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As always, free agency completely shifts the needs heading into the draft. Before last week, it was difficult to see the Tennessee Titans going in any other direction than edge rusher. However, now with Bud Dupree in town opposite of Harold Landry, things are much more open.
The Titans now have more pressing needs at wide receiver and cornerback, with Corey Davis and Adoree’ Jackson now gone. Malcolm Butler has also been cut, while Janoris Jenkins and Kevin Johnson were added. At receiver, it’s Josh Reynolds and A.J. Brown for now.
Enter Florida’s Kadarius Toney, which is who Mel Kiper now projects to the Titans at pick No. 22. Here’s what Kiper had to say.
With Corey Davis leaving in free agency, this is a really thin wide receiver depth chart behind A.J. Brown. Toney could have a few different suitors in this range, and Ryan Tannehill would love him. Toney could contribute as a dynamic receiver, runner and returner, and new offensive coordinator Todd Downing should get him the ball 10 times a game. Toney will do damage out of the slot: In his career, he averaged 15.6 yards per catch when lined up in the slot, adding 10 scores.
Brown and Reynolds on the outside with Toney working the slot could be a whole lot of fun. Toney was electric for the Florida Gators, exploding as a senior in 2020. He caught 70 passes for nearly 1,000 yards, scoring ten touchdowns. Toney also handled 19 carries, which went for 161 yards.
The 6-0, 193 pound receiver could serve as a bit of a utility player for the Titans, which is something they could use after losing Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith and Adam Humphries.
Free agency isn’t over just yet, and Robinson could certainly knock out a couple more of these needs. But right now, the Titans feel pretty wide open at 22. You could make a case for receiver, cornerback, edge rusher, tight end or even another offensive tackle.