The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday evening, and Ran Carthon & Co. will look to reload and replenish the Tennessee Titans for the upcoming season.
With the “where” and the “when” on each prospect so up in the air, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the “who” Tennessee should be interested in. Whether you’re a casual fan or a draft diehard, the following list can be your rooting guide in each round of the draft.
We’ve hand-picked 75 DO draft and DON’T draft prospects at each position, explaining why or why not to be interested in each player. If you’d rather listen to this guide, check out the episode of The Hot Read Podcast by the same title linked right here! For the most comprehensive guide, however, you’ll need to grab those reading glasses and dig into the rest of this article. Enjoy!
DO Draft: Trade Back
Ruhnke: Even with an exciting and successful free agency period for Ran Carthon, the Titans still have a lot of holes to fill. And with only two top-100 picks to their name, a trade-back scenario for the two-toned blue makes a lot of sense.
The rise of JJ McCarthy has been a blessing for the Titans, and although Joe Alt or one of Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers will be there at 7, the Titans could benefit from collecting extra capital.
The top of this tackle class is separated by a razor-thin margin, and I still believe this team’s competitive window begins in 2025. Building through the draft, though boring, can reap huge rewards down the line.
DON’T Draft: Defense
Freeze: This is subject to change depending on if and how the Titans may trade back, but generally speaking, drafting a 1st Round defender would be a poor decision for this team.
There is no doubt Tennessee needs just as much (if not more) help on the defensive side of the roster after some key offensive additions in free agency. But the ultimate goal in 2024 is to determine if Will Levis is the franchise guy by setting him up for the best development and success possible. That’s best accomplished by protecting him and giving him additional weapons, two categories you can very easily address in the 1st Round of this draft.
Passing up an elite tackle or receiver prospect for a defender would put Tennessee in a bind on Days 2 and 3. While this tackle class is indeed the deepest we may have ever seen, relying on a starter to fall to you in the 2nd round is still a serious gamble. And do you really want to voluntarily tie your own hands with the 38th pick by forcing yourself to take a tackle there? That’s a recipe for a “drafting for need” disaster.
If the Titans stick and pick at 7, taking a top-3 receiver is guaranteed not to be a reach. And no matter where they draft in the 1st round, taking one of the top-6 tackles won’t be one either. Day 1 is set up perfectly for you to get the best of both worlds: draft for value AND address a key need! Focus on shoring up the defense after your first pick.
DO Draft:
Malik Nabers | WR | LSU
Freeze: You’ve likely heard this spring how some teams reportedly have Malik Nabers as their WR1. That is neither surprising nor unwarranted.
Nabers is the kind of twitched-up athlete whose extremely rare movement ability pops off the tape on the first play. The guy simply moves differently than almost anybody else, even at the NFL level. He offers inside and outside versatility and was wildly productive in his last year of college (1568 yards, 14 TDs). His freaky athleticism allows him to be perpetually open, and then the shiftiness and short-area burst burns you once the ball is in his hands.
Malik Nabers is a complete nose-to-tail operator as a wideout who will offer you nearly all of the most coveted traits in the modern NFL. The team that lands him will be able to say they’ve got a guy who can do things practically no opponent can, which is one of the biggest advantages you can have on Sundays.
DON’T Draft:
Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia
Freeze: This is much more of a value discussion than a talent one because Brock Bowers is a top-10 talent in this class. I have no negative things to say about him as a prospect.
But the window for a 1st round TE pick to age well is much narrower than for a receiver or a tackle, like it or not. If Bowers is taken in the top half of the 1st round, he’ll come into the NFL as one of the highest-paid players at the position already. He’ll need to realize close to the ceiling of his potential on his rookie contract to be worth the pick.
Historically, tight ends drafted so highly haven’t come close to achieving this. And while you may look at Bowers as different (as I honestly do), it shouldn’t keep you from recognizing the historical risk of betting on him being the exception he appears to be.
Building your team on exceptions to the rule with non-premium positions in the 1st round is a dangerous process, and it would be a luxury selection the Titans simply cannot afford right now.
