The 2023 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching.
The draft begins on April 27, with the Tennessee Titans picking the 11th overall pick in the first round. From there, the Titans have five more picks to choose from every round except the fourth. With huge holes in their offense and defense, the Titans need to hit as many picks as possible.
Before the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and free agency change the way prospects are viewed and the needs of teams, let’s see what the Titans can do. This is the Tennessean’s first crack in the 2023 Titans’ 7-round mock draft.
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Round 1, No. 11: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio
There are many ways the Titans could go in the first round. They could grab receivers like TCU’s Quentin Johnston and Southern Cal’s Jordan Addison. They could go after cornerbacks like Gonzalez and edge rushers like Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson and Iowa’s Lucas Van Ness. , you can go to the best player available.
But realistically, they make offensive tackles. Peter Skronski of Northwestern University and Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State University are prime targets. I don’t think Skoronski is still on the board at 11 years old, so Johnson is a wise choice.He has 449 pass block snaps in left tackles in his 2022 and he has 2 sacks and his is the dominant run blocker who surrendered only 14 pressures.
Round 2, No. 42: WR Djarin Hyatt, Tennessee
Titans manager Mike Vrabel wants his team to be faster. The Titans don’t have to look any farther than a school a few hours east to get that speed in the big position they need. Perfect when looking to add a field stretcher and a big-play threat to pair with 1st-round pick Treylon Burks of the year. In 2022 he caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 TDs.
This could be where the Titans target edge rushers like Georgia’s Nolan Smith and USC’s Turi Tuiprotu. And don’t be shocked if they double the offensive line in his first two picks. But if someone like Hyatt is on the board, I’ll draft it if necessary.
Round 3, No. 73: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas
When in doubt, create a productive draft. Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike Uzoma has 98 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 tackles for loss since 2021. He recorded sacks, eight forced fumbles and was one of the best edge defenders in college football over the past two years.
Without a fourth-round pick, the Titans are second here, especially for pass catchers like SMU’s Russie Rice and plug-and-play guards and centers like Michigan’s Ol Oluwatimi and Ohio State. You may be tempted to double up with an offensive lineman or receiver. Luke Wipler falls here. But Edge Rush is a big enough need to justify waiting a little longer.
Round 5, No. 148: OL Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
Versatility in the offensive line is very high. Ole Miss Nick Broeker started his two years at tackle and hit the inside to guard heading into his senior season. He’s an athletic player who’s played first offense all across college in the face of the best defenders the SEC has to offer.
Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe and Baylor’s Connor Galvin are other offensive linemen worth considering here. However, it’s hard to imagine the Titans at least letting him go five rounds without grabbing two linemen.
Round 6, No. 186 or 189: CB Lance Boykin, Coastal Carolina
The Titans gave up a 2023 sixth-round pick in favor of Robert Woods last offseason, but added a 2023 sixth-round pick in the Julio Jones trade the previous offseason. Earned. It’s not yet clear which pick the Titans waived in their contract with Woods, so we don’t know if the Titans will pick No. 186 or No. 189.
Either way, this is the place to target someone like Coastal Carolina cornerback Lance Boykin. He’s a 6-foot-3 starter for his five-year run that fits the physical style the Titans love. He probably didn’t start out as a rookie, but his athleticism and physique make him a candidate to help out in rotations and special teams.
Round 7, No. 230: WR Justin Shorter, Florida
Use a possible 7th round pick. Shorter was the number one receiver recruit in the country after high school, but he never put it all together at Penn State or Florida State. Still, his 6-foot-4-inch, 223-pound frame and top-level athleticism make him an attractive project for any team, especially the Titans, who need to make a difference in receivers. .
There’s nothing stopping the Titans from drafting high-upside quarterbacks or coming back late. Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn might also be attractive.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Please contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksuss.
