Just over a week stands between the Tennessee Titans and the 2020 NFL Draft.
The team has its essential pieces put in place to make another postseason run, keeping both quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry on board — but there are still some small tweaks to make before they return to the field.
Here’s a look at just how the Titans could make some of those necessary adjustments in the draft.
Round 1, pick No. 29
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
If Logan Ryan is totally out of the picture, the need at cornerback makes a drastic jump up the list of priorities for the Titans.
Here, they can address it with one of most talented players on defense in this year’s draft. The 6-foot, 197-pound cornerback will fit well with the Titans as an outside corner.
His official 40-yard dash time of 4.46 was impressive, as were his 32 tackles, 13 passes defensed and one interception last year during a historical season for LSU.
Round 2, pick No. 61
Lucas Niang | OL | TCU
Filling the void of right tackle Jack Conklin’s departure is undoubtedly high up on the to-do list for the Titans this year.
Conklin was on the upswing after last year, and it’s tough for fans to see him depart ahead of what could be a good year for him. But the Titans can remove some of that sting by selecting Niang, who would have been off the board in the first round if it weren’t for injury.
Round 3, pick No. 93
Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
Veteran defensive lineman Jurrell Casey is gone, and DaQuan Jones is set to become a free agent after this season.
The Titans have already expressed interest in Madubuike, who has been called one of the most “nonstop” players available in the draft this year.
He’s stout against the run, but also has the ability to rush the passer, something the Titans could stand to benefit from.
Round 5, pick No. 174
Anthony Gordon | QB | Washington State
It’s time to take the backup quarterback position seriously and secure a player capable of stepping in and making something happen when the starter goes down. Not that the Titans have been particularly lucky with signal-callers in recent history, but they’ve fared even worse beyond the starter.
Gordon, who could be the biggest sleeper in the draft, has a quick enough release to rival nearly the entire league, with equally strong pocket awareness and field vision.
He’s exactly what a team wants in a developmental quarterback prospect without prioritizing the position early on.
Round 7, pick No. 224
Kendrick Rogers | WR | Texas A&M
Corey Davis will be gone after 2020 if the Titans opt against picking up his fifth-year option, leading to a situation in which Tennessee could bring in someone with the frame and athletic abilities of Rogers to add depth.
Round 7, pick No. 237
Rodrigo Blankenship | K | Georgia
Placekicker was an absolute mess for Tennessee last year. Bring in a guy like Blankenship and you’ve got the best available competition for Greg Joseph, who has still yet to fully prove himself.
Round 7, pick No. 242
Trajan Bandy | CB | Miami
The Titans need additional depth at quarterback after the departure of LeShaun Sims. Enter Bandy.
