according to Justin Melo of Draft Wire, was that he was dealing with a hamstring injury at the time of the combine.
Dantzler isn’t quite as strong in man coverage as he is in zone, which mostly boils down to his frame.
Biggest strength: Physicality
This is right up there with his route anticipation.
Dantzler is among the scrappiest corners I covered this season at LSU, and it’s a special type of feisty and sense of competitiveness that he brings that should cause him to immediately catch the eyes of a scout.
Despite concerns with his size, he doesn’t lack in physicality. This was also noted by Jacob Infante of Draft Wire.
“He packs a solid jab in quick-jam press coverage, timing and placing his strikes with precision and then executing them with force,” he wrote. “That physicality is maintained through a receiver’s stem, and Dantzler also does a good job of fighting with his opponents to make sure he doesn’t get boxed out on 50/50 balls or route that break across the middle of the field.”
Biggest weakness: Build
At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Dantzler could definitely afford to put some weight on his wiry frame. This particularly hurts him when he’s going up against big, physical receivers at the point of the catch.
Added weight, added impact for Dantzler.
Bottom Line
For a team like the Titans, depth at cornerback is a big need heading into 2020.
The versatility of a player like Dantzler is important, and with the foundation he’s set in college, he could become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL rather quickly if he can put some weight on.
He’s a developmental prospect out of the gate with a high ceiling.
