The Tennessee Titans were probably one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL this season. They did however finish the season strong, winning four out of their last five. The Titans were absolutely dominant in the run game and definitely showed that Marcus Mariota is a franchise quarterback. They are moving in the right direction, but still have a ways to go before they can be consistent threats to win the AFC South title and make regular playoff appearances. The main problem they face is figuring out what holes need to be filled and how to fill them.
When looking at the Titans this season, you probably thought about how great their running game was. They’ve made great selections the last two years in the draft with selecting Taylor Lewan and all pro rookie Jack Conklin, who have been fantastic additions. The real issue lies in their receiving core and the secondary, especially at cornerback. The Titans have the third-ranked rushing offense and were ranked second against the run on defense. So clearly that is not where the issue lies. The real problem lies in their passing offense and defense. The offense was ranked 25th in passing yards per game and 30th in passing yards given up per game. This should make things clear to most of us as to what needs fixed.
[NickPoalson]
The Titans need to make sure to focus on adding depth and talent at cornerback early in the draft along with picking up a number one wide receiver. Rishard Matthews was without a doubt their best receiver, but he still isn’t a number one. They have two first round picks in this years draft at numbers five and 18. This gives them a great opportunity to make the much needed decisions that will lead to an immediate impact for their team. If they can land a player like Mike Williams out of Clemson, John Ross from Washington, JuJu Smith Schuster out of USC, or Corey Davis from Western Michigan, they possibly could find that number one threat they so desperately need. There are also multiple cornerbacks available in the draft that could make an immediate impact for their weak secondary. Players such as Marlon Humphrey from Alabama, Teez Tabor from Florida, Desmond King from Iowa, and Sidney Jones out of Washington. They must pick two of the players mentioned in both groups with their two first round picks if they are going to improve quickly.
The Titans are extremely close from going from a .500 football team, to a AFC South title favorite. They are the team that I believe should be the favorites for winning it in 2017 if they can improve the two positions I have mentioned. If they can get to the playoffs they have a real shot of making a run due to their rushing attack. All they need is to become more of a threat on both sides of the ball when it comes to the passing game.
I think that Titans should trade their earliest first round pick for two first round pick so they end up with 3 first round picks or they should trade their earliest first round pick for a first round pick and a 2nd round pick so they end up with two first round picks and one 2nd round pick. They lost their own 2nd round pick to the Browns in the trade that got them Conklin. If they do this they would end up with 3 first round picks and two third round picks or they would end up with 2 first round picks, one second round pick, and 2 third round picks. With this many high picks they could become a powerhouse overnight.