Finding The Strategy In Titans Draft Through Two Days

When it comes to the strategy of the Tennessee Titans through the first two days of the NFL Draft, some legitimate questions can be asked.

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - As the Tennessee Titans wrapped up the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night, fans and media alike were left wondering about the strategy the Titans were following after they seemingly ignored drafting a player at a position of need for what at least on its surface appears to be a "luxury" selection.   

Questions about the strategy arose in round three when Tulane running back Tyjae Spears was taken with the 81st overall selection over some potential receivers who could have filled a role in a larger position of need. 

While I put little stock into the majority of social media comments, the amount of negativity aimed at the Titans and questions about the strategy of selecting a running back while the current roster of receivers seems woefully lacking.  

As it stands currently, Treylon Burks, Kyle Phillips, Nick Westbro collection/ok-Ikhine, and Chris Moore are the top four wideouts on this roster. That's not exactly an awe-inspiring collection.     

Entering this draft, most believed that offensive line and receiver would be the top two positions addressed. While the addition of Peter Skoronski helps improve the offensive line, Ran Carthon, and Mike Vrabel, as of Saturday, entering round four, have yet to add a receiver to the roster. 

Questions from the media and fans alike on social media wondered about the strategy of selecting a running back in Tulane's Tyjae Spears when the team still needs help at receiver. 

In his late-night press conference following round three on Friday night, Vrabel responded to this. 

"What's behind it? The same thing Ran discussed, it's taking a look at our board and seeing where things are. We know we have needs. We come into each phase of player acquisition with needs. It's certainly something we're going to continue to target" said Vrabel. "Again, what the roster looks like today and what it's going to look like at the first part of September is probably a little different."

The Titans will have three more opportunities to add their receiver situation in rounds five, six, and seven, where they will almost certainly look to add at least one wideout. If not, the questions that were present entering this draft and grew larger on Friday night will turn into a wildfire. 

The Titans are expected to struggle this year according to the Fanduel gambling website. They are 14th among 16 teams in the AFC when it comes to winning the conference, at plus-5500. The only two teams behind them are AFC South rivals Indianapolis and Houston. According to Fanduel, the over/under for wins for the Titans this season is just 7.5.

Related Titans Stories

• ALLTITANS DRAFT GRADES: GRADING THE TITANS FIRST ROUND: AllTitans publisher Tom Brew and writers Greg Arias and Tyler Rowland grade the selection of offensive lineman Peter Skoronski with the team's first pick of the draft. CLICK HERE   
• TITANS TAB TULANE RUNNING BACK IN THIRD ROUND: The Titans selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears in the third round on Friday night. CLICK HERE
• TITANS WELCOME PETER SKORONSKI TO NASHVILLE: The Tennessee Titans introduced their newest offensive lineman, in first first-round selection Peter Skoronski to the Nashville media in a press conference prior to the beginning of Friday's second round of the NFL Draft. CLICK HERE