{"id":19971,"date":"2017-05-02T20:28:20","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T00:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=19971"},"modified":"2017-05-02T20:28:20","modified_gmt":"2017-05-03T00:28:20","slug":"tennessee-titans-2017-nfl-draft-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/05\/02\/tennessee-titans-2017-nfl-draft-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Titans 2017 NFL Draft Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

The AFC South is up for the taking, and the Titans helped their chances of winning the division with this draft class. Tennessee filled their two glaring needs in the NFL Draft with their first two selections; wide receiver and cornerback. Instead of adding depth to their poor secondary, they gave\u00a0Marcus Mariota<\/a><\/strong> a plethora\u00a0of receiving options.<\/p>\n

First\u00a0round, fifth\u00a0overall: Corey Davis<\/a>,<\/strong>\u00a0wide receiver, Western Michigan<\/p>\n

First\u00a0round, 18th overall: Adoree’ Jackson,\u00a0<\/strong>cornerback, USC<\/p>\n

Third\u00a0round, 72nd overall:\u00a0Taywan Taylor<\/strong>, wide receiver, Western Kentucky<\/p>\n

Third\u00a0round, 100th overall:\u00a0Jonnu Smith<\/strong>, tight end, Florida International<\/p>\n

Fifth\u00a0round, 155th overall:\u00a0Jayon Brown<\/strong>, linebacker, UCLA<\/p>\n

Sixth\u00a0round, 217th overall:\u00a0Corey Levin<\/strong>, offensive lineman, Chattanooga<\/p>\n

Seventh\u00a0round, 227th overall:\u00a0Josh Carraway<\/strong>, linebacker, TCU<\/p>\n

Seventh\u00a0round, 236th overall:\u00a0Brad Seaton<\/strong>, offensive tackle, Villanova<\/p>\n

Seventh round, 241st overall:\u00a0Khalfani Muhammad<\/strong>, running back, California<\/p>\n

Titans Overall Draft Grade: 8.5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans 2017 NFL Draft Review<\/h2>\n

The Best Player: Corey Davis<\/h3>\n

Taking Davis with the fifth pick was originally\u00a0thought of as a reach. But, after the three first-round caliber wideouts went in the first 10 picks, it was the right move. If the Titans were to end day one of the draft without one of Corey Davis, Mike Williams<\/a><\/strong> or John Ross<\/strong>,\u00a0the draft grade would have been under five. Davis has a rare combination of size and speed that will be utilized well in\u00a0the Titans offense. Not to mention, he’s the best blocking\u00a0receiver in the class, to the excitement of\u00a0DeMarco Murray<\/a><\/strong> and\u00a0Derrick Henry<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Head-Scratcher: Khalfani Muhammad<\/h3>\n

With the two-headed monster of the Murray and Henry\u00a0in the Titans’\u00a0backfield, this pick needed a ‘double-take.’ But then again, being able to add depth in the seventh\u00a0round is hard to pass up on. The ‘Head-scratching’ aspect to this draft was the Titans only used one of their nine selections on improving their secondary that was simply terrible\u00a0last year. The one thing that Muhammad brings is his 4.38 40 speed that will be a nice change of pace in the running game. His speed alone sets him apart from third-string guy David Fluellen. He can also make an impact on special teams.<\/p>\n

The Surprise: Jonnu\u00a0Smith<\/h3>\n

Taking a tight end in the third round came as a surprise to many with the Titans already in good shape at the position\u00a0with Pro Bowler\u00a0Delaine Walker.\u00a0<\/strong>Smith is an undersized tight end and wasn’t touted as a top-ranked player at the position (fourth-fifth\u00a0round). Knowing how\u00a0much the Titans love their two tight end sets and Smith’s similarities to Walker, this pick may turn into more of a steal rather than a surprise.<\/p>\n

Most Likely To\u00a0Turn Heads in Camp: Adoree’ Jackson<\/h3>\n

There are two knocks against\u00a0Jackson. He is an undersized corner who also\u00a0happens to get burned on the perimeter. Luckily\u00a0for the Titans, his athleticism makes up for his unconventional technique and occasional blunder. The athletic side of Jackson offers him upside as a handy swiss army knife that can be used in the return game and even on the offensive side of the ball. With those traits, he will surely\u00a0be an exciting rookie at camp.<\/p>\n

The Rest: Jayon Brown, Corey Levin,\u00a0Josh Carraway, Brad Seaton<\/h3>\n

The Titans were burned a lot against other teams tight ends last season. Jayon Brown is more of a coverage linebacker and could take over\u00a0Wesley Woodyard<\/a><\/strong>‘s spot beside\u00a0Avery Williamson<\/a><\/strong>. Levin and Seaton will act as great depth on the offensive line at both tackle and guard. Carraway needs to be better against the run, but his speed off the edge will help the Titans. Behind\u00a0Derrick Morgan<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and Brian Orakpo<\/a><\/strong>, Tennessee doesn’t have much to offer on the edge.\u00a0Kevin Dodd<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is still dealing with his\u00a0foot injury and Aaron Wallace<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is fighting for a roster spot. These four players will all have a chance to earn a spot on the roster, or worst case, be added to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Bottom Line:<\/h3>\n

The Titans put a lot of stock in their offense by adding more options for Mariota. They ignored their glaring need in secondary by only drafting one defensive back. Outside of Ryan and Jackson, the Titans are thin. They clearly are confident in Brice McCain<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0at the slot and are okay with\u00a0LeShaun Sims<\/a><\/strong> and\u00a0Kalan Reed<\/a><\/strong> as depth guys. But in the case of an injury, the Titans may be in the same situation as they were in 2016. Despite the lack of defensive backs in their selections, the Titans’ offense has no excuses now. Mariota has been given the pieces he needs to have a breakout season. If Mariota can do so, and the Titans defense improves, Tennessee has a serious chance of making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n