DO Draft:
Rome Odunze | WR | Washington
Ruhnke: Odunze is my WR2 in this class and would be far from a consolation prize if the Titans selected him at seven. Behind only Marvin Harrison Jr, Odunze is the most well-rounded receiver and is primed to make an early impact at the next level. The Washington prospect’s catch ability and focus at the catch point make him a hard receiver to defend. Add in his 4.45 speed, and Rome can burn through defenders with ease.
His 23 deep catches and 783 deep yards were the best in the nation among receivers. He also boasted a 75% contested catch rate. Along with a resurgent season from Michael Penix Jr, Odunze is one of the biggest reasons why the Huskies made it to the championship game.
A fluid-route runner, Odunze would be the WR1 in almost any other draft class. Despite the Titans’ need for tackle, I could see Brian Callahan having a hard time passing up on a prospect like Rome. If the Titans wanted to secure their heir-apparent to DeAndre Hopkins, Odunze would be a wise choice.
DO Draft:
Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame
Ruhnke: There is no such thing as a “can’t miss prospect”, but Joe Alt is pretty damn close to it. The two-time All-American is as pro-ready as it gets, with both run and pass-blocking grades north of 85.0 in 2023 according to PFF. The agility Alt plays with at 321 pounds is something that simply can’t be taught. He only allowed four sacks in 2,178 snaps played at left tackle and, despite his 6’8 size, can recover well and keep up with the more twitchy and bendy edge rushers.
Alt’s run-blocking ability will make him one of the best in the league from day one, and while the pass-blocking technique isn’t on the same level, Alt has the potential to develop into a perennial Pro-Bowler.
The Titans have a desperate need for a consistent answer on Will Levis’s blindside. With new O-Line Coach Bill Callahan in the building, it’s hard to imagine selecting Joe Alt with pick seven as anything other than hitting a home run.
DON’T Draft:
Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia
Freeze: Amarius Mims is going to be a phenomenal selection for a team that can let him develop for a year or two. Unfortunately, the Titans aren’t in a position to be super patient with a 1st round tackle.
Dane Brugler said it best: Mims isn’t raw, he’s inexperienced. Having a mere 8 starts under his belt from college, Mims is as big of an unknown as you’ll find in terms of bonafide 1st round tackles. He’s also garnered some moderate durability concerns. But what makes him such a sure thing to go on Day 1 is how perfect the rest of his profile is. His build is remarkable: 90th percentile or better in height, weight, and length. And his movement ability on tape is that of a much smaller man. He’s built in a lab to play NFL tackle.
It would not shock me one bit if Amarius Mims turned out to be the best tackle in this class by the end of his rookie contract. But for the Titans specifically, the combination of significant unknowns and a dramatic lack of experience make him a poor candidate to come in and protect Will Levis in 2024.
DO Draft:
J.C. Latham | OT | Alabama
Freeze: J.C. Latham is as steady as they come at tackle. He may not be as flashy as some of the other top players in this class, but on tape, the guy consistently wins against some of the best talent in college.
Latham led Alabama in offensive snaps played in both 2022 and 2023, allowing just 2 sacks and 20 hurries in that span. He’s got an elite combination of size and length, and despite weighing north of 340 lbs, his movement ability is sound on tape. His foot speed and flexibility are more than adequate, and his play strength is probably the best of any player in this class.
having just turned 21 years old, Latham’s best football may very well be ahead of him. I believe he can play right or left tackle at the next level, and do so passably from day 1.
DON’T Draft:
Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma
Ruhnke: The First Round is full of talented tackle prospects that make the case for trading back an intriguing proposition. However, selecting Tyler Guyton would be one of my least favorite options.
Guyton is more raw than most of the top tackle candidates, only starting 15 games in his career as well as missing time the last two seasons to injury. At 6’7 and 322lbs, Guyton has the build to succeed at the next level but lacks the technique to be an impact starter from day one.
The Oklahoma prospect wins a lot more in the pass protection game, with a PFF grade of 72.9 in 2023. Guyton needs a lot of work in the run game, with very aggressive and handsy tendencies as a blocker.
