The Tennessee Titans Could Draft These Edge Rushers in Round 1
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans’ roster is not in a great place. Whether it be top talent, depth or remaining capital to improve it, the Titans don’t have as much as they need to be the team they want to be. When it comes to the draft, that means the Titans could draft a position or player that doesn’t fill an obvious need. This team isn’t a few pieces away from a championship level so that opens up the possibility of them truly drafting the best player available regardless of perceived needs. If they do go for the top player on their board, then the report of the Titans “aiming” for pass rush could prove to be true.
Yes, the Titans have Harold Landry coming back from an ACL injury, but will Landry be playing up to his own standards right away? That is a reasonable question. Also, if we are being honest, Landry isn’t a dominant, top-five edge presence in the NFL. He is an exceptionally versatile rusher that fits perfectly in the Titans’ defensive scheme and unlocks it in a way, but all of that shouldn’t prevent them from taking an edge rusher if that is the top-rated player left on their board.
The Titans added Arden Key in free agency and have Rashad Weaver heading into his third season, but Weaver and Key both look to be at their best in rotational roles. Key got his career back on track going into a rotational role as the third edge in San Francisco and then had a similar role in 2022 in Jacksonville. Weaver could progress to a starter this season, but lacks discipline in his rush at times while being inconsistent in run defense. It is possible Weaver becomes a starter and plays with more consistency, but he was also a selection of Jon Robinson, former Titans’ general manager. Vrabel and new general manager Ran Carthon may be willing to give that chance to someone else.
With questions about all three viable edges on the Titans’ roster, one of these prospects may be the pick whether they stick at eleven or trade down in the first round:
Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Van Ness may not have been a starter at Iowa last year, but he played more defensive snaps than the older players who were starting ahead of him. He is a power player who can line up on the edge or play on the inside in pass rush situations. He’s a monster of a guy at 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds. Van Ness has great length and is more explosive athletically than most players his size. With his inside/outside versatility and his athletic ability, Van Ness would be deserving of a top-11 pick. Mike Vrabel would love what he brings to the table. He can use Van Ness in a multitude of ways and potentially groom him to take over a similar role to Denico Autry.
Nolan Smith, Georgia
Smith has some injury issues which may immediately eliminate him as an option in the mind of Titans fans. It may very well eliminate him in the mind of the Titans’ front office as well, but if not, Smith has the talent to be the pick at eleven. Smith plays with burst and has the ability to bend around the edge while using his tremendous flexibility. Smith pairs those traits with strong hands to put pressure on quarterbacks. The downside of course comes with the injuries mentioned before. Smith suffered a pectoral injury in 2022 and an elbow injury in 2021.
Will McDonald, Iowa State
McDonald would be an option in a trade-down situation. McDonald is a “toolsy” player in every sense of the term. He has long arms, twitchy athleticism and has the flexibility to run the pass-rush loop. McDonald is a bit lean and needs to put on more mass while getting stronger so he can be more than a situational pass rusher, but he can add to the Titans’ pass rush right away while developing in a committee role until he improves his weaknesses.
The Tennessee Titans certainly have more pressing needs at other positions, but again, this roster is in a state that anything should be on the table and adding the best players they possibly can, regardless of position, should be the priority. If that is the philosophy used, then one of these three players could very well be the selection.
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