Can Jon Robinson Draft Another Excellent Class?
By Chris Clark
The Titans have a team on the brink of success, which means drafting well is highly important. Luckily, they have a general manager that does so.
The Titans have had sprinkles of success since officially moving to Nashville in 1999. Of course there was the Superbowl year, then the 13-3 year of 2008. But one thing the Titans have not had is consistency.
After a 3-13 season, the Titans ownership decided enough was enough and hired Jon Robinson as General Manager. Robinson, or “J-Rob,” worked with the New England Patriots for quite a bit. Jon Robinson helped turn an organization around after suffering 5 wins in the previous two years.
How, might you ask? He has done it by smart drafting. With the NFL Draft approaching in less than two days, Robinson has another chance to build his team and take that next step towards the big stage. Before we get there though, I want to evaluate Robinson’s previous two draft classes.
Notable Draft Picks in 2016: RG Jack Conklin (R1) , RB Derrick Henry (R2), FS Kevin Byard (R3), WR Tajae Sharpe (R5), CB LeShaun Sims (R5)
The Titans went into this draft with the number one overall pick. The rookie general manager put the pick up for sale. Of course, veteran general managers tried to exploit his inexperience, but Jon Robinson made a big trade that affected his team for two consecutive drafts.
They ended up getting Jack Conklin out of that deal, who had his critics coming in, but has turned out to be a fantastic right guard for Tennessee. Somehow, heisman winning running back Derrick Henry fell to round two, and Robinson did not hesitate to pick him up.
Kevin Byard is a glaring one. He had a quiet rookie season, but exploded in his second season with ten turnovers. Byard, out of MTSU, could possibly become the steal of that draft. But Henry, who will take over as the Titans’ starting running back, might beat him to that.
Tajae Sharpe and LeShaun Sims have shown promise so far, but injuries and lack of playing time has hindered them both. Sims still has a chance to pan out with guys like Adoree Jackson, Malcolm Butler, and Logan Ryan in front of him. They will take the pressure and the load off of him.
The only “my bad” pick out of this draft is linebacker Kevin Dodd, who was selected in the second round and was expected to be a fierce player.
Overall, I’d give Jon Robinson a grade of an A- on this draft. This draft set the Titans’ future in key positions.
Notable Draft Picks in 2017: WR Corey Davis (R1),CB/KR/PR Adoree Jackson (R1), WR Taywan Taylor (R3), TE Jonnu Smith (R3), LB Jayon Brown (R5).
The Titans had the luxury of two first round picks in this draft, and Robinson didn’t disappoint. Corey Davis was a big pick, and when he was healthy, he showed tremendous promise. He and Mariota lacked chemistry, but had many opportunities for explosive plays.
Adoree Jackson, on the other hand, was healthy for the majority of the season. He did not record any interceptions or kick returns for touchdowns, but he did hold up his side of the field on defense. Although quarterbacks targeted him, he remained calm and didn’t allow too much to happen on his side of the field.
Jackson’s key play in 2017 was forcing a turnover in week 17 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, which helped the Titans secure a playoff spot and sweep the AFC South Champions.
Taywan Taylor’s speed is why he is a notable draft pick. The Titans, with a creative offensive coordinator, can use his speed as a huge weapon. The Titans lacked that creativity last season because they were playing in an archaic offensive system. This year, they have a young coaching staff, and Taylor might be a big piece in the new system.
Jonnu Smith proved he could be a viable option at tight end after Delanie Walker is released or retires. It is almost like the Pekka Rinne-Juuse Saros situation with our neighbors, the Nashville Predators. Walker is the veteran who is still putting up exceptional numbers, and he has a young protege under him who has shown, when called upon, he is ready to take over.
After losing Avery Williamson in free agency, it is now time for Jayon Brown to step up. He showed some flashes last season, as his previous coaching staff raved about him being all over the field. Brown has potential to be a turnover-forcing machine if he can continue being all over the place.
I’d give Robinson a B+ on this draft. Solid picks but still some question marks.
2018 NFL Draft
The Titans own the 25th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday. The next pick for Robinson could be Harold Landry. He is a hot prospect expected to land somewhere around the Titans pick.
The Titans could also move around in the draft. They currently own just six picks. I expect the Titans to continue building their defense and offensive line, and maybe add some receivers and running backs to their mix as well.