Yes, No, Maybe For Tennessee Titans In Round One

Many names have been mentioned as potential first-round targets for the Tennessee Titans, so today, here is my draft guide of who to take and who not to take in round one.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - As the 2023 NFL Draft draws closer, the rumors and speculation have begun to increase surrounding the Tennessee Titans and the rest of the AFC South Division, who at present might control the entire first round depending on the validity of the current rumor that the Houston Texans will forgo a quarterback at No.2, in favor of Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson. 

While this could be another instance of a team throwing up a rumor to chum the waters, it could also be true, in which case, the entire top ten will likely become a free for all for any team willing to move up to select one of the prize quarterbacks in this class.   

Rather than delving deeper into rumors, it's time to get down to the basics of who I would select for the Titans at No.11 if those players are available. 

Side note: As I've written previously, I'm a fan of trading back to acquire more draft capital in the middle rounds—the more picks in the top 100 that Ran Carthon can obtain, the better for me.  

Additional Note: Bryce Young is almost certainly the No.1 overall pick, and CJ Stroud should also be gone well before the Titans selection, so both are omitted from these categories. 

Who I'd Take

I have three players at the top of my board and would be happy to add them if possible, and two have something in common. 

Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and his Buckeye teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba are both players who could help the Titans offense improve almost immediately. Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez is my No.1 player in this draft, and I would be fine if the Titans took him in the first. Yes, I know that corner is not an immediate position of need, but should the other two players be gone, and somehow Gonzalez slid to No.11, run, don't walk that card to the podium.    

Never, Nope, Not A Chance

There are two in this category, though I could be persuaded to change my mind about one of them if he is the actual pick by the Titans.

Will Levis and Jalen Carter. 

As for Levis, I'm not convinced that he can learn to throw with touch. He struggles when he is not slinging it at full speed. And Carter, the obvious legal issues, his weight gain before his pro day, and the fact that he would only meet with teams in the top ten in the draft. That raises questions about his character and the legal mess he was recently involved in.  

If the Titans were to select Carter, and he came in, I will be open to giving him the chance to prove me wrong.   

I'm So-So About These Guys

There's no denying the athletic ability-freakish actually- of quarterback Anthony Richardson. Still, there could be some scenarios where he slips, and should the Titans feel they want to take a chance on him at No.11, it will be hard for me to argue that decision. I can't deny that he would be a lot of fun to watch, and if he reaches his extraordinary potential, the Titans would be a favorite to bring home a Lombardi or two during his career. 

Peter Skoronski is another player who is very likely to be a solid starter. Still, the chance that he is drafted as a tackle and could have to move to guard dampens any possible enthusiasm there might be about him. I do not like drafting a guard this early in the draft.   

Yes, But Only If The Others Are Gone, Or In A Trade Down

I like Quentin Johnston and would be good with the Titans adding him to the roster, but I'm not sold on him at No.11. I have him ranked at No. 16 on my board and would want to fall back and add more picks before scooping up the TCU stud.  

Luxury Picks

I'd be all about adding Bijan Robinson or Tyree Wilson if the team didn't have more pressing needs to be addressed here. As for Will Anderson, I could see taking him as the best player available at No.11 if he is there. 

Titans Related Stories

The Cost Of Trading Up Likely Going Up: The Arizona Cardinals are in an advantageous position and know it. CLICK HERE

Titans Agree To Terms With Linebacker Ben Niemann: The Titans add another member to their linebacker corps. CLICK HERE

Telling The Truth, We Have No Idea What's Going To Happen: When it comes to what teams will do in the NFL Draft, we in the media have no clue. CLICK HERE