As the 2018 NFL Draft inches ever closer to reality, the Tennessee Titans have positioned themselves to where they don’t have glaring holes at very many positions.
Sure, depth is a concern at a few spots, just from a numbers aspect, but Jon Robinson has done enough in free agency to fill most of the voids on the roster, which should allow the Titans to address a best-player or best-fit scenario with most of their draft picks.
That’s not to say that the Titans don’t have areas that need upgrading and replenishing. They are a bit thin at outside linebacker, inside linebacker, safety and wide receivers – all areas that are likely to be addressed this week. So without further adieu, here is the 2018 TitanInsider Mock Draft with each of the Titans picks made here:
First round (No. 25 overall)
Sam Hubbard, DE/OLB, Ohio State. Hubbard isn’t the most dazzling prospect in the draft, but he is a well-rounded player and at 6-5, 270 pounds can come in and spell starting outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, and eventually be the heir apparent to one of them in the starting lineup. Hubbard was a high school safety, but outgrew that position once he got to Ohio State. Also, add in the fact that new coach Mike Vrabel knows Hubbard well, and likes the type of hard-working player he is, and Hubbard seems even more of a fit as to what the Titans are trying to build.
Second round (No. 57 overall)
Malik Jefferson, ILB, Texas. This selection fills one of the few needs the Titans have in the draft, a potential three-down inside linebacker. Avery Williamson departed in free agency, an Jefferson would come in and compete with free-agent signee Will Compton to start alongside Wesley Woodyard.
Third round (No. 89 overall)
Rashaan Gaulden, DB, Tennessee. The Titans go local, tabbing former Brentwood Academy star in the third round. The Titans don’t really need a cornerback, but Gaulden has the versatility to play safety or nickelback as well, and has the type of athleticism and high energy that should make him a fit in the Titans’ scheme. While the Titans are set at free safety with Kevin Byard, Gaulden could potentially challenge Johnathan Cyprien, who was injured a good part of last season, at the other safety spot.
Fourth round (No. 125 overall)
Deon Cain, WR Clemson. The Titans receiving corps is in short supply in two categories – experience and speed. While Cain won’t do anything to help the former, he does have the speed necessary to do something about the latter shortcoming of the Tennessee receiving group. Cain would join fellow young receivers Corey Davis, Tajae Sharpe and Taywan Taylor, to go with veteran Rishard Matthews and kick return candidate Michael Campanaro.
Fifth round (No. 162 overall)
Colby Gossett, OL, Appalachian State. Listed as a guard, Gossett has the athleticism and smarts to move all over the line. That versatility is something that will endear him to head coach Mike Vrabel, as the Titans try to shore up the interior of the offensive line.
Sixth round (No. 199 overall)
Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss. Smith would come in and compete with David Fluellen and Khalani Muhammad to be the Titans’ third running back behind Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. That means a lot of work on special teams and the ability to be a jack-of-all-trades, in the event that either of the top two backs are injured.
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