Tennessee Titans 2017 NFL Draft: Scouting the Competition

The Tennessee Titans almost won the AFC South in 2016 and will need to re-tool slightly to keep the pressure on division rivals, like the Jacksonville Jaguars, through talent acquisition in the 2017 NFL Draft.

To get a better handle on how things may shake out in the 2017 NFL Draft, we chatted with Will Lomas, who follows the Tennessee Titans for FanSided’s Titan Sized. In a weak division, it’s important the Jacksonville Jaguars know exactly how strong the division rivals may get in the draft. Here at B&T, we bring that information in through a five-question Q&A.

Let’s dive in!

1) What would be considered a successful draft for the Titans in 2017?

"If the Tennessee Titans come away with 5 picks in the top 3 rounds, I think ultimately the Titans fans would view it as a positive. Right now Jon Robinson can almost do no wrong after an outstanding rookie campaign as a GM. More specifically though the Tennessee Titans will obviously try to find ways to make Marcus Mariota even more effective, and they will try to patch up a leaky an ineffective defensive backfield."

2) What are the top three positions that need a draft upgrade and can the Titans feasibly get someone at those positions in 2017?

"I would say the top three positions needing to be upgraded on the Tennessee Titans roster are: CB, WR, EDGE in that order. Last year they had no reliable way to limit opposing quarterbacks from moving the ball down the field and they were beaten too often for big plays. Guys like Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley make a lot of sense, but don’t rule out players like Cameron Sutton, Sidney Jones (in the 3rd round), Tre White, Jourdan Lewis, and Damontae Kazee all as cornerbacks that fit most of the parameters of what they look for in  CBs. On the other side of the ball, the Titans failed to have a receiver break 1,000 yards even though Rishard Matthews was close. If they believe the Marcus Mariota is a franchise QB (which they should and he is) then the next step is trying to get him a true #1 wide receiver in this draft. I believe there are two this year: Corey Davis and John Ross. Finally, at EDGE they have Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan and really nothing else. Orakpo and Morgan played all of last year and really did great staying healthy and productive. However, when their backups came in it was a matter of when not if, other teams were going to score. With no pass rush and a team that couldn’t force turnovers last year, they desperately needed a change of pace pass rusher. They need a young player with speed and moves to come in and help make this defense great."