We’re three weeks into free agency and the Tennessee Titans still have some significant holes to address with the 2020 NFL Draft rapidly approaching on April 23.
Of course, there’s still time for the Titans to address some of their biggest needs in free agency, but the draft is where general manager Jon Robinson will shore everything up.
So, let’s rank the positions Robinson and the Titans should be focusing on during the draft as it stands now.
7. Backup quarterback
The only quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill right now is Logan Woodside, who has never taken a regular season snap during his career. Woodside simply hasn’t shown enough to instill confidence that he can keep the Titans afloat if Tannehill gets hurt.
At the very least, Tennessee would be wise to bring someone in to compete with Woodside in training camp, although I’d argue that needs to happen by bringing in a veteran quarterback in free agency.
6. Wide Receiver
If we’re talking immediate need, wide receiver isn’t very high on the list.
Yes, the Titans could use a burner to help stretch the field and there’s a good chance the team will have a hole to fill if Corey Davis isn’t retained past 2020, but Tennessee does have a solid receiving corps. as it stands now.
I would assume the Titans will add a receiver at some point in the draft, but don’t expect that to happen in the first round, unless a player they absolutely love falls to them at No. 29.
The good news is that this draft is deep at the position, so Tennessee could add a wideout later than that and still get a solid player.
5. Outside linebacker
The Titans already have a solid stable of outside linebackers going into 2020. The projected starters will be Harold Landry and Vic Beasley, and behind them is solid depth in Kamalei Correa, Derick Roberson, Reggie Gilbert and D’Andre Walker.
There’s also the possibility that the team signs Jadeveon Clowney, which would move this need even further down the list. Once arguably the biggest need for Tennessee this offseason, EDGE isn’t as high a priority anymore.
4. Right tackle
If the Titans add a tackle in the draft, it’s going to be with an eye on the future. For now, the right tackle position is seemingly locked down for 2020 after the team re-signed Dennis Kelly to replace Jack Conklin.
I’m a bit higher on Kelly than most, so this isn’t a need I feel has to be addressed right away. If a great tackle falls to the Titans early on, then they should go for it. If not, this isn’t a position that should be forced in any way.
3. Running back
With Dion Lewis gone, the Titans need a back who can contribute in the passing game, on top of being able to spell Derrick Henry to help take some of the pressure off and lessen his workload a bit.
It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Titans will address this need in the draft, but don’t expect them to prioritize a back so much so that one is taken on Day 1 or early Day 2. I wouldn’t expect Robinson to take a running back any earlier than the third round.
2. Defensive line/End
The trade of Jurrell Casey was a surprise, and it was thought the team had something big up its sleeve to replace him, but that has not come to fruition quite yet.
Until it does, Casey’s departure has left a gaping hole on the Titans’ defensive line. If the plan is to sign Clowney and have him play defensive end, great. If it’s not, then the Titans need to figure things out early on in the draft to add a player to play alongside Jeffery Simmons and DaQuan Jones.
1. Cornerback
We still don’t know what’s going to happen with Logan Ryan and if the plan is to replace him with Amani Hooker. However, if Ryan isn’t going to be re-signed and Hooker isn’t his replacement, the Titans need to address the slot.
Beyond that, Malcolm Butler and his huge contract could be a cut candidate in 2021, and Adoree’ Jackson will be entering the fifth year of his rookie deal in the same year, assuming the Titans pick up his option.
This team could be headed for a full secondary rebuild in the next few years, so adding a top-notch corner prospect in the first round makes the most sense. It wouldn’t be at all shocking to see the Titans add a pair of corners in the draft.