Guyton played a majority of his snaps at right tackle and struggled when switching to the left side of the line during this year’s Senior Bowl. If the Titans were to select the Oklahoma prospect in the late first round in a trade back, Guyton would need time to develop to his full potential.
DO Draft:
Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn St.
Ruhnke: There’s a common misconception that Joe Alt is far and away the number one tackle prospect in this class. The gap between Joe Alt and my second-ranked prospect, Olu Fashanu, is razor-thin. The 2023 Big Ten OL of the Year led the nation as the consensus top offensive line prospect entering the season and still would be if not for Joe Alt’s spectacular season.
At 6’6 and 312 pounds, Fashanu is arguably the more athletic of the two top prospects and the better pass protector in the class. Olu wins with not only his size but fluid mobility and recovery skills when he gets bested. In 21 games started, Fashanu never allowed a sack and only gave up 16 hurries. His mindset and leadership abilities were clear as day with the Nittany Lions (Co-MVP, Team Captain), and could lend themselves to an offensive line in need of a vocal leader.
Whether it be at seven or in a trade-back, selecting Olu Fashanu would be a safe bet to secure the left tackle position for years to come.
DON’T Draft:
Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon St.
Freeze:
This might be the hardest “don’t” justification I write, because I love Taliese Fuaga. He would be OT1 or OT2 in most classes, and he’s so fun to watch play ball. As my friend Stoney Keeley says, “Don’t let Fuaga find you”. He’s truly the Grim Reaper in the run game.
But that’s the rub: while certainly the best run blocker of this tackle group, he leaves something to be desired as a pass protector. I don’t necessarily believe he will have a similar fate, but who are the two highest-profile tackles drafted with this same description recently? Mekhi Becton and Icky Ekwonu.
With the Titans headed in a new, modern direction offensively, I don’t see him as an ideal fit to protect Will Levis early and often. So while I cannot wait to watch him collect bodies at the next level, it shouldn’t be in two-tone blue.
DO Draft: Trade Back
Freeze: If I could make the Titans trade down in both the First and Second Rounds of this draft, I’d do it in an instant. With as many holes on their roster as they have, both in terms of starters and depth, they’re in the team-building phase where you want as many swings of the bat as you can get.
Tennessee only has two top-100 picks in this draft. I don’t see a world in which they avoid going into the 2024 season with at least one massive, flashing-red hole in their roster if they stick and pick with both of them. Whether it’s at tackle, linebacker, or on the defensive front, they won’t be getting it done with what they have right now. But both picks could very reasonably be turned into extra top-100 capital, and they should make it happen should they have the option to.
DO Draft:
Ricky Pearsall | WR | Florida
Freeze: Pretty Ricky is a prospect underrated by too many in this draft cycle.
While he isn’t a home-run hitter, he does so many things well. He’s got great focus and tracking skills, is a strong route runner, has fantastic ball skills… oh, and he can become a contortionist mid-air to bring in a catch (please reference the above photo). Pearsall is a respectable 6’1 189lbs with inside and outside versatility, with returner experience to boot.
At the next level, Ricky Pearsall has “QB’s favorite target” written all over him, and he’ll contribute early. He would be an ideal complement to the Hopkins-Ridley duo in Tennessee.
DON’T Draft:
Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon
Ruhnke: Troy Franklin was one of the most productive college receivers in 2023, leading the Oregon Ducks with 1,383 yards on 81 targets. Franklin was also one of Bo Nix’s favorite red zone threats, finding the end zone 14 times during his junior campaign.
The Oregon product is one of the “Big Fasts” in this receiver class, running a 4.41s 40-yard dash with his 6’1 size. There are some things to like in his game, such as 558 deep yards which was 11th best in the country; but the lack of a diverse route tree in college leaves a lot to be desired. The glaring issue in Franklin’s game is his ability to catch the ball. Franklin had a 10% drop rate in 2023, and despite being a bigger receiver, only recorded a 36.8% contested catch rate.
Franklin has the potential to develop into a true X at the next level, but the major drops issue and unrefined route running make him a poor fit with the Titans in 2024.
