The coronavirus pandemic might end up forcing teams to cancel offseason programs, which would have a major impact on the development of the Tennessee Titans’ 2020 NFL Draft class.
It’s already difficult to foresee what roles rookies will play, but this potential reality only makes it more difficult.
With all that being said, we’re going to take a look at each Titans draft pick and try to project what they’ll be doing for the team in 2020.
RT Isaiah Wilson
If Wilson is going to be a starter in 2020, he’s going to have to earn it. General manager Jon Robinson made it clear that Wilson will have to compete for the starting job with Dennis Kelly in training camp.
Until he wins that competition, we have to give the edge to Kelly, who has much more experience and knowledge of the Titans’ system. For now, we’re going to peg Wilson as a backup.
Projected role: Backup
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CB Kristian Fulton
When meeting with him before the draft, one of the first things the Titans asked Fulton was if he could play in the slot, which is a need thanks to Logan Ryan hitting free agency and looking unlikely to come back.
Fulton will have to compete to be the full-time slot corner, but more likely than not that is where he’ll spend the majority of the season after he makes the roster out of training camp. He’ll also serve as depth on the outside if needed.
Projected roles: Slot corner, outside depth
RB Darrynton Evans
After not having an effective No. 2 back on the roster last season, the Titans are going to look to use Evans to take some of the pressure off of Derrick Henry, who led the NFL in carries last season.
I still expect Henry to play a workhorse role when it comes to carries, but Evans should get a handful of touches every game. The Appalachian State product will also graduate to being used as the primary pass-catching back at some point, as Henry has struggled in that area in the past.
Look for Evans to also contribute as a returner, a role he thrived in during his days in college.
Projected roles: No. 2 back, primary pass-catcher, returner
DT Larrell Murchison
While he was an effective run-stuffer at N.C State, the most impressive thing about Murchison is his motor and ability to get to the quarterback.
The Titans’ defensive line had serious issues putting pressure on opposing signal-callers last year, which is where Murchison could help out immediately.
It isn’t clear if he’ll ever become a full-time starter on Tennessee defense, but he should at least be used as a situational pass-rusher.
Projected role: Situational pass-rusher
QB Cole McDonald
McDonald is set to battle it out with Logan Woodside for the backup quarterback job, but I still think the Titans bring in a more experienced option at some point with so much riding on the coming season.
Regardless, McDonald is going to spice up the preseason a bit with his impressive skill set and should challenge anyone he’s in competition with.
When it’s all said and done, I think he makes the cut for the team’s 53-man roster, but he’ll be the third quarterback on the depth chart.
Projected role: Backup (No. 3 quarterback)
DB Chris Jackson
The best things going for Jackson is his speed and versatility in being able to play both safety and corner, including in the slot. He can also contribute on special teams.
But the Titans have a lot of players they are more familiar with on the roster at his position at the moment, so Jackson will have to really show out in camp to make the roster.
More likely than not, Jackson won’t make the cut and will start the year on the practice squad, although it wouldn’t surprise me to see him promoted at some point if injuries occur.
Projected role: Practice squad
