Draft Report Card: Titans Receive High Praise in 2023 NFL Draft Grades

The Tennessee Titans went home happy about their report card after receiving high grades across the board from draft analysts for their picks in the 2023 NFL draft.

Tyler Rowland | Apr 30, 2023

Draft Report Card: Titans Receive High Praise in 2023 NFL Draft Grades /

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Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans went on the offensive in the 2023 NFL draft, using all six picks on a play for the offense. It is the first time the Titans have used every pick on one side of the ball since 1994 and it seems the strategy has earned the Titans high grades from analyst in the draft industry.

The Tennessee Titans six-player draft haul includes offensive man Peter Skoronski, quarterback Will Levis, running back Tyjae Spears, tight end Josh Whyle, offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan and wide receiver Colton Dowell.

Chas Reuter, NFL.com: A-

Analysis: "Skoronski is a great fit in Tennessee. He has a Zack Martin-type ceiling inside and has the versatility to play tackle if needed. Trading up for Levis, despite his inconsistency, was not outrageous given that Ryan Tannehill's contract is scheduled to void after the 2023 season, per Over the Cap. I expect Spears to be a valuable contributor, despite his lack of an ACL.

The Titans parted with fourth- and sixth-round picks for receivers Julio Jones and Robert Woods in trades from previous years. Whyle was a good find in the fifth, though, as a potential threat in the red zone and intermediate passing game. The team hopes Duncan can use his athleticism more consistently as he matures."

Danny Kelly, The Ringer: A-

Analysis: "The Titans were widely connected to quarterback Will Levis in the first round, and while I was never super high on the former Kentucky quarterback, the fact that Tennessee landed him in the second round feels like a fantastic value. Levis has the tools and toughness to develop into a quality starter, and now he won’t face the same pressure to start right away he would have felt if he had been a first rounder—and that could be a silver lining to his unexpected fall.

Additionally, Tennessee was able to land a high-level pass protector in the first round instead, which could give Levis better support down the line. All in all, that series of events looks like a pretty positive outcome for a Tennessee team at a pivot point in 2023. I am also a fan of the team’s third-round running back pick, Tyjae Spears, who adds a lightning element to Derrick Henry’s thunder."

Mel Kiper, ESPN: B+

Analysis: "The synopsis is: I'm a believer in Will Levis (33). I think he will be Tennessee's starting quarterback, maybe even as soon as this season. He has all the tools to be a longtime starter in the NFL, and I was stunned he lasted into Round 2. Does he have flaws? Absolutely. He was downright reckless at times last season, trusting his strong arm to fit throws into tight spaces but instead getting picked off. He took too many sacks. But he has a high ceiling, and I think he could thrive with pro talent around him."

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A-

Analysis: "This is an incredible offense-only haul for new GM Ran Carthon. Although some minor docking for no wide receiver of note, They hacked away at improving their offensive line and adding a couple needed new versatile playmakers at the same time for their new franchise QB. They had to be thrilled to get a shot at Levis in Round 2 as they try to move forward from Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. Dowell is a good developmental big vertical threat for Levis' cannon arm."

Pro Football Focus: A

Teams that earned an “A” or “A-“ draft grade pic.twitter.com/Gglh5rqsH2
— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2023

Warren Sharp, Sharp Football Analysis:

Sharp didn't provide a grade, but based on his ranking system the Titans came out with the sixth-best draft haul.

best value 2023 NFL draft classes

1. Giants
2. Steelers
3. Eagles
4. Bengals
5. Browns
6. Titans
7. Broncos
8. Dolphins
9. Colts
10. Jaguars

see pic for 1-32 plus methodology

team-by-team & round-by-round analysis to follow 🧵 pic.twitter.com/lEP7sNDvMF
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 29, 2023

The ironic thing about these grades, the fan response seems to be far more negative than the national media. Typically, when it comes to the Titans, it's the opposite. It will take years to give a true grade on how these players will do, but in the meantime the Titans' front office will be hoping the media is right about their selections.