DO Draft:
Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina
Ruhnke: Xavier Legette is a difficult prospect to project at the next level and could potentially be a weird fit at first, but there are a few reasons for the Titans to take a look at the South Carolina prospect in round two or three in a trade-back.
Legette popped up on people’s radars in 2023 with his career-best season of 1255 yards on 71 receptions. This was a massive jump from 2022’s production of just 167 yards on 18 targets. Legette is a late bloomer, who did not begin to play receiver until he was in college. He also had a tumultuous experience dealing with the death of both his parents, as well as a motorcycle accident during his tenure at South Carolina.
Legette is made in the mold of the “Big Fasts” with elite YAC ability. 451 of his yards last season came after the catch, including 554 deep yards as the Gameco*cks’ number-one receiver. Shades of Treylon Burks definitely come to mind with his game, and there is no doubt Legette would need time to develop into a true X receiver. But with Titans brass seemingly not high on Burks’s potential, the Titans could reset the clock with Legette without the expectations that Burks had.
DON’T Draft:
Roman Wilson | WR | Michigan
Ruhnke: A Senior Bowl standout, Roman Wilson has seen his stock rise into the middle of the second round during the pre-draft process.
Setting career records in total yards, receptions, and touchdowns, Wilson thrived despite the run-heavy Michigan offense. His route-running ability against zone coverage and 4.39 speed make it easy to project Wilson as a shifty receiver at the next level.
My biggest red flag is his size. At 5’10” and 185, Wilson projects as a slot-only player in the NFL. Durability is also a huge concern, as he stands shorter and lighter than even a Kyle Phillips.
At his second-round price point, I don’t see Wilson being a fit with the Titans.
DO Draft:
Patrick Paul | OT | Houston
Freeze: Patrick Paul could very well be a starting tackle somebody finds on Day 2. Built in a lab to play the tackle position, his 6’7 331lb frame comes equipped with elite 97th percentile arm length.
Paul is precisely the kind of prospect a coach like Bill Callahan could get the most out of. He has the requisite size, length, power, and athleticism to be a great NFL tackle. Where he gets knocked a bit is in his technique and recovery skills. His rhythm gets thrown off at times on tape, and his hand usage and footwork break down. The right coach can clean those elements of his game up, however, as he possesses all the raw ability needed to fix his issues.
A big body that checks every fundamental box but needs some technique work is the best you can ask for in a Day 2 tackle if you ask me.
DON’T Draft:
Jordan Morgan | G | Arizona
Freeze: Jordan Morgan is fundamentally the opposite case of a Patrick Paul, and that’s why he shouldn’t be the pick for the Titans.
Morgan’s game is polished. He’s a natural athlete in pass protection with pro-level footwork and balance. He’s aggressive in the run game with range and versatility to play in different schemes.
What he lacks is the necessary length to play tackle in the NFL, and the Titans shouldn’t use one of their precious few top-100 picks on another guard. if a significantly better lineman prospect in Peter Skoronski isn’t playing tackle for the Titans with 32.25in arms, then 2nd rounder Jordan Morgan isn’t doing it with arms that are a mere half-inch longer. It’s really as simple as that.
DO Draft:
Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU
Ruhnke: Nicknamed the “Dancing Bear”, Suamataia is an intriguing prospect if the Titans were to take their chances with a tackle in the second round rather than the first.
At 326 pounds, Suamataia is really nimble on his feet, allowing him to get set as a pass blocker much faster than the edge can establish contact. Kingsley is also a versatile lineman playing 687 snaps at right tackle in 2022 and 644 at left tackle in 2023. He’s one of the few prospects who would play at either position and develop into a plus starter in his career.
Suamataia is quite raw though, as he struggles to recover when beaten by defenders. 2023 saw him give up career-high sacks (2) and QB hits (5), as well as six hurries. If the Titans wanted to take a project player that Bill Callahan can mold to fit the need at either tackle, Suamataia would be one of my favorite options in the second round.
DO Draft:
Darius Robinson | EDGE | Missouri
Freeze: Not only is Darius Robinson a really attractive prospect, but he’d be a direct style replacement for the Titans at a key position.
