The 2017 NFL draft is quickly approaching and Titans GM, Jon Robinson has numerous decisions to make.
NFL analysts can predict what path the Titans will take during the draft, but over the past year Tennessee fans have quickly realized the unpredictable personality of Jon Robinson.
With the unpredictability of Jon Robinson let’s throw some draft predictions out there. If you were the general manager of the Tennessee Titans, what would you do?
Here’s what I’d do.
The majority of mock drafts have The Titans taking Ohio State corner back, Marshon Lattimore with the 5th overall pick, which makes sense because the Titans gave up 269 passing yards per game last season (30th in the league). Lattimore is getting a lot of praise for his ability at Ohio State, but the Titans should not take Marshon Lattimore at pick number five, and here’s why.
In 2016, Jon Robinson baited the Los Angeles Rams into trading their 2017 first-round pick for the services of future Hall of Famer, Jared Goff, so why not trade the #5 pick to another desperate dumpster fire organization like the Jets? The Jets are in love with North Carolina QB, Mitchell Trubisky, and would move up one spot from their original #6 spot to fight off other quarterback happy teams (The Browns) trying to trade up. If the Titans were to move back one spot in the first-round, and ask for the Jets second-round pick (39th overall) the Titans would still have two-first-rounders, and enable them to move back into the second round.
Again, why take Lattimore at pick number five when you can get him at pick number six, and score a potential second-rounder as well?
The Picks
If the Titans were able to make this trade how would the first-two rounds play out? If Marshon Lattimore is a lock at number six how could they use their next two picks?
The Titans next two picks would arrive at #18 and #39 (from the Jets). Many Titans fans are screaming for a wide receiver at 18, but if Reuben Foster is sitting there the Titans would be crazy not to take him. Tennessee needs a wide receiver, but their offensive production nearly broke the top 10 last season, while their defense ranked 25th in the NFL. A linebacker like Foster can stop the run, and his athletic ability is very similar to another former Tennessee linebacker, Keith Bulluck.
With the 39th pick of the NFL Draft the Tennessee Titans select, Adoree Jackson, corner back, Southern California. He is listed as a corner back, but he can serve as a wide receiver & kick return specialist, which the Titans desperately need. His rare athletic ability is remarkable, and if he’s around at pick 39 this is a no-brainer.
If you disagree– maybe this will change your mind…
Final Verdict
The Titans need to focus on defense in the earlier stages of the draft. Sure, they need an offensive weapon at wide receiver, but there will be plenty of talented receivers in the later rounds. Receivers like, ArDarius Stewart (Bama), Malachi Dupree (LSU), Isaiah Ford (VT), Ju Ju Smith (USC), and Fred Ross (Miss State, which could be the biggest sleeper in the draft). Not to mention next years draft will produce receivers like Christian Kirk, James Washington, Courtland Sutton, and Jauan Jennings.
If I’m the Titans GM this is the route I’m taking. What route would you take?
Round One of the NFL Draft starts, Thursday, April 27 at 8pm ET.
Writer Notes: This is a made up scenario. Thanks.
