Titans Draft Picks And The Roles We See For Them This Season

We've seen the six players selected by the Tennessee Titans in April's NFL Draft go through the offseason program, including OTAs and training camp, so what roles do we see for them this season?

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Titans selected six players during Arpil's NFL Draft. Those rookies have now participated in a rookie minicamp, organized team activities, and the mandatory minicamp, where they saw the field with the veterans on this roster. 

While many questioned the Titans front office for selecting offensive guard Peter Skoronski, in round one, and quarterback Will Levis, in round two as opposed to drafting a wide receiver, those players are part of this team and, for better or worse, will play some role on the offense this season.  

So what role do we see each of these six players playing for the Titans this season?

PETER SKORONSKI: First-Round, No. 11 Overall

Skoronski stepped into the presumed starting lineup at left guard from day one, and though he took some time at left tackle, he will be the Titans left guard heading into training camp and most likely into the start of the season. 

The book on Skoronski coming in was an excellent run and pass protector, and while he struggled at times in minicamp, it looked as though the first-round pick has the goods to be a competent starter as a rookie and should improve as the season progresses.    

WILL LEVIS: Second-Round, No. 33 Overall 

Levis is the heir apparent to Ryan Tannehill in 2024 as the starting quarterback, but right now, it was evident to those who watched that the rookie needs some time to work on the finer points of his position. 

He has the size, smarts, and big arm necessary to fill the position, but he must continue to work on his touch and ball placement when he can't depend on the cannon arm to make plays. He will continue to compete with Malik Willis in training camp for the second-string position, and it would not be a surprise, at this point, based on WIllis's play during the offseason program, that Levis could enter the season as the No. 3 quarterback.  

TYJAE SPEARS: Third-Round, No. 81 Overall

To say Spears has been the most impressive member of this rookie draft class to this point is an understatement. The former Tulane standout immediately showed his ability as a runner and receiver, out of the backfield and as a wideout. 

Spears will play a key role on offense as the change of pace to Derrick Henry and Hassan Haskins, who will be behind him as the second power back. Spears could be a true difference-maker this season, and despite the Titans refusal to spend a top-round pick on a receiver, no one should question what Spears can bring to this offense.  

JOSH WHYLE: Fifth-Round, No. 147 Overall

Whyle has been a typical rookie through the off-season program. He's made some wow plays and others where he sometimes seemed unsure. However, for the most part, Whyle has been everything the Titans had hoped for when they selected him in the fifth round. 

Whyle will enter training camp as the No.3 tight end behind Chig Okonkwo. He will also likely be behind blocking tight end Trevon Wesco. Still, he will find a prominent role in the passing game because his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame can create matchup problems for defenses. He has some work to do, but the effort and ability are there, and he can and should contribute to the passing game almost immediately.  

JAELYN DUNCAN: Sixth-Round, No. 181 Overall 

Duncan looks the part of a starting left or right tackle in the NFL. That is what he will likely be for the Titans, their swing tackle this season. While he has spent most of his reps during OTAs and training camp at left tackle, he has seen time on the right side.  

While Duncan spent some practices as the target of head coach Mike Vrabel's scorn- perhaps not scorn, but certainly directed motivation- Duncan seemed to have the physical tools for the role. His conditioning was what had the attention of Vrabel as he continued to hound the massive rookie through the end-of-practice runs. Ultimately, Duncan could be one of the best selections in this class and an overall steal if his progress meets his physical ability.   

COLTON DOWELLL Seventh-Round, No. 228 Overall 

The Lebanon, Tn. native came to the Titans from small-school UT-Martin, where he was a record-setting star. Dowell combines size (6-foot-3, 215-pounds) and speed to get deep and make contested catches. While Dowell has the benefit of being a draft selection, he still has to battle to earn his place on the 53-man roster. 

As I see it, Dowell will be on that initial 53-man roster, as the Titans can't risk putting him into the waiver process to add him to the practice squad. That doesn't mean Dowell won't earn his spot because he has been better than advertised through the offseason program. He can add a viable receiver target this season, and given his work ethic, he should continue progressing as his career progresses.     

CONCLUSION

There have been some standout plays from some of the undrafted rookie free agents in OTAs and minicamp, and some of those players could push for a roster spot as well, but the six draft picks should all find a role, no matter how large, or small this season. 

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