Grading the Tennessee Titans 2018 Draft Class
By Chris Clark
The Titans had the fewest draft picks in the NFL, but they may have had the most effective picks, as they went on the defense on 75% of their picks.
The Titans entered the draft with six draft picks. General Manager Jon Robinson said he was not too thrilled with that, and said if the situation presents itself, he will trade.
One might think if you are not fond with six picks, you try to maneuver around and get more picks. Instead, Robinson chose quality over quantity and somehow managed only four draft picks this year.
The Titans came into the draft needing help on the defensive end. Analyzing this draft, it was obvious Robinson believed the Titans struggles last season was not because of lack of roster talent. He barely touched any key positions on offense, and addressed the biggest need for the Titans: Pass rushing.
Robinson is a sucker for players that can do multiple things, (take CB, KR, PR, and sometimes running back Adoree Jackson for example). It’s like drafting multiple players with one pick!
In this draft, 50% of the picks were versatile guys. Let’s grade them.
ROUND 1 – Rashaan Evans, LB
Evans was a bit of an iffy pick for me at first, personally. I did not like the fact that he didn’t start for the majority of his collegiate years, and that he came off an injury. But after doing more digging and realizing he was not starting on a deep Alabama squad, I accepted it more.
Evans, if he can stay healthy and reach his potential, will be a solid linebacker for the Titans. I can see head coach Mike Vrabel and his crew using him on third down packages.
Grade: B-
ROUND 2 – Harold Landry, LB/DE
I was very happy for Robinson. I am sure Robinson was really mulling over the decision at number 25 (before trading) to get either Evans or Landry. He ended up getting both.
I can see Landry and Evans being a dynamic duo on the Titans defense for years. The versatility of Landry will allow Vrabel to use them creatively in different schemes and packages. This was a huge pick up, and many analysts were surprised he fell to the Titans despite the trade up.
Grade: A
ROUND 5 – Dane Cruikshank, DB/S
Another versatility pick for Robinson. They will likely play Cruikshank at safety, because that is one of the Titans’ needs. However, if need be, he can play corner. He will likely compete for the safety spot opposite of Kevin Byard. So he’ll be threatening Johnathan Cyprien’s job. Cyprien is a decent safety, so it’ll be a nice healthy battle at that position for the Titans, which is always good.
I still think there were better options at this pick though, but I am not going to complain. Especially about a G.M. that has proven he knows what he’s doing here.
Grade: B
ROUND 6 – Luke Falk, QB
I found this pick rather interesting. I was expecting maybe a wide receiver here. Even a running back or offensive lineman. But nope, with the Tom Brady pick, the Titans selected a quarterback who is a huge fan of Brady.
Like I said before, I never question the genius of Lord J-Rob, but I had to think about this one for a second. After thinking, I realized the Titans need a jolt in the back-up position at quarterback. Let’s face it, Mariota is injury-prone. It is usual with mobile quarterbacks. And Falk has the potential to be a solid back-up that can win games for Tennessee.
I like the pick. It is gutsy, and smart. Let’s knock on wood here, but if Mariota can’t take that next step as a NFL quarterback here in the next few years, the Titans could be grooming a young Tom Brady behind him.
Grade: A
OVERALL
I think Jon Robinson is a mastermind, so I won’t question his picks until I see them in action. But, I do like his maneuvering in the draft. As I stated, quality of quantity is the key here. I can foresee headlines saying “Titans had the fewest draft picks in 2018, but they have been more productive.”
Defense wins championships, and the Titans’ D needed some screws to be tightened. I like this draft.
Overall grade: A