2018 NFL Draft: A final look at the Titans’ needs, along with some potential targets

We are just a couple of days away from finding out who the Titans pick at No. 25 overall — or wherever Jon Robinson maneuvers to. As the wait winds down, let’s re-stack the needs list, shall we?

1. Edge Rusher

Tennessee’s number one need has held firm throughout this offseason. The Titans need another option behind Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo for 2018. Beyond that, they must begin to groom one or two edge rushers to take over in the future. Both Morgan and Orakpo will see their deals expire after this season, potentially creating a massive void at one of the most important positions on the roster. This is one that has to be addressed this year.

Potential targets (official visits): Josh Sweat, Sam Hubbard, Arden Key, Uchenna Nwosu

2. Inside Linebacker

Personally, I’m not sure how immediate this need is. You’ve got a 32 year old Wesley Woodyard as the only sure thing in the starting lineup for now. Second year pro Jayon Brown played on passing downs only last season, but could blossom into much more with his outstanding athleticism. That’s not exactly a given, however.

28 year old Will Compton might just bridge that gap to Brown. Either way, the Titans are going to need a future starter. You could argue that they need an immediate upgrade here too and I would understand. It’s just hard to say which camp the Titans are in right now.

Potential targets (official visits): Leighton Vander Esch, Malik Jefferson, Oren Burks, Chris Worley

3. Receiver

The Titans haven’t added anything here this offseason, outside of Michael Campanaro. We saw a few flashes from Corey Davis, who is set to step into a featured role this season. Rishard Matthews will be just fine as the No. 2.

From there, it’s a little murky.

Tajae Sharpe will be back and healthy once again, along with Taywan Taylor. Taylor struggled to find the field in year one and remains a bit of an unknown to this point. Campanaro is likely the only other option right now.

Jon Robinson has done his homework here, working out and meeting with a handful of receivers. I’d put money on the Titans adding one between rounds two and six this weekend.

Potential targets (official visits): Dante Pettis, Richie James

4. Safety Depth

The Titans currently have just four safeties on the roster. I think it’s a pretty safe bet that they’ll be going into camp with more than that. All-Pro Kevin Byard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but could they upgrade Johnathan Cyprien?

It’s worth considering to me. Regardless of Cyprien, I wouldn’t be shocked with a mid-round safety addition to add depth. They’ve certainly met with enough to warrant that thought.

Potential targets (official visits): Justin Reid, Armani Watts, Dane Cruikshank, Jessie Bates, Rashaan Gaulden

5. Defensive Line

Jurrell Casey and DaQuan Jones are now locked up for the immediate future. Bennie Logan fills the Titans’ nose tackle need on a one year deal. Austin Johnson, David King and Antwaun Woods will provide depth once again for the team’s 3-4 base front.

It may be just me, but it feels like the Titans could use another piece here. Logan will be a band-aid this season, but could Jon Robinson find a defensive lineman to groom for the future?

Potential targets (official visits): Andrew Brown, Julian Taylor

6. Running Back Depth

Tennessee has two locks to make the roster right now at running back. Those are Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, of course. They’ve essentially operated with two active backs for the past two seasons, but with a new coaching staff in place, that’s likely to change.

They were pretty fortunate to stay as healthy as they did last year. Adding a third back is a must, in my opinion. This draft isn’t short on options, either. Adding more versatility to the Titans’ backfield is definitely something that I would be interested in.

Potential targets (official visits): Ito Smith, John Kelly

Bonus: You know what isn’t a need? Tight end. Someone please alert Kiper and McShay. Thank you.