Tennessee Titans 2016 NFL Draft Preview

We've made it through yet another draft season. This has been one of the most memorable lead ups with two trades already finalized at the top. I don't think we're even close to being done with trades, either. This may not be an all time draft in terms of talent, but we should be in for a entertaining ride.

The Titans have a chance to truly dominate this draft. Six picks in the top 76 should be able to do plenty of damage. With several roster holes remaining, Jon Robinson should be able to pick up six big time contributors by the time day three is over with.

The picks

I wouldn't get too attached to these picks. Robinson has proven that he isn't afraid to wheel and deal.

1st Round: 15th overall

2nd Round: 33rd, 43rd, 45th overall

3rd Round: 64th, 76th overall

5th Round: 140th overall

6th Round: 193rd overall

7th Round: 222nd overall

Recent picks at 15 overall

2015: Melvin Gordon

2014: Ryan Shazier

2013: Kenny Vaccaro

2012: Bruce Irvin

2011: Mike Pouncey

2010: Jason Pierre-Paul

Top Needs

1. Right Tackle

2. Cornerback

3. Defensive Line

4. Wide Receiver

5. EDGE Depth

What does this draft have to offer?

This is a fairly weak draft class. The depth is at defensive line. There are several guys worthy of going in the first round that will slip to day two. This class lacks a can't miss receiver, but offers nice depth on day two. The same can be said about cornerbacks. The tackle group is top heavy -- if you don't get one of the projected first rounders I wouldn't bother taking one until day three.

There are five special talents in this class in my eyes, (Tunsil, Ramsey, Buckner, Elliott, Jack) but the talent drops off quickly after this bunch. The difference between a player at 6-8 overall isn't all that different than a player at 25-26.

Draft Spots to Watch

3 - The draft really won't get going until Jared Goff and Carson Wentz come off the board 1-2. That's a given. San Diego will get the party started at three and they have reportedly locked in on a player, but we don't know who. I've heard everything from Ronnie Stanley to DeForest Buckner to Jalen Ramsey. The Chargers are a real wildcard.

7 - San Francisco got left out in the cold with L.A. and Philly coming up to one and two. Now they must decide another direction to go. Big draft media keeps linking them with Jack Conklin, so if Robinson wants to trade up this could be his spot.

8 - I believe Cleveland wants out. The talent really dips here as the difference between 8 and 20 isn't all that great. If Tunsil, Stanley or Conklin is still available here, Jon Robinson could pounce. Watch Ezekiel Elliott here. The Bears and Dolphins could jump up here and grab him.

10 - The Giants could take a tackle off the board here. If the Titans do pick at 15, this could mean that they would be forced to choose from Taylor Decker or a handful of players from a different position. Tunsil, Stanley and Conklin should all be gone by pick 10, maybe even pick 8.

Who would the Titans take at 15?

A quick tour of the mock drafts shows the most liked player to the Titans is Jack Conklin. However, I doubt he makes it to pick 15. We've seen plenty of mock trades that have the Titans moving up for Ronnie Stanley or even Laremy Tunsil. If they take a tackle and stay put, my best guess is Taylor Decker.

If the pick isn't a right tackle, it's hard to say. Just yesterday we learned that the Titans have had contact with Josh Doctson and Eli Apple. Each of those guys could be in play at 15.

Day two options

This obviously depends on who they snag in the first round, but there are a plethora of options here at several different positions. Here's a full list of draft connections.

WR: Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller, Leonte Carroo

TE: Nick Vannett, Austin Hooper

OT: Germain Ifedi

DL: Chris Jones, Vernon Butler, Kenny Clark, Jon Bullard, Adolphus Washington

EDGE: Kamalei Correa, Emmanuel Ogbah

LB: Deion Jones, Josh Perry

CB: Mackensie Alexander, Xavien Howard, Kendall Fuller

S: Vonn Bell, Keanu Neal, Darian Thompson

Day three guys to watch

CB: James Bradberry, Tavon Young

S: Tyvis Powell, Kevin Byard, Jatavis Brown

OT: Caleb Benenoch, Clay DeBord, Zach Sterup, Joe Dahl

DL: Joel Heath, Lawrence Thomas, DJ Reader

TE: Stephen Anderson

Gut-Feelings

• It really feels like Jon Robinson wants to trade up, if the right player is there. I think he would move in a heartbeat if Tunsil or Stanley fall past Baltimore. Amazingly enough, it seems like Tunsil is the more likely of the two to fall. I've heard questions ranging from his ability to pick up the playbook to injury concerns to scheme concerns. Tunsil's situation is one to monitor.
• If the Titans stay at 15 I think they pick from one of Josh Doctson or Taylor Decker. It feels like the top three tackles will be off the board by pick ten, which would leave Decker. If they feel confident that a guy like Ifedi or Spriggs could make it to 33, this could very well be Josh Doctson. If that happens, Jon Robinson may even move back into late round one to secure his right tackle.
• I feel good about the Titans landing both Mackensie Alexander and Braxton Miller on day two.
• I also feel that they'll add one of Kenny Clark or Jon Bullard. Maybe even Chris Jones or Vernon Butler if they fall to Friday. Defensive line will offer tons of value early on day two.
• I think the Titans will add a box safety at some point in the draft. They don't really have one on the roster, but they've met with several. Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew, Jatavis Brown, Jeremy Cash come to mind.