Robinson is the Denico Autry replacement for the Titans, should they take him. At 6’5 296lbs, the Missouri product offers real zero-to-seven technique versatility up front. What he lacks in speed he makes up for with power, consistently out-muscling offensive linemen at any position on tape. In his senior year, Robinson racked up an eye-watering 27 hurries and 9 sacks on 290 pass-rush snaps.
If he adds to his move set Rolodex at the next level and can become a more efficient rusher, he’ll be a nasty and versatile option for a defense. Robinson has day 1 rotational ability with true starter upside.
DON’T Draft:
Kris Jenkins | DT | Michigan
Ruhnke: Jenkins has been touted as the strongest player in this draft class. But in the NFL, strength only gets you so far.
His short arm length gets him into trouble a lot on tape. The lack of a diverse move set means the Michigan prospect gets stuck in double teams more often than not. Add in a 4.94s 40 time and Jenkins doesn’t project to be an explosive, high-production interior player at the next level.
In the second round, and especially at the 38th pick, there are certainly more intriguing options. Jenkins lacks the high ceiling the Titans need along the defensive line.
DO Draft:
Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama
Freeze: I’m always intrigued by players in Chris Braswell’s situation: guys in a draft class with a college teammate who played the same position. We’ve got a handful of these instances this year, and I’m always led to wonder if the consensus “worse” player isn’t being undervalued a bit. Were they playing second fiddle so much on their college tape that we don’t know what their true potential is when given the chance to fully blossom? Does living in the narrative shadow of their teammate at the same position simply lead to them being sold short?
Braswell has everything you want to see on paper. 13 sacks, 10 hits, and 33 hurries last season. He’s got a wicked first step, great play strength, and strong pursuit speed. He lacks a bit in the consistency department and has a limited bag of tricks. But with all the requisite skills necessary, I have no doubt this NFL starting-caliber athlete can be a serious difference-maker in the right situation. He’d be a nice touch on the Titans’ defensive front across from Harold Landry.
DON’T Draft:
Braden Fiske | DT | Florida St.
Ruhnke: Fiske wowed fans and media alike with his impressive 4.78s speed considering his size. At 6’3” and 292 pounds, he is one of the freakiest athletes in the class. His 33” vertical and 117” broad are both well within the 90th percentile for his position.
Despite the athletic profile, the production simply did not match the measurables. Six sacks and 19 hurries tell the story of Fiske’s inability to consistently get after the passer. The 31” arm length is a major concern, and it shows on tape as he gets beat a lot when going up against lengthier interior linemen. Already 24 years old, Fiske is one of the oldest prospects in the class and certainly has some wear on the tires.
Fiske still needs time to develop as a pass rusher. Considering the age and the second-round price point, the FSU product should not be a priority for a Titans team that has more pressing needs.
DO Draft:
Junior Colson | LB | Michigan
Ruhnke: Despite the signing of Kenneth Murray, the Titans need to address inside linebacker at some point in this draft. Junior Colson has been a riser throughout the pre-draft process and grew up playing football in America right here in Brentwood, Tennessee. Originally from Haiti, Colson started at Michigan from day one and finished his 2022 and 2023 campaigns with 128 combined tackles. Colson has a lengthy build and his elite quickness is a big factor in his 2023 83.4 PFF Coverage Grade.
Much like during his time at Michigan, Colson has the ability to be the general of an NFL defense and would be a surefire bet to wear the “green dot” on day one in a Titans uniform.
DON’T Draft:
Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M
Freeze: Cooper has all the ingredients to become a downhill NFL linebacker in a starting role.
His elite athleticism and length pop off the screen. At 6’2 and 230lbs with 34in arms, when he goes into heat-seeking-missile mode, it’s a problem for opponents. He possessed fantastic closing speed and range.
But he lacks the anticipation and instincts to be relied upon in deeper coverage, and his skill set would be redundant for Tennessee with Kenneth Murray now in the fold. Neither can be the green dot, field general, coverage-sound linebacker Tennessee needs. And for that reason, he’s a poor option for the Titans.
