Titans Trade Up For Quarterback in Latest Mock Draft from CBS Sports
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans will be sending cards and flowers to the Houston Texans if things go the way CBS Sports’ Will Brinson has them going in his latest mock draft. After the Carolina Panthers take Bryce Young to start the draft, the Texans decide to pass on quarterback and take a defensive player. All of this leads to the Titans trading up to snag CJ Stroud from Ohio State at pick three.
This has to be a dream scenario for the Titans. While players like Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are considered projects who may take a season to be ready to start in the NFL, Stroud and Young are ready to go right now. Unlike Levis or Richardson, Stroud or Young would allow you to part ways with Tannehill via release or trade. In this scenario, there is a higher chance the Titans get their quarterback of the future with a better prospect, but also get the ability to save $18-27 million on Tannehill.
The odds are though that this won’t be possible. Most everyone in the NFL community expects the Texans to also take a quarterback. While we don’t know which quarterback will end up where, the expectation is Stroud and Young will be the first two off the board. If the Titans were able to get their hands on either of those two, it would be a major surprise. Especially Stroud.
Earlier this offseason, Titans’ general manager Ran Carthon said on the “Go Long” podcast that his two most desirable traits for a quarterback are accuracy and anticipation. Stroud is at the top of the class in both. He would be the perfect fit as a passer and has shown the mobility necessary to execute the Titans’ play-action offense. Brinson discussed the pick in his mock.
“Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort spent the last few years in Nashville with the Titans -- when the Texans shock everyone, this No. 3 pick turns into gold. The Titans can jump up for a reasonable price (No. 11, plus the Titans' second-round pick and a fourth-round pick) and grab a QB after Malik Willis appeared to not be Mike Vrabel's guy.”
The Titans-Cardinals connection makes a ton of sense with Ossenfort just coming from Tennessee. The Titans have been all over the quarterbacks in this class as well, proving some interest. It is hard to see a scenario where the Titans don’t try to do exactly this if Stroud is on the board. Not only do you get him for yourself, but you block him from Indianapolis. The Texans would truly be giving the Titans a gift, they can only hope it happens in real life.
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