Perfect Picks 2024: Tennessee Titans
It was a full-scale clear-out in Tennessee this offseason. While Mike Vrabel may feel hard done by to be replaced as Head Coach, his differences with GM Ron Carthon were likely the catalyst to the wholesale changes. Out goes the Derrick Henry/Ryan Tannehill pairing, and to kick off the Will Levis era, an offensive-minded coach in Brian Callahan.
So what can we expect? Well, he brings his father Bill along, an offensive line guru, to help rebuild the protection for Levis and give him a solid base from which to work. Elsewhere, high-profile signings like Calvin Ridley and La’Jarius Sneed show a desire to compete in the AFC South sooner rather than later. There are plenty of roster holes, so a solid draft is imperative if they wish to be relevant once more. Let’s see what we think their best path to that outcome is:
Round 1 - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
There is only one pick I have seen more often than this in mock drafts: Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears. The pairing of Joe Alt to the Titans appears to be the definition of a ‘Perfect Pick’. Alt, a convert to the position, has the size and athleticism that NFL coaches dream of. With Callahan Sr’s guidance, Alt should become an elite tackle in relatively short order.
It’s something the Titans are certainly in need of. As expected, Peter Skoronski fit better on the interior, and while Nicholas Petit-Frere could hold down the right side, asking Dillon Radunz to start is less than ideal. The Titans added experience on the interior in Lloyd Cushenberry and Daniel Brunskill, so bringing in Alt should help them to become at least an average unit for Levis to work behind.
Round 2 - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
If one of the big three receivers is available at pick 7, then the Titans could choose to go that direction and address offensive tackle at this pick. However, the depth at pass-catcher looks better than tackle, proving so as Troy Franklin remains available with pick 38. DeAndre Hopkins is getting older, and Treylon Burks remains a question mark, so adding another young pass-catcher strengthens the group.
There are question marks over Franklin, but speed is not one of them. His 4.41 40-yard dash highlighted why he was such a deep threat at Oregon. He will certainly need to smooth out the edges of his game and develop as a route runner, but the Titans can use his talent now, and learning from Ridley and Hopkins can only benefit him in the long run.
Mid Round Gem - Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
The Titans’ free agency signing of Kenneth Walker shouldn’t dissuade them from revisiting the position in the draft. There isn’t a ton of high-end talent, but this draft class should throw up some serviceable starters in the middle rounds. Athleticism will be a big part of the search, considering projected starters Jack Gibbens and Murray aren’t exactly blessed in that department.
North Carolina’s Cedric Gray recorded a relative athletic score of 8.18, and on film, you can see his ability to move from sideline to sideline. Gray earned a PFF coverage grade of 78.0 in 2023, which will help cover up some of Murray’s issues in zone coverage. Gray also attacks physically in the run game and could develop into a solid piece in this defense.
Late Round Sleeper - Jaylen Harrell, Edge, Michigan
As pleasing as the start of this mock draft has been, the one downside has been not addressing the edge rusher position. After the first two rounds, the well ran pretty dry, and therefore, it got put on the back burner right up until the sixth round. Harold Landry and Arden Key should be sufficient starters, but additional depth would be welcome.
Michigan’s Jaylen Harrell won’t pressure those guys to get a starting spot, but he can help as a rotational pass rusher. He led Michigan’s National Championship-winning defense in pressures and also logged 7.5 sacks. He is slight of frame, and that hinders his overall skill set, but he comes from a winning program and offers late-round potential.
Draft in full
Round 1 – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Round 2 – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Round 4 – Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Round 5 – Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Round 6 – Jaylen Harrell, Edge, Michigan
Round 7 – Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss
Round 7 – Jarius Monroe, CB, Tulane
