With the 2020 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, it doesn’t hurt to start looking ahead to next year to see what the Tennessee Titans’ biggest draft needs could be.
Of course, a lot can change between now and the 2021 NFL Draft, but we can get a good idea of what the team will need based on where things stand right now.
Here’s a way-too-early look at the team’s draft needs for next year.
Wide receiver
There was a possibility that the Titans would grab a wide receiver in what was a historically deep class at the position this year, but that didn’t happen.
Things will almost certainly be different in 2021, as No. 2 wide receiver Corey Davis had his fifth-year option declined by the team and is likely to leave in free agency after the 2020 season.
With that being the case, the Titans will have to look to next year’s draft, which will also be deep at the position, for his replacement.
EDGE
The Titans signed Vic Beasley this offseason and may or may not add Jadeveon Clowney to the mix, also. However, Beasley is on a one-year contract and even if Clowney comes, it might be on a short-term deal.
Adding to the uncertainty of those players, Harold Landry will be entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal next season and could be a free agent in 2022.
Tennessee will be right back in the same boat looking for an EDGE in 2021.
Defensive line
After the trade of Jurrell Casey to the Denver Broncos this offseason, the Titans needed to add some depth to their defensive line through the draft. They did that with the selection of Larrell Murchison.
But another big departure could be coming next offseason, as nose tackle DaQuan Jones is set to hit free agency in 2021 and may not return to Nashville.
Don’t be surprised if the Titans take another big man upfront.
Interior offensive lineman
After the 2020 season, Rodger Saffold will be 32 and have two more years left on his four-year deal. The Titans will have to start planning for the future at the left guard position.
On the right side, the jury is still out on 2019 third-round pick Nate Davis, who played OK but certainly wasn’t great at right guard during his rookie campaign. If he falters in 2020, that will be another reason to look at guard.
Also, the last year of Ben Jones’ contract is coming in 2021, although it’s certainly realistic to think the Titans could extend him again.
Tennessee needs to add at least one interior offensive lineman in the 2021 draft. A guard is almost a certainty, but a center shouldn’t be ruled out.
Cornerback
Cornerback was arguably the biggest need for Tennessee this year and it might be high on the list of priorities once again in 2021.
If the Titans part ways with Malcolm Butler and his giant contract next offseason, Kristian Fulton, who could play in the slot this year, will likely move to the outside to replace him.
Adoree’ Jackson, who recently had his fifth-year option picked up, will be a free agent in 2022 unless the Titans extend him before then. I expect that to happen, but you never know.
Unless they find an in-house option, the Titans may need to address the slot and outside corner spots. At the very least, Tennessee will need to add some more depth.
Other possibilities
Inside linebacker
This position will depend on what happens with Jayon Brown, who is in the final year of his rookie deal. I fully expect the Titans to give him an extension and not let him get to free agency, though.
Running back
I still think Derrick Henry and the Titans will come to an agreement this offseason. If not, he could play under the franchise tag in 2020 and 2021. With Henry set to be a few years away from 30 after next season, Tennessee might look to add his successor sooner rather than later.
Tight end
Jonnu Smith enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2020, although it’s possible the Titans give him an extension prior to the season. If not, Smith could have a breakout campaign that makes him a bit too expensive for the Titans’ liking.
