Tuesday 3 May 2016

Tennessee Titans Draft Grades

After giving myself several days to digest the draft choices that the Titans made - as well as research some of the lesser-known selections - I believe it is the right time to release my initial 'draft grades' for the team's selections. While initial draft grades are usually a pointless task, and aren't the best way of judging a draft (we have to wait three years to do that accurately), it is fun to see if my initial assessments of the draft picks turn out to be correct. So, here goes:

1(8). Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan St. - I like Conklin as a football player. I had him ranked 'tied 3rd' in my initial draft rankings. Over the NFL Combine process he separated himself from Taylor Decker and was fortunate enough for Laremy Tunsil to be a complete mess off-the-field. In terms of the pick I like the player and the fit. I think Conklin is the perfect player to be a Right Tackle in the Titans' system. What I dislike is the draft capital that the Titans gave up to get him (that 2017 2nd round pick is a killer). I think Conklin, based on his talent, was a top 15 player. Taking him at #8 is probably at the top end of his draft radius. I think JRob was right to be concerned about NYG taking Conklin and so the aggressive move to trade up isn't as bad as it initially seemed. Overall Grade: B

2(33). Kevin Dodd, OLB, Clemson - Dodd was very good value at the top of the second round. Many respected 'draft gurus' had him ranked in the teens - and that's about where I thought he would go. I thought Dodd might have been a better fit in a 4-3-wide scheme, but he has shown competency standing up in the Clemson scheme. He also fills a key need for the Titans. They have been longing for a competent #3 OLB to provide insurance for their injury-prone starters; Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. Dodd was a one-year-wonder and that is certainly a cause for concern, but his tape last year merited this selection. Overall Grade: A-

2(43). Austin Johnson, NT, Penn St. - Probably the 'safest' pick of the Titans' draft. Johnson had many 1st round grades coming into the draft, and for good reason. He has the size, scheme versatility and play-style to fit nearly any scheme. He is probably a prototypical 'nose' in the Titans' scheme, with the ability to play 5-tech and rush the passer in nickel situations. The addition of Johnson should significantly improve the Titans' run defense. I think he will eventually beat out Al Woods in training camp and find himself at the top of the defensive line rotation alongside Jurrell Casey. Overall Grade: A

2(45). Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama - Henry is probably the pick I dislike the most in this draft. I don't think Henry is a bad player - I think he was the second best running back in the class - but I think he is poor value at #45. The positional value for a back-up running back is low. Perhaps if the Titans were drafting Henry to be their starter then the pick would be worthy of a bit more praise. But DeMarco Murray is on the roster already, and the insurance if he failed already existed in the form of the 2017 NFL Draft. Next year's draft will potentially contain three 'elite-level' running backs. I get that JRob and Mularkey are trying to run the ball and build a 'bully', but they wasted valuable draft capital on a player whose production I think they could've emulated with a 5th round pick. Overall Grade: C-

3(64). Kevin Byard, FS, Middle Tennessee - I like this pick, it addressed a need with a player that was highly productive in college. I think there are question marks surrounding Byard. When watching his tape he consistently takes bad angles vs. the run. But his pass coverage is phenomenal. He left college with 19 INTs which is a testament to his ball-skills. He was also considered a leader within his college team. I would've preferred someone like Vonn Bell or Sean Davis to fill this need, but Byard is an adequate selection that could prove to be a 'steal' if his pass defense can translate against better competition in the NFL. Overall Grade: B+

5(140). Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass - Sharpe is a solid pick. He consistently catches the ball when it's thrown to him and has nice size for the position. He also has demonstrated the ability to play both inside and outside and showcased fluid route-running abilities. My issues with Sharpe is that he appears to have a low ceiling, doesn't create that much separation against 'lesser' talent and didn't test out well at the Senior Bowl. He is a solid gamble in the 5th round though and could develop into a nice target for Mariota. Overall Grade: C+

5(157). LeShaun Sims, CB, Southern Utah - I scratched my head a bit at this one. I didn't see any reason to trade up for Sims. There was still solid talent left at corner and a good one would've fallen to the 6th round most likely. Sims also didn't 'wow' me when I watched his tape. He looked pretty solid in press coverage and nice in run support. But he also consistently struggled to get off blocks against sub-par college guys. Weird pick. Overall Grade: C

6(193). Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas - Love this pick. A mauler of a guard who will fit the aggressive, power-scheme that the Titans will be running in 2016-17. He likely fell in the draft due to some concerns with his pass protection, but Mularkey's scheme (if last season is anything to go by) utilizes tight ends in protection often and so it is unlikely that Tretola will be isolated in pass protection. In terms of his run blocking, Tretola is mean and strong and will create big holes for Murray and Henry if given the opportunity. Overall Grade: A

7(222). Aaron Wallace, OLB, UCLA - Not much to say about this pick. Wallace is a solid pick because, at worst, he will help you on special teams. Has shown some twitch at the position and was the most productive linebacker at UCLA last season. Overall Grade: B+

7(253). Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Mississippi - I love this pick. Reed is a better player than Sims (who we traded up for in the 5th). He has lightening speed, was extremely productive in college and has the tenacity to support in the run defense. He will make the roster and compete to start at nickel early. Overall Grade: A+


FINAL GRADE: B+/A- 

A solid draft with some picks that I love and some picks that I hate. But there will be some solid contributors that come out of this draft. I don't see a lot of 'All-Pro' potential here, but I do see a lot of guys that will build the core of an NFL contender.

1 comment:

  1. Love your thoughts and glad you're back man. I had like a couple month long depression from the Mularkey hiring too...

    ReplyDelete