:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59566519/951725180.jpg.0.jpg)
Mel Kiper has graded the draft for all 32 NFL teams. He gave the Titans a B. This was a draft unlike any I have ever seen. Jon Robinson spent a lot of time talking like he wanted to acquire more picks because he only had 6. He then proceeded to turn those 6 picks into 4 while trading up on 3 of the 4.
It is a bold strategy, and as I have said before, I loved it. They got two guys in the first two days that were on the top 20 on a lot of draft boards. He did that at 22 and 41. That’s insane. He really only gave up a 3rd and 4th to do that while acquiring a 6th. If Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry are cornerstones of this defense for the next 5 years, is anyone going to care that he gave up those picks? Nope.
Back to Kiper’s grade, it seems that he gave them a B instead of an A because he doesn’t think they addressed the depth issues at a few positions. I’m not worried about that. They brought some guys in as free agents that will help there, and if 1 or 2 of the UDFAs can stick, then they are golden.
Kiper’s comments:
Credit GM Jon Robinson and the Titans for being aggressive. They traded up for all three of their top picks. The problem is that depleted their capital for the rest of the draft, and this team isn’t without holes. Yes, Tennessee made the playoffs (and won a game), but I see a depth chart with aging edge defenders and issues at guard, tight end, inside linebacker and wide receiver. So the Titans ended up with only first- and second-round picks, then didn’t have another selection again until the fifth round. They better hit on who they moved up for.
As for the players they got with those trades, I do see the fits. The Titans moved up ahead of 3-4 teams Pittsburgh and New England for Rashaan Evans (pick 22), who will fill Avery Williamson’s spot at inside linebacker. Evans is an every-down player who can run with tight ends and backs, and he’s a great fit for Tennessee’s defense. I actually had pass-rusher Harold Landry to the Titans in the first round in my two-round mock, and they moved up to No. 41 to get him in the second round. He’s the best true 3-4 edge rusher in this class.
Is the depth issue a concern for you?