The 2020 NFL Draft will begin on April 23, but until that day comes we can only speculate on what the Tennessee Titans will do with mock drafts.
Tennessee has seven picks in total, but none in the fourth or sixth rounds. The Titans do have three in the seventh round, though.
There’s a good chance we see general manager Jon Robinson wheel and deal with some of those seventh-round picks to move up a bit, or even move out of the No. 29 spot to accumulate more picks.
We’re going to stay conservative for now and assume that doesn’t happen in this latest seven-round mock draft.
Round 1
Pick No. 29: Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
With Adoree’ Jackson set to enter the fifth and final year of his rookie deal in 2021 and Malcolm Butler’s big contract making him a candidate to be cut next year, the Titans need to start planning for the future at cornerback.
Gladney has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level and could be a starter on the outside in 2021 after playing a depth role and having time to develop in 2020.
Round 2
Pick No. 61: Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
For now, the Titans have Dennis Kelly to be the starter at right tackle after Jack Conklin left in free agency. However, Kelly is 30 and doesn’t present a long-term solution at the position, and his contract is very easy to get out of in the next few years.
Niang could possibly battle it out with Kelly for the starting spot this year, but this is a pick that is really looking towards the future. Niang could eventually be an upgrade over Kelly that allows the team to save a few bucks.
Round 3
Pick No. 93: Justin Madubuike | DL | Texas A&M
The Titans don’t just have to replace Jurrell Casey on the defensive line, but they also have to plan for life after DaQuan Jones, who will be a free agent after this season.
Madubuike isn’t just strong against the run, he’s also shown he can rush the passer, which is something Jones doesn’t do well. Tennessee has already expressed interest in the Texas A&M product with a pre-draft meeting.
Round 5
Pick No. 174: Lamical Perine | RB | Florida
The Titans not only need a back who can help reduce Henry’s crazy workload from 2019, they also need a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Perine can do both of those things, as he proved to be an effective runner with poor blocking in front of him at Florida, and he was active in the passing game with 40 receptions in 2019. As far as pass protection goes, Perine isn’t great, but he’s not a liability, either.
Round 7
Pick No. 224: Kendrick Rogers | WR | Texas A&M
The Titans aren’t likely to pick up the fifth-year option of Corey Davis, which will leave the team with a hole on the outside in 2021. Rogers has the size and athleticism to be a candidate to take his spot.
Pick No. 237: Rodrigo Blankenship | K | Georgia
Despite making his lone field goal and producing some great videos on social media, the jury is still out on Greg Joseph and Tennessee needs to bring competition to camp. What better way to do that than the best kicker in this year’s draft?
Pick No. 242: Bryce Perkins | QB | Virgina
As is the case with kicker, the Titans need to bring at least some form of competition to camp for Logan Woodside at backup quarterback. Perkins needs a lot of work, but his top-notch speed and athleticism makes him an intriguing pick in a round where most players won’t amount to anything anyway.
Mock review
The first four picks of this mock give the Titans some great depth at cornerback, defensive line, offensive tackle and running back for 2020, but also potential starters at those positions in the years to come.
You might be asking: where’s the EDGE?
I don’t think that’s a position of dire need at this moment with the signing of Vic Beasley and the solid stable of outside linebackers the team currently has.
Adding to that, if the Titans can sign Jadeveon Clowney, which looks very possible, EDGE might not be addressed at all. I’m going to assume Tennessee does indeed bring him in.
