Titans Draft Rashaan Evans After Trading Up

The Titans traded their 25th overall, as well as their 4th rounder, to move up to the 22nd spot to select versatile linebacker Rashaan Evans.

Everyone thought the Titans were going to sit at 25, but Jon Robinson continued his annual tradition of surprises by moving up three spots and selecting Linebacker Rashaan Evans.

https://twitter.com/Titans/status/989707847893159936

Rashaan Evans out of Alabama is a great pick for the Titans. Rumors were swirling that the Titans would select a linebacker. After losing Avery Williamson in free agency, a linebacker became a big need.

As per usual, red flags came with selecting Evans this high. First, he wasn’t a full time starter until his senior year at Alabama. That means he spent the majority of his collegiate career waiting his turn.

This is not shocking. J-Rob seems to have a thing for players with chips on their shoulders. But also, with the depth of Alabama, that is not necessarily a bad thing.

The second red flag: Evans did not run the 40-yard dash due to injury. Coming off a groin injury, he thought the best option for him was to stay healthy instead of running it.

So that means the Titans drafted a guy in the first round who is fresh off an injury and has no recorded 40-time? Yes.

But Evans versatility made him a wanted man in the NFL. He can switch from inside to outside linebacker and blitz the edges. If it is another thing on the list of things J-Rob loves, it is versatility.

But, why move up three spots to select him?

"“We had gotten some info that there (were) some teams trying to get ahead of us, maybe that were behind us (so we traded up). We tried to get ourselves into position, and got ourselves into position for that not to happen.” – Jon Robinson, via the Titans website."

Jon Robinson did not want his guy slipping to another team. Robinson not only liked Evans’ versatility, but he liked his demeanor. Robinson said Evans had a “old soul” feel about him, and seemed like a guy that enjoys football and talking sports.

After being drafted, Evans was very excited about becoming a Titan. He immediately received a call from his fellow Alabama alum and new teammate, Derrick Henry.

"“Even though I went 22nd, that doesn’t matter to me. My thing was to be a part of a great team. … The Tennessee Titans, they got a great pick. I promise you that.” – Rasheem Evans, via Titans website."

Did we really? The only way to find out is to put him out on the field. The Titans linebacker crew now consists of Jayon Brown, Brian Orakpo, Will Compton, and Rashaan Evans.

The NFL Draft resumes tonight with rounds 2-3 on NFL Network and ESPN. Let’s see if Jon Robinson has anymore trades up his sleeve, as the Titans have a pick in every round but the fourth.