The Titans did not make a single trade during the 2024 NFL Draft party, and a theme emerged for GM Ran Carton’s first draft class with Brian Callahan.
Who are the latest batch of Tennessee Titans’ draft picks to make their way to Nashville to carve out their places in the league? There was a lot of initial consternation among the draftniks, fans, and league early on, but Tennessee did well for themselves.
Carthon, Team President Chad Brinker, and head coach Brian Callahan headed up the efforts to usher in a new era of Titans football. Onto the selections!
Tennessee Titans Draft Class
Round 1, Selection 7: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama
The Titans desperately needed a solution at tackle after suffering through a malaise at the position for years. Well, they might have gotten one in Latham, who was heavily endorsed by Bill Callahan. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban also sang his praises on draft night. After playing right tackle exclusively in college, the Titans are converting him to left tackle. There are questions about whether he has the athleticism to play the position at the pro level. If there’s anyone that can get the most out of him, it’s Callahan. He ranged anywhere from OT2 to OT5 on most boards. He could project as Donovan Smith type of tackle in the pros.
Tennessee was frequently linked to Joe Alt, who ultimately went to the Chargers just two picks before they were on the clock. Given the immense need for the franchise, Latham wasn’t a surprising selection. There were more left tackle options (Olu Fashanu, among others) on the board then, but the organization stuck to its guns.
GRADE: B+
R2, Selection 38: IDL T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
This selection doesn’t come without controversy, as Sweat was arrested for DWI weeks before the draft. It was a question as to whether this incident would cause his stock to drop. Evidently, the Titans did a lot of research on Sweat and his family following the legal situation and came away satisfied. On the field, Sweat is a space-occupying terror in run defense. His pass-rush arsenal needs some improvement, but he has the overall athleticism to stay on the field during pass-downs. There have been questions about his commitment level due to the weight and stamina concerns. He does need to trim down to the 345-350 range to be effective and more durable. Sweat dominated at the Senior Bowl, where he was nigh unblockable by most offensive linemen.
Sweat provides Tennessee with a massive body that opposing offenses must account for, freeing up Jeffery Simmons to cause even more havoc in the backfield. He also allows for the linebackers and EDGE guys like Harold Landry, Arden Key, and Otis Reese IV to shoot the gaps and make plays. The schematic fit, positional need, and alignment make sense for both parties. However, the off-field questions about commitment lower the grade for this selection.
GRADE: B-
R4, Selection 106: LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Gray was the sixth off-ball linebacker selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was monstrously productive, notching two consecutive 100+ tackle seasons. His ball skills are top-tier, as he produced 13 passes defended, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles. The former Tar Heel is a tremendous athlete with great instincts and explosive agility. He triggers downhill well and is often in the picture of the ball carrier. Tennessee received a steal at that point in the draft, where they selected him. He was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he was solid and made a few splash plays during the practice sessions.
The Titans had a glaring need for an inside linebacker after Azeez Al-Shaair left for the rival Texans. Gray will look to fill the starting inside linebacker role beside free agent signee Kenneth Murray. He has a great chance to claim the starting role from returning starter Jack Gibbens.
GRADE: A-
R5, Selection 146: CB Jarvis Brownlee, Jr, Louisville
Brownlee had an inconsistent collegiate career, transferring to Louisville from Florida State. He’s an aggressive cornerback who doesn’t shy away from any receiver. The former Cardinals man will fit right in with a revamped cornerback room that vastly improved this offseason. He really stood out at the Senior Bowl, winning nearly every rep during the practice sessions.
Tennessee will place him as a nickel to start his pro career, battling incumbent Roger McCreary for the starting role. The organization signed Chidobe Awuzie and traded for L’Jarius Sneed to man the outside spots.
GRADE: B+
R6, Selection 182: WR Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane
Jackson was an interesting selection by Tennessee given that the receiver that most fans were clamoring for went to the Dolphins two selections later (Malik Washington). The former Tulane receiver doesn’t have the size to play outside so he’ll limited to the slot. He does possess the lateral agility and deep speed to be a home run threat from anywhere. Brian Callahan and Nick Holz should get creative with him, using him on sweeps, screens, and whatever else that has him with the ball in his hands.
The Titans drafted Jackson to compete for the WR4 spot with Kyle Philips, Nick Westbrook-Ihkine, and Mason Kinsey. He also provides them with some competition for return duties as well.
GRADE: B
R7, Pick 242: S/LB James Williams, Miami
The former Hurricane played safety at the collegiate level but bulked up considerably for the Senior Bowl where he measured in at 6’4 230. Miami listed him at 6’5 215 and aligned in a more traditional strong safety role. 2023 turned out to be his most productive season overall. It will be interesting to monitor on how he manages to mold his game around the weight gain.
Although he is listed as a safety, Williams is more than likely going to be deployed as a versatile dime linebacker in certain packages.
GRADE: B
R7, Selection 242: EDGE Jaylen Harrell, Michigan
Tennessee completed its draft class with a key cog of the reigning national champions. The Senior Bowl invited Harrell after a meritorious 2023 season that saw him improve every statistical category. He’s an intriguing athletic pass rusher with an arsenal of tricks up his sleeve. His father, James, played in the league for multiple seasons so the bloodline is there for him to succeed. It’s likely the Titans will use him as a pass rush specialist until he can improve his run defense.
GRADE: B
Summary
The Titans had a plan during the draft and stuck to their guns through the process. They had a litany of needs to fill and largely had success filling them, even if the picks were interesting. Tennessee’s class will hinge on the development of Latham and Sweat, Latham especially as he’s the anointed one at left tackle. A theme emerged from this cycle, and that theme turned out to be reminiscent of the Titans’ past: A gnarly, physical, and aggressive monstrous team that would grind opponents into surrendering.
Will it turn out to be successful as Ran Carthon’s second draft class gets underway? Only time will tell.
Overall Grade: B-
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