DON’T Draft:
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri
Freeze: Rakestraw Jr. has the tenacity and mentality that matches the identity of a Dennard Wilson defense, but that’s where the positives end. He would be a significant reach in the 2nd round in my opinion, though that’s where he’s projected to go.
Rakestraw Jr. comes in under-sized at 5’11 and 183lbs, and his subpar 40-yard dash time confirms the lack of long speed he shows on tape. His frame is slender, so I don’t see him bulking up at the next level either. His lack of ball production in college is also concerning (1 career interception). Finally, he’s dealt with injuries that kept him out of multiple games each year in college. Overall, I don’t even see him as a top-10 CB option in this class.
DO Draft:
Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama
Freeze: Once thought to be a solid 1st round prospect, McKinstry’s projection has slipped into the fringe Day1/2 category. Though cornerback isn’t among the Titans’ biggest needs right now, If he were to fall to 38, the value would arguably be too good to pass up.
Coming in at 5’11 199lbs, Kool-Aid is one of the smoothest operators in this corner class. While he isn’t the fastest or the strongest, he demonstrates advanced football IQ that will serve him well transitioning to the NFL level. His above-average length allowed him to get his hands on 25 passes in his time at Alabama, and as a bonus, he presents punt return upside as well.
He’s a 1st Round caliber player who might be available in Round 2.
DON’T Draft:
Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia
Ruhnke: Lassiter had a promising start to his draft season campaign, coming off a 2023 season where he allowed just a 38.3% reception rate and a passer rating of 48.4. However, Lassiters’ 4.60s 40-yard dash time has thrown a wrench into the Georgia prospect’s rise up the boards.
At just 5 ’11’’ and 187 pounds, he lacks the athletic traits and the production on tape (0 INTs in last 35 games) to be an every down starter at the next level. That being said, Lassiter did hold his own this past season, posting an 81.5 PFF man coverage grade. Unfortunately, the lack of top speed to rival NFL receivers will limit his ceiling, and the lack of experience defending inside doesn’t offer teams much versatility from the get-go when drafting him.
Lassiter has the potential to develop into a rotation corner, but a second-round selection for the Georgia prospect is just too rich.
DO Draft:
Javon Baker | WR | UCF
Freeze: With Ridley and Hopkins in the building for at least the 2024 season, the Titans’ need at WR went from an immediate starter to a player who could make a serious impact, but may need a year. Javon Baker fits that bill perfectly. The former Alabama signee finally saw serious production in college when he transferred to UCF. There he became the alpha, racking up 1139 yards and 7 touchdowns in his final season. He had an above-average contested catch rate (56.3%) and a fantastic yards per route run metric (3.21) in 2023. At 6’1 208lbs, he’s got the size and strength to play outside comfortably. With NFL ball skills, a strong understanding of speed variation to create separation and a natural element to his game, Javon Baker is one of my favorite reasons why the Titans should seriously consider adding a third top-100 pick this year.
DON’T Draft:
Devontez Walker | WR | UNC
Ruhnke: The 2024 wide receiver class is full of many intriguing prospects, but in my opinion, Devontez Walker isn’t one of them.
From an athletic profile perspective, Walker has the traits to succeed at the next level. With a 4.36s 40-yard dash and a 134” broad jump, that puts Walker in the 90th percentile for receivers athletically. At 6’1” and 193 pounds, history suggests that a player with his intangibles should be a first-round caliber prospect.
But Walker struggles to catch the ball, a lot. His trip to the Senior Bowl displayed his tendencies to fight the ball, rather than use his length to secure it. A rather poor 54.8 PFF grade against man coverage backs up the lack of production, despite being Drake Maye’s number-one target. There are better, more refined options for the Titans to pursue later in the draft.
DO Draft:
Malik Washington | WR | Virginia
Freeze: Malik Washington is an undersized spitfire who accounted for practically all of Virginia’s offense last year. His play style is reminiscent of a value Zay Flowers, whose game translated to the NFL immediately last season.
