:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45914556/usa-today-8327654.0.jpg)
With a whirlwind free agency done for the most part (seriously that first three days might be the craziest that the NFL has ever seen), the Titans set their sights towards the draft.
Trade
Titans receive: 2.39, 4.101, 2016 5
Bears receive: 2.33 and a 2015 6
Draft
1.2 Marcus Mariota 6'4 222 QB Oregon RS Junior
- The Titans stand pat at number two and take the next potential franchise signal caller despite fielding a number of calls from other teams. Mariota is an exceptional talent but there are system questions about him. In the past two years, he's won just about every award there is for a college player, including the 2014 Heisman Trophy. He has great speed, running the 40 in 4.52 seconds. Athleticism is off the charts as he proved the tape right in that regard at the Combine. Intangibles are excellent as well. The questions I have about him are can he succeed in a pro style system and does he have the arm talent to make it? Oregon runs a system that isn't conducive to making multiple reads similar to that of Baylor's offense. Also, Mariota has an average arm and can't bomb it downfield like Winston can on a consistent basis. Another question is that can he make the anticipation throws and throw receivers open instead of having them wide open? He was inconsistent in that regard at the Combine, often throwing a beat too late when the receiver was a step or two already into the route.
2.39 Stephone Anthony 6'3 243 ILB Clemson Senior
- Anthony ran a 4.56 40 (good for third best among all linebackers) and had a decent session in the field drills. He's a good enough athlete to play three downs without losing a step on tight ends and backs. One of the more underrated inside linebackers in the country. He also maintained his high level of play from the Senior Bowl. Anthony is the field general type that will command the entire defense. He would make a nice duo with Avery Williamson, allowing Williamson to flow downhill where he's better suited.
3.66 Nate Orchard 6'3 250 DE/OLB Utah Senior
- Orchard had a good showing at Utah's Pro Day. He reversed some of the negative momentum from the Combine. Orchard showed in Mobile why he could be argued as the best pass rusher in the Pac-12. He's a pure pass rusher at this point and needs to work on the run game. Consistently blew by blockers with speed rush. Got locked down by bigger blockers when trying to use bull rushes. He is what he is, which is an elite pass rusher from a conference full of them.
4.96 Rob Havenstein OT 6'7 321 Wisconsin RS Senior
- Titans OL coach Bob Bostad calls on a former pupil during his tenure in Madison. Havenstein had a solid week at the Senior Bowl but the Combine wasn't as kind to him. He looked stiff and a step slow during the drills. More of a run blocker than pass blocker at this point. He helped pave the way for record setting RB Melvin Gordon. A durable lineman who made 55 consecutive starts with 41 of those being at right tackle (where he's best suited and a glaring hole is present on the Titans roster).
4.101 Tony Lippett WR 6'2 192 Michigan State RS Senior
- Lippett had a standout week of practice at the Senior Bowl, including a nearly perfect gauntlet drill (a modified one from the one they use at the Combine). He's an excellent hands catcher, has good route running ability, and has underrated speed. Just knows how to get open ala Nate Washington. He didn't fare as well at the Combine, running a 4.67 40. There's a school of thought that he could be an interesting conversion project to corner.
5.130 Cameron Artis-Payne RB 5'10 212 Auburn Senior
- CAP has had an outstanding draft process thus far, proving that he isn't just another guy in Auburn's high flying offense. He has good movement skills along with above average vision and instincts. Knows when to bulldoze guys over and when to make himself "skinny" to avoid the big hits. Proven to be durable in 2014 with over 300 carries and led the SEC is rushing yards. An interesting background as his journey to Auburn was full of stops to take in the scenery. Graduated high school in 2007.
6. Shaq Mason G/C 6'2 310 Georgia Tech Senior
- An All-ACC performer and one of the nation's most underrated guards. Obviously the run blocking portion of his game is well developed but his pass blocking leaves something to be desired (considering Tech only passes about 10 times a game, this isn't entirely unexpected). He can also play center in a pinch.
