In the second installment of our mock draft series leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 23 to April 25, the Tennessee Titans go in a bit of a different direction than the first.
In that version, we stressed EDGE and offensive tackle a bit more, but this time around the idea was to prioritize a few offensive positions without forcing it, and it produced some very solid results.
Of course, we kept cornerback as one of the top priorities because there’s no scenario in which Tennessee doesn’t address the position early on in the draft — at least in our mind.
For this mock, we used a different simulator, with The Draft Network’s being the choice. Let’s see what we came up with (there’s a link to our last draft simulator mock on the “Mock 2.0 Review” slide if you want to compare.)
Round 1
Pick No. 29: Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
The Titans have to start planning for what seems like the inevitable departure of Corey Davis, who is unlikely to have his fifth-year option picked up. It also wouldn’t hurt to add a burner for this coming season.
Reagor checks both of those boxes, as he’s one of the fastest receivers in this year’s draft and can hurt opposing defenses from anywhere on the field.
He could be a deep-threat specialist in year one, and then turn into a main outside receiver with deep-threat capabilities in year two. There are so many reasons to like this pick.
Round 2
Pick No. 61: Jaylon Johnson | CB | Utah
Cornerback has become arguably the biggest need for the Titans this offseason, as Logan Ryan’s future remains in doubt and Malcolm Butler’s hefty salary could lead to him getting cut next offseason.
Johnson has sufficient size to hang with big-bodied receivers and has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level. He had a solid season for the Utes in 2019, and did so playing with a torn labrum, which leads us to believe that even better things are on the horizon.
While he still needs work in some areas, the 6-foot, 195-pound corner will have a year to develop as he spends his rookie season as depth more than anything else. Getting him this late in the draft would be a steal.
Round 3
Pick No. 93: Zack Moss | RB | Utah
While I’d expect Moss to be gone before this pick, he was still sitting there late in the third in this simulation, so I pounced. In this particular scenario, it’ll be an all-Utah Day 2 for the Titans.
With Dion Lewis now gone, Tennessee not only needs a back to contribute on third downs, but also an effective runner who can spell Derrick Henry when he needs a breather. Moss can do both of those things.
The 5-foot-10, 222-pound back is a solid runner who has proven to be an impressive asset as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and a plus in pass protection. Should something go horribly wrong and the Titans don’t sign Henry long term, Moss could step in as this team’s starter.
Round 5
Pick No. 174: Khalil Davis | IDL | Nebraska
The Titans have yet to replace Jurrell Casey and have another potential opening in their defensive line coming in 2021 when DaQuan Jones becomes a free agent.
Davis may never amount to more than a rotational defender, but he’s strong against the run and has shown promise as a pass-rusher on the inside. It’s that kind of versatility that will keep him relevant in the NFL for years to come.
With all that being said, let’s hope the Titans do more than just draft a developmental defensive lineman to fill the void left by Casey, and instead spend some money on the position.
Round 7
Pick No. 224: Trevon Hill | EDGE | Miami
The need for an EDGE has taken a back seat somewhat after the signing of Vic Beasley and the re-signing of Kamalei Correa. Along with Harold Landry, D’Andre Walker, Derick Roberson and Reggie Gilbert, the Titans have an impressive outside linebacker group as is.
Adding a developmental prospect like Hill late in the draft wouldn’t be a bad idea, though. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound EDGE thrives against the run, but needs work to develop as a pass-rusher. Adding some weight to his frame would also be wise.
Pick No. 237: Jon Runyan | OT | Michigan
With Dennis Kelly signed for the next three years, the Titans have some time to find the long-term solution at right tackle. They can start that process by taking a guy like Runyan late in the draft to see if he’ll develop into a starter.
The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Michigan product played at both left and right tackle during his college career, but predominantly at left. At worst, he could serve as the swing tackle of the future with Kelly moving to starter.
Pick No. 243: Rodrigo Blankenship | K | Georgia
Do we even need to explain why the Titans need as many options at kicker as possible? OK, let’s re-hash it one more time.
Tennessee was a league-worst 8-for-18 on field goal attempts last season, and Ryan Succop, who was a major cause of that mess, is no longer with the team.
Greg Joseph made his only field goal attempt last season, but he still has more to prove and general manager Jon Robinson has made it clear he will have competition.
What better competition to have than the best kicker in this year’s draft in Blankenship?
Mock 2.0 review
I love the offensive weapons added in this draft, and the most important need the Titans have right now, cornerback, gets addressed early on.
Of course, a popular position of need that has been talked about, right tackle, doesn’t get addressed until the seventh round, which means Tennessee likely isn’t getting its starter of the future in this year’s draft.
However, I tend to be a bigger believer in Kelly at right tackle than most, so I think the Titans can wait that out.
And, the same can be said for EDGE, with the Titans having a solid young group that really doesn’t need much tinkering — especially if they can land Jadeveon Clowney, which is still a possibility.
Compare this mock to our 1.0 version, which can be found right here!
