The Tennessee Titans got a nice haul of players during the 2020 NFL Draft, nabbing six picks in total. However, those picks naturally created some winner and losers among the players already on the roster.
Some players could end up losing snaps because of these rookies, while others could see a significant benefit from having them on board.
Let’s this who fits where in the aftermath of the draft.
Winner: The picks
This is the obvious one. The Titans drafted six players who will now have an opportunity to play in the NFL in 2020, or at least at some point down the road in the cases of the team’s seventh-round picks.
Isaiah Wilson was taken earlier than expected by many and will get first-round money, and although Kristian Fulton had to wait longer than expected, he was drafted by a team that can offer him a significant role in 2020.
Loser: Dennis Kelly
Despite signing Kelly to a three-year deal earlier in the offseason, the Titans went ahead and drafted a right tackle in the first round anyway. General manager Jon Robinson also made it clear Wilson will compete with Kelly for the starting job.
That doesn’t exactly show much confidence in Kelly, who was expected to be a lock to be the team’s starter on the right side this season. Kelly might have the last laugh, though, as it’s very possible he beats Wilson out for the starting job.
Winner: Jon Robinson
It’s hard to argue that Robinson didn’t have a successful draft. In fact, several experts gave the Titans solid reviews for their haul, with the exception of a few.
After all, Robinson addressed many of the team’s needs, he got a potential steal in the second round in Fulton, and he was able to land some solid players from there.
Robinson has a stellar history with finding talent in the draft — and in particular, after the first round — and this year’s class gives him a great opportunity to improve his reputation as a great talent evaluator.
Loser: Logan Woodside
We knew that the Titans were going to bring competition in for Woodside at some point, but it was somewhat of a surprise the Titans spent a pick to do it.
The Titans drafted Hawaii’s Cole McDonald in the seventh round, and although we should give the edge to Woodside in the competition the two will be embroiled in, there’s no arguing that McDonald’s skill set brings more to the table.
McDonald has a bigger arm, and his athleticism more closely matches what Ryan Tannehill can do, making him a better fit for the offense being able to keep things relatively the same if he gets hurt.
Now all the rookie has to do is develop and fix his throwing motion and he could end up as the team’s backup in 2020.
Winner: Derrick Henry
Henry is a winner for a few reasons.
First off, the Titans drafted a mauler in Wilson, who specializes in blocking for the run and might end up being an upgrade over Kelly when it’s all said and done. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a 6-foot-6, 350-pound absolute unit paving the way for Henry to break runs.
On top of that, the Titans finally may have found a legitimate second option to Henry in Evans, who could help lessen the enormous workload Henry was forced to carry because of the ineffectiveness of Dion Lewis.
The Alabama product may not like getting less touches if Evans plays well, but this will also help prolong his career a bit, enabling him to make more money in the long run.
Loser: Slot CB candidates
One of the first things the Titans asked Fulton during the pre-draft process was if he can play slot corner, and the LSU product was more than open to it, citing his experience playing there during his freshman year. His speed also makes him a great fit for the position.
Clearly the Titans have the idea in their head that Fulton might play in the slot in 2020. That might be bad news for a guy like Amani Hooker, who was once thought to be a possibility at the position thanks to his elite slot coverage grade in college.
It also puts an end to the possibility that the Titans bring Logan Ryan back, who remains unsigned and on the open market.
Ryan was always unlikely to return, though, as he’s way too expensive for the lackluster slot coverage and underwhelming speed he brings to the table. The Titans are trying to get younger and faster in the secondary, and Ryan doesn’t fit in that plan.
Winner: Jadeveon Clowney pursuit
For those of us who want Clowney in Nashville, the draft was a good sign.
Robinson explained that the Clowney pursuit did not impact his draft strategy, but it sure seems like it did. The Titans didn’t take a single EDGE with any of their six picks, despite having ample opportunity to do so.
It would seem like the Titans are keeping some space open on the roster at EDGE for Clowney, and they still have the money to sign him.
We’ll find out in due time if that is indeed the case.
Loser: Malcolm Butler
While the Titans will likely play Fulton mostly in the slot in 2020, he projects more as an outside corner for the long haul, which is where Butler currently calls home.
If Fulton develops throughout his first year, it’s quite conceivable the Titans could move him to the outside in 2021, which would make Butler and his $14 million-plus salary expendable.
Don’t be surprised if Butler is one of the first roster cuts next year, saving the Titans $10 million in cap space.
