As we pointed out in our last mock draft round-up, experts are mocking the Tennessee Titans trading up for a quarterback in earnest recently, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper just joined the party.
In his latest mock draft, Kiper has the Titans pulling off a trade with the Arizona Cardinals that lands them the No. 3 overall pick in exchange for Tennessee’s first- and second-round picks, as well as two future picks.
With their newly-acquired pick, the Titans go on to select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, a scenario I personally would not endorse because of his boom-or-bust nature.
However, nothing can be ruled out at this point, so I’m going with it and putting together a seven-round mock to see how things might play out following such a move.
In all, I have the Titans making two trades, with the second involving the team unloading quarterback Malik Willis, which is a realistic scenario if Tennessee lands another developmental quarterback in Richardson.
Let’s see what I came up with using the PFF mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 3 (via Arizona): QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
The trade: Titans receive No. 3 overall pick from Cardinals in exchange for No. 11 overall pick, No. 41 overall pick, a 2024 first-rounder and 2025 second-rounder.
This package is based off Kiper’s recent mock draft, although as he notes it might take three first-rounders to get such a deal done. I’d be hesitant to give up this package, let alone one with another first-round pick.
Losing a pair of early-round picks in the next two drafts is less than ideal, but I’d take it if Richardson turns out to be the guy. Adding to that, the Titans will be flush with cap space in 2024 to help build around Richardson.
Richardson gives Tennessee a new potential franchise signal-caller of the future who has a high ceiling but low floor, which inherently makes him a risky pick in this spot.
However, the Titans have the right situation, as Richardson can develop for a year while Tennessee runs it back with Ryan Tannehill, who is in the final year of his deal.
Round 2, Pick 52 (via Seattle): WR Rashee Rice, SMU
The trade: Titans receive No. 52 overall pick and No. 154 overall pick from Seattle in exchange for No. 72 overall pick and QB Malik Willis.
The Titans don’t need two developmental quarterbacks on the roster, thus they swing a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to get back into the second round using Willis and grab a much-needed wide receiver.
The simulator actually accepted a trade that had the Titans getting a better return, but realistically I don’t think Tennessee can do any better than this scenario, as Willis’ stock is down at the moment.
The trade gives the Seahawks a potential insurance policy and long-term solution to develop behind Geno Smith just in case things don’t work out after signing a new deal.
Rice adds both speed and a bit of size (6-foot-1) to Tennessee’s receiving corps. behind Treylon Burks, while also giving Richardson two young receivers to grow with.
The SMU product plays big and is capable of making contested catches while also posing a threat down the field. He’s versatile as well, with the ability to line up inside and out.
Round 5, Pick 147: IOL Juice Scruggs, Penn State
The Titans finally stick and pick in the fifth round, landing Scruggs to help them potentially fill their need inside.
The Penn State product offers versatility with his ability to play guard or center and has the goods to develop into a starter down the line. He will compete for a starting job in Year 1, but will likely serve as a backup.
Round 5, Pick 154 (via Seattle): EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
The Titans parted ways with both DeMarcus Walker and Bud Dupree this offseason. Arden Key will fill the void but the Titans could use more help, especially with Harold Landry coming off a torn ACL.
Ramirez is a pass-rush specialist who could find a role in obvious passing situations right away. He’ll serve as depth in his first year but could develop into a starting-caliber edge rusher down the road.
Round 6, pick 186: OT Jordan McFadden, Clemson
The Titans go back to offense by selecting McFadden in the sixth round. The Clemson product will need plenty of development but offers the kind of athleticism that could allow him to thrive in Tennessee’s scheme.
It was once unthinkable for the Titans to wait this long to take a tackle, but the signing of Andre Dillard and presence of Nicholas Petit-Frere gives Tennessee the option to do so.
Round 7, Pick 228: K Jake Moody, Michigan
After a stable but somewhat underwhelming stint as the Titans’ kicker the past two years, Tennessee parted ways with Randy Bullock this offseason, leaving only 2022 UDFA Caleb Shudak on the roster.
The Titans will certainly add to the position at some point, and I have them doing so with Moody in the seventh round. The Michigan kicker is the best in this year’s class and offers the kind of leg strength Bullock lacked.
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