Washington’s game has all the right stuff: explosiveness, toughness, strong ball skills and body control, and impressive tracking ability. in 2023, he tallied 1,426 yards and 9 touchdowns on an otherwise bad team. He led the ACC in receiving last year and broke numerous school records. His play strength leaves a bit to be desired and he lacks great long speed, but I don’t see how he can’t be a rotational contributor (as well as a punt returner) at worst as a rookie in the NFL.
DON’T Draft:
Blake Corum | RB | Michigan
Freeze: Blake Corum isn’t bad at football. But I can’t tell you what element of his game actually excites me.
He’s a stocky 5’7 205lbs with above-average athleticism. He had bell-cow numbers in college, but I don’t see an NFL team utilizing him in that way. in 2023 he had a very poor 2.42 yards after contact/rush and PFF gave him a terrible 27.4 elusiveness rating.
Overall, I see a handful of other backs in this class who you could grab in Round 3 who offer much more excitement than Corum.
DO Draft:
Roger Rosengarten | OT | Washington
Freeze: Rosengarten is the lesser of the bookend tackles coming out of Washington this year, but that doesn’t mean he’s some bum. If you’re looking for a tackle prospect in Round 3 who could potentially be a franchise starter, Rosengarten is my pick.
The college production speaks for itself: 0 sacks and 17 hurries allowed in nearly 2,000 offensive snaps. He’s certainly a more natural pass protector, as he leaves a bit to be desired in the run game. He’s got active feet and trusty handwork that he leans on.
His floor projects as a swing tackle with starting upside, and Lord knows the Titans could use as many capable tackle prospects in the building as they can find.
DON’T Draft:
Cooper Beebe | G | Kansas St.
Freeze: Cooper Beebe is going to be a nice IOL for somebody, but it won’t be the Tennessee Titans.
What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with football IQ. But his 31.5-inch arms are 2nd percentile and below the threshold of some teams, and he’s on the stiffer side as a mover. He played left guard primarily in college, and I don’t see him having positional versatility at the next level. With Peter Skoronski in the fold, there’s no reason to make Beebe the choice for IOL depth in Tennessee.
DO Draft:
Dominick Puni | G | Kansas
Ruhnke: Dominick Puni’s greatest attribute is the versatility he can bring to the offensive line. The 6’5 and 313 pound tackle has experience on both the outside and inside, allowing zero sacks and only 15 hurries in his last two seasons.
The connection to the Titans is also strong, as Puni’s line coach was Scott Fuchs, the Titans’ new assistant offensive line coach. Puni has been a strong advocate of Fuchs’ coaching and cited it as one of the main reasons he has been able to improve. The versatility Puni can play with at the next level is something teams take notice of, as he was asked to do drills as a center as well at the combine.
Puni may be a little top-heavy, but he has the potential to develop into a starting swing tackle if the Titans were to acquire a third-round pick.
DO Draft:
T’Vondre Sweat | DL | Texas
Ruhnke: Sweat has had the spotlight on him during the pre-draft process, and it hasn’t all been positive. At 6’4 and 366 pounds, Sweat’s 5.27s 40 time is quite impressive. Rumors have even swirled that he played consistently at 380 pounds during his final season at Texas.
Sweat has the raw, unadulterated size to overpower offensive linemen, posting a 15.3% pass-rush win rate during his 2023 season. Counting stats weren’t always the name of the game though, as he totaled just three sacks over his three years in college. But career highs in hurries and batted passes show the explosiveness he possesses. Sweat still has a tough battle personally to be a consistent player at the next level. Known as a partier in his college days, Sweat recently received a DWI just three weeks before the NFL draft.
It is still yet to be seen how much the off-the-field issues will affect his stock, but if Sweat were to fall toward the back of the third round in the draft; the Titans should jump at the opportunity to move up. Pairing a prospect like Sweat with Jefferey Simmons would give interior linemen nightmares.
DON’T Draft:
Brandon Dorlus | DL | Oregon
Ruhnke: Dorlus is a player who has the athletic build to succeed at the next level, but didn’t offer much flash on tape. At 6’3” and 283lbs, his slimmer frame provides a quick first step at the line of scrimmage.
