Tennessee Titans (Last Year: 6-11)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
C+ GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: Will Levis is still a big question mark. His career could go one of two ways depending on how much talent the Titans surround him with during the 2024 NFL Draft. They already signed Calvin Ridley in free agency, but there’s still lots of work to be done, as Tennessee needs to find a left tackle, some other offensive line upgrades, and another receiver.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Titans apparently didn’t get the memo that they needed to help Will Levis. Only two of their draft choices were spent on offensive players. Of course, the first one was with J.C. Latham coming off the board at No. 7 overall. However, Latham is a right tackle who will be asked to play on the blind side. It’s not clear if he’ll have a smooth transition.
Tennessee’s other offensive pick was a late-round receiver. The team bolstered its defense otherwise, but reached a bit in the second round with T’Vondre Sweat, who was expected to fall because of off-the-field issues. The Titans rebounded with Cedric Gray and Jarvis Brownlee after that. I also liked some of their late-round picks.
While there were some positives to Tennessee’s draft, it’s reasonable to suspect that the offense will struggle in 2024. Things could have been much better in that regard, so the Titans may be kicking themselves for passing on all the offensive talent available in this class.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
7. J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama – C Grade
I’m not crazy about this pick. I get it because the Titans don’t have a left tackle, but J.C. Latham, despite his placement in my mock draft, doesn’t stand out to be as a top-10 prospect, and I also think he’d be a better fit at right tackle than left tackle. I was hoping the Titans would trade down and get Latham later, but they didn’t do that. I’m not going to fail Tennessee for this selection, but it could have been better.
38. T’Vondre Sweat, NT, Texas – C Grade
The poor Bengals have to be upset that T’Vondre Sweat didn’t make it to their pick, and I’m not saying that because Sweat has character issues. They really wanted him. Sweat fills a need for the Titans’ defensive line, but his character concerns make him too risky for my liking atop the second round.
106. Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina – B+ Grade
The Titans really need a linebacker, as Kenneth Murray is projected to start right now. Cedric Gray is an instinctive linebacker, so he could take Murray’s job sooner rather than later. I had him in the third round of my mock on occasion, so I like the value.
146. Jarvis Brownlee, CB, Louisville – A+ Grade
The Titans had some major problems at cornerback last year. They signed some players, but needed one more player at the position. We considered Jarvis Brownlee to be a third-round prospect, so this is a major steal. Brownlee is talented enough to challenge for a job early in his career.
182. Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane – B Grade
Jha’Quan Jackson was a middling performer at the Senior Bowl, so he didn’t really improve his draft stock. It’s not surprising that he lasted until the sixth round. The range makes sense for a team that had to find some receiving depth.
242. James Williams, S/LB, Miami – B+ Grade
James Williams was a productive player at Miami, but he fell because he’s a tweener. It’s unclear if he can play safety or linebacker. He’ll have to make the roster on special teams while he figures out where he can play on the first three downs.
252. Jaylen Harrell, DE, Michigan – A Grade
What a steal for the Titans in the final 10 picks of the draft. Jaylen Harrell was considered a fourth-round prospect who could fall to the third round. He was a productive player at Michigan, though he’s somewhat undersized. Still, it seems like he could contribute in the pros.
Season Summary:
The Titans were not expected to have a successful season, yet they still fired Mike Vrabel after a 6-11 season. Tennessee has to begin anew in what looks like a long rebuilding process.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Left Tackle: Tennessee’s pass protection must improve. Andre Dillard was a huge bust at left tackle.
- Two Wide Receivers: DeAndre Hopkins is old and may not even be around next year. If he leaves, Treylon Burks will be the No. 1 receiver. Two new wideouts must be added. Signed Calvin Ridley
- Two Interior Offensive Linemen: Only one interior blocker will be needed if Aaron Brewer is re-signed. Another guard is needed as well. Signed Lloyd Cushenberry
- Two Cornerbacks: Once the Titans fix their offense, they must turn toward their secondary, which was torched mercilessly last year. Two new cornerbacks are needed. Traded for L’Jarius Sneed; signed Chidobe Awuzie
- Safety: Better safety play is needed as well in the wake of the Kevin Byard trade.
- Edge Rusher: Denico Autry has to be replaced or re-signed.
- Linebacker: Azeez Al-Shaair did well for the Titans last year, but he’s an impending free agent.
- Quarterback: Will Levis will get a chance to prove himself, but he doesn’t seem like the long-term solution in a limited sample size. Signed Mason Rudolph
- Running Back: Tyjae Spears looks like a viable replacement for Derrick Henry, but Tennessee will need a backup behind Spears. Signed Tony Pollard
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Tennessee Titans Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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