Titans NFL Draft Daily (Jan. 10): With Mike Vrabel Gone, Draft Success Critical for GM Ran Carthon
Over the next several months, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon is going to be under a microscope.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk fired coach Mike Vrabel on Monday, citing the consecutive losing seasons.
So Carthon's first order of business is finding a new coach — one that can put energy and excitement back into the franchise. But moving on from Vrabel puts even more pressure on the general manager to bring in a strong draft class.
What's that old phrase? "It's about the Jimmies and the Joes, not the Xs and the Os."
The 2023 win-loss record may not show it, but Carthon did a solid job in last year's draft. Offensive guard Peter Skoronski started 14 games. Will Levis appears to be the Titans' quarterback of the future. Tyjae Spears proved a strong second option at running back.
Carthon's first Titans draft is only a one-year sample, but it's enough to show that he is capable of identifying talent.
Carthon undoubtedly will get vital input from the next coach, but the Titans' draft success — or lack thereof — will fall on Carthon's shoulders.
Can Titans steal talented cornerback?
When it comes to early NFL Draft coverage, why not shoot for the stars? There are still pro days, the scouting combine, team interviews, and plenty more ahead as we prepare for late April's event.
After offensive tackle, one of the bigger needs for the Titans is in the defensive secondary. There are good options.
Let's assume that the three highest-ranked corners — Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama), Nate Wiggins (Clemson), and Cooper DeJean (Iowa) — are selected in the first round. Would Tennessee have a shot in the second round to land Terrion Arnold (Alabama) or Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Missouri)?
Arnold ended the 2023 season with the Crimson Tide with 63 tackles, 12 passes defended, 6.5 tackles for loss and five interceptions. He's also incredibly athletic.
Rakestraw has received praise for his high football IQ and ability to time routes well. He concluded his year at Missouri with 35 stops, four passes defended and a forced fumble.
Per Pro Football Focus, both players are top-30 prospects. The Titans' second pick is No. 39, so there's a good chance that none of the five highest-ranked cornerbacks will be available for the Titans.
But if they are available, Carthon could take a long, hard look at both.
More intelligence about Arnold and Rakestraw will surface in the coming weeks, but these are two corners to keep an eye on as the Titans look to bolster their secondary.
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- TITANS COACHING CANDIDATES: Who are some of the top names on Tennessee's coaching wish list? Here are five names to keep in mind with the search. CLICK HERE
- VRABEL OUT AS TITANS COACH: on Tuesday morning after six seasons at the helm of the Nashville franchise. Owner Amy Adams Strunk made the call. She said the "decision was as difficult as any I've made as controlling owner." CLICK HERE
- TITANS DRAFT DAILY: With the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tennessee can address their offensive line weaknesses. CLICK HERE
- TOM BREW COLUMN: If firing Mike Vrabel is about control, how do the Titans get it right from here? All eyes are on general manager Ran Carthon. CLICK HERE
