Perfect Picks 2023: Tennessee TItans
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver, Ohio State)
I know what you’re thinking, there is no way the Titans should be selecting a luxury player here. Of course, the focus for a lot of Titans fans will be getting better along the line of scrimmage. However, it’s a long draft, short on blue chip talent. Having invested, rightly or wrongly, in Andre Dillard as their left tackle and with Jeffrey Simmons an elite defensive linemen, I think the Titans can add an offensive playmaker here.
Smith-Njigba has question marks regarding his long speed but it is not where he wins. He was an elite route runner at Ohio State and his workouts showed that agility and crispness. While it would be back-to-back first round receivers for the Titans, it’s time they admit letting AJ Brown go was a mistake. Pairing Smith-Njigba with Treylon Burks gives Ryan Tannehill a young receiving pair and perhaps signals a stylistic change on offense.
Round 2 - Michael Mayer (Tight End, Notre Dame)
Ok, so maybe this is a step too far, ignoring major needs and getting another receiving option? Titans fans all over are clicking away in disgust. Hear me out, having lost Austin Hooper the Titans do need a tight end and the value of getting Mayer in the second round is too much. This is a guy who was a top-10 pick in most pre-season mock drafts.
Mayer is a traditional, inline tight end who has an excellent run blocking grade. That versatility should appeal to the Titans, who can keep opposition defenses on their toes with Mayer in the lineup. Chig Okonkwo can be the athletic option while Mayer will do the dirty work. Now you have all the weapons necessary to start competing again with the heavyweight offenses the AFC contains.
Mid Round Gem - Jordan McFadden (Offensive Line, Clemson)
We finally get to the big uglies. The interior offensive line was a problem for the Titans last year so they brought in Daniel Brunskill. That isn’t a move to inspire a ton of confidence so they grab an experienced prospect in Jordan McFadden. He spent five years on the offensive line at Clemson, the last two protecting the Tigers’ blindside.
His 6’2, 303lb frame could be a sticking point that prevents him from staying at offensive tackle. While he projects as a guard, it is a position he has no college snaps at. One thing that will help him is his impressive 34” arms. The Titans have experience converting successful tackles into guards, North Dakota’s Dillon Radunz is pencilled in on the right side for this year. McFadden might not be an immediate starter but offers depth at multiple spots.
Late Round Sleeper - Nick Herbig (Edge Rusher, Wisconsin)
The Titans signed Arden Key to help bolster their pass rush options but it isn’t exactly a star-studded group. Harold Landry is coming off an ACL injury that cost him all of last season so edge rusher is a substantial need.
Nick Herbig is another Wisconsin pass rusher who lacks length but has a knack of getting it done. With 11 sacks last season and 9 in 2021, Herbig knows how to reach opposing quarterbacks. The fact he is 6’2, 240lbs is likely why he is available this late on but in the Titans 3-4 system he could be a fit. With a RAS of 9.27 and coverage grade of 79.1, his versatility is clear.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver, Ohio State)
Round 2 – Michael Mayer (Tight End, Notre Dame)
Round 3 – Owen Pappoe (Linebacker, Auburn)
Round 5 – Jordan McFadden (Offensive Line, Clemson)
Round 6 – Sidy Sow (Offensive Tackle, Eastern Michigan)
Round 7 – Nick Herbig (Edge Rusher, Wisconsin)
