This has been a big time draft for the Tennessee Titans so far. While none of us know for sure how any of these picks pan out, it is safe to say that this has been an extremely important draft for the franchise. Whether or not this team can become relevant again in the next couple of years depends a lot on the choices they are making right now. While the team has made some big decisions so far, some holes remain:
Running Back: In his press conference after the Jeremiah Poutasi pick last night, Ruston Webster said that the team will be looking at running back on day 3. This, along with yesterday's picks, shows a continued commitment to rebuilding the offense, and giving our new quarterback everything he needs right off the bat. While Bishop Sankey should improve thanks to the Marcus Mariota pick--more on that later--the Titans still need to add a player at this position. Shonn Greene is unlikely to be on the opening day roster. I would expect a back somewhat closer to Greene's style than Sankey's. Some of the main options going into day 3 are Jay Ajayi, Jeremy Langford, David Cobb, and Mike Davis. Thanks to a deep class, a number of solid options remain. With a late run on running backs in the third round last night, I could see the Titans making a move here early today.
Outside Linebacker: Another thing that Ruston Webster said last night was that the Titans saw a deep free agent class at this position, which explains why the team has not acquired another outside linebacker yet. That being said, expect that to change today. The Titans still need numbers here. After seeing Quentin Groves and Dontay Moch being forced into playing meaningful snaps last season, it seems like the team does not want to make the same mistake twice. Considering Brian Orakpo's injury history, the Titans would be wise to add another player at this position, and I expect them to do just that. Some options are Trey Flowers, Anthony Chickillo, Za'Darius Smith, Davis Tull, Lynden Trail, Zack Hodges, and Max Valles.
Cornerback: The Titans seem to draft a cornerback every year at some point, as most teams should. As a common theme for the team last season, we saw players that had no business on the field starting and playing meaningful snaps at the end of the season. After seeing that, the team should very much consider adding another player here, even after signing Perrish Cox. Blidi Wreh-Wilson struggled mightily last year, and will need to compete with someone else, even after the Cox signing. Luckily, there are still a number of intriguing options that remain available. A couple of them are Kevin White, Josh Shaw, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Doran Grant, Tye Smith, and Quandre Diggs.
Defensive Line: You can never have enough defensive linemen. The Titans starters seem to be set in stone, but it would be nice to see the team add some depth and competition to this unit. They re-signed Klug, and Da'Quan Jones should have a much bigger role next season, but adding bodies here is never a bad thing. Also, Mike Martin has had a disappointing career thus far, and could use someone to push him for his job on the 53 man roster. Across the defensive line, there are still some very interesting options available. Some of them are Grady Jarrett, Ellis McCarthy, Marcus Hardison, Michael Bennett, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
Big Board: For a full list of the best remaining players, you can look here, on Mocking the Draft.
The Titans have done a great job this off-season of hitting as many of the needs on their roster as they can. Going into day 3, the is not much more that needs to be done. While additions still need to be made for depth purposes, which will come today, it is hard to be dissatisfied. Here's hoping the Titans continue to re-build this team the right way.