Last season, the Tennessee Titans selected offensive players with all six of their NFL draft selections. As the team gets ready for this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, don’t expect that pattern to continue.
On defense, the Titans have needs and doubts almost everywhere. Dennard Wilson, the new defensive coordinator, claims to be implementing an aggressive, offensive approach that calls for a rethinking of philosophy. It’s simple to understand how a defensive youth movement could be coming when you combine that with the fact that half of the Titans’ defensive starters are about to hit free agency.
Listed by position, these 23 defensive prospects are worth watching at this week’s NFL draft combine by the Titans.
defensive linemen in the interior
It’s likely unnecessary for defensive tackle to be a top priority until Day 3 given the Titans’ more pressing needs elsewhere. This might entail keeping an eye on players with high potential but limited potential in college, such as Maason Smith of LSU, DeWayne Carter of Duke, a more seasoned but lower-potential player, or even a smaller, more contemporary inside possibility, like as Gabe Hall of Baylor.
The outside linebackers and defensive ends
The Titans might be interested in Dallas Turner of Alabama, Laiatu Latu of UCLA, or Jared Verse of Florida State, the best edge rushers in the NFL, in the first round if Denico Autry leaves in free agency. However, it is more likely that the Titans should be watching physically gifted pass rushers who are expected to go in the middle rounds, including
inside linebackers
Junior Colson, a Brentwood native and Michigan product, is a middle-round prospect with some sentimental significance. However, considering the Titans’ requirements at positions with higher surplus value than middle linebacker, it could be wiser to wait a few rounds to target someone like Missouri’s Ty’Ron Hopper or Texas’ Jaylan Ford on Day 3.
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Cornerback
The Titans’ most pressing need is undoubtedly at cornerback, so it would be irresponsible if they didn’t at least investigate first-round candidates. Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo, Nate Wiggins from Clemson, Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama. It makes sense to select Kalen King of Penn State and Kamari Lassiter of Georgia in the second round.
