Titans NFL Draft Daily (Jan. 17): Tennessee's Options For a 4th-Round Cornerback

The Tennessee Titans will likely focus on adding an offensive tackle and wide receiver in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. But the team needs help at cornerback, too. Mike Sainristil, Khyree Jackson, and Nehemiah Pritchett could be solid fourth-round options.

Early in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans are expected to place a heavy emphasis on the offensive side of the football. The team desperately needs a left tackle and a wide receiver to help quarterback Will Levis. But cornerback also is a major concern.

Tennessee's pass defense was atrocious in 2023. The Titans ranked 19th in opponent yards per pass (7.3), 29th in opponent completion percentage (67.8%). and 32nd in interceptions (six). 

To make matters worse, cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Kristian Fulton are unrestricted free agents. Roger McCreary and Elijah Bolden will return next season, but they could be on borrowed time. McCreary is entering the third season of his four-year contract, while Bolden hits the final year of his rookie deal. 

The Titans need to add playmakers and quality depth to the secondary. Expect the organization to zero in on a cornerback in the draft's later rounds.

Some quality options should be available for general manager Ran Carthon in the fourth round. According to Pro Football Focus' (PFF) Big Board, the Titans could be looking at Oregon's Khyree Jackson, Michigan's Mike Sainristil, and Auburn's Nehemiah Pritchett.

Khyree Jackson, Oregon

• PFF Big Board Rank: No. 107
• 2023 stats: 34 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions
• Quick thought: At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Jackson has good size and length to help bolster Tennessee's secondary. He wasn't afraid to stick his nose into plays and had no trouble being the aggressor. Last season at Oregon, Jackson also showed the ability to get into the backfield, registering five tackles for loss and two sacks. At times, he can be a little sloppy, committing silly pass interference penalties. There's plenty to work on, but he has the potential to be a quality defensive back for the Titans.

Mike Sainristil, Michigan

• PFF Big Board Rank: No. 111
• 2023 stats: 44 tackles, 6 pass break-ups, 6 interceptions
• Quick thought: Sainristil is undersized at 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, but he was a playmaker for national champion Michigan with six interceptions and two forced fumbles during the Wolverines' perfect season. Sainristil, who played wide receiver for three seasons, moved to cornerback prior to 2022 and thrived in that role. He's athletic and versatile and would be a strong option for Carthon and the Titans if available. 

Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn

• PFF Big Board Rank: No. 102
• 2023 stats: 22 tackles, 3 pass break-ups, 1 interception
• Quick thought: Pritchett didn't put up big numbers last season at Auburn, but at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, he has the size and length that teams look for in a defensive back. He needs to be a touch more aggressive in pass defense, but he possesses the other tools to be a solid starter at the NFL level. PFF suggests that Pritchett may go in the third round, but if he's available in the fourth round, Tennessee could consider the cornerback as an option. 

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