The big knock is inconsistency and lack of a finishing touch. Dorlus accounted for 75 hurries over his last two seasons at Oregon, however that production only amounted to six sacks and eleven QB hits. His tackles per game took a massive hit in 2023. Dorlus produced 3.0 tackles per game in 2022 but that dropped to 1.8 last season.
Overall, the first step and quickness are pros to his game, however in the third I’d prefer a more complete rusher.
DO Draft:
Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson
Ruhnke: A tongue-twister of a name in this class, Ruke Orhorhoro is a prospect who checks all the boxes to be a plus starter at the next level. Orhorhoro comes in just shy of the 300 mark at 294 pounds but still possesses the power needed to wreck the middle of the line.
The 2023 third-team All-ACC defender plays on the inside with the bend and elusiveness of an edge defender. A 4.89s 40-yard dash at the combine reinforces the confidence that Ruke can be versatile at the next level.
The array of pass-rushing moves Orhorhoro possesses is fairly limited, however given the freakish athleticism, Orhohoro could play multiple positions up front. He played at least 30 snaps lining up from the nose to outside the tackle.
If the Titans wanted a young and athletic “do it all” prospect to greatly increase their interior depth, Orhorhoro would be a great developmental choice.
DO Draft:
Cedric Gray | LB | UNC
Ruhnke: In a weaker linebacker class, Cedric Gray is one of the few prospects with whom there is a lot to like. At 6’1’ and 234 pounds, Gray is a consistent all-around player who doesn’t make the flashiest of plays. A sound tackler, Gray followed up a stellar 115-tackle 2022 season with 80 tackles and a 14.6% missed-tackle rate in 2023. His 4.64s speed gives him the lateral movement to excel in coverage and find his way to where the action is. Over three seasons as a Tar Heel, Gray forced 11 turnovers including an interception and five sacks in 2023.
The Titans certainly need a linebacker who can excel in coverage, and although Gray struggles to shed blockers and work through contact at times, he only allowed 7.2 yards per reception in 2023. Gray may still have a ways to go in seeing the field at a “field general” level, but the natural instincts are there, making him a worthy selection.
DON’T Draft:
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson
Freeze: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is yet another linebacker in this class who has the potential to be a good NFL player, but presents a poor fit for the Titans.
Trotter is a downhill defender, a hammer in search of a nail. He’s significantly undersized and a marginal athlete, but he knows how to lay the wood when he locks onto you. when asked to step back into coverage, however, those lackluster athletic traits begin to rear their ugly heads. He consistently struggles with skill position players in space, whether it’s a receiving threat or a shifty running back at the second level.
He has the smarts and savvy to potentially pan out in the NFL, but he leaves too much to be desired on paper and would be a redundant skillset on this Titans roster.
DO Draft:
Max Melton | CB | Rutgers
Ruhnke: I don’t foresee a world where Max Melton makes it to the middle of the third round. However, if such a world exists, the Titans should do everything in their power to get their hands on him.
Max, brother of Packers wideout Bo Melton, has a unique background. He didn’t play the position until his senior year of high school when he transitioned from wide receiver. His background as a receiver gives him some of the best route recognition and feel in the class.
A little undersized at 5’11” and 187 pounds, Melton makes up for it in his coverage ability. he showed out at the Senior Bowl, displaying his sticky coverage technique and 4.39s 40 quickness.
A rotational piece at first, if Melton were to learn alongside L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, the Titans would be set at corner for years to come.
DON’T Draft:
DJ James | CB | Auburn
Freeze: James will be a fit for some NFL schemes, but I don’t see the Titans being one of them.
He is of average height and has a strong speed profile (78th percentile 40-yard dash), though perhaps that’s to be expected when you only weigh 175lbs (2nd percentile). He chose to skip the jumps, shuttle, and 3-cone drills at the combine, which sometimes indicates a player thinks they won’t test well in those areas. He was at his best in college in man coverage, and showed on tape he wasn’t as sure of himself when playing zone. He demonstrated a tendency to try to jump routes and bite on certain moves, a recipe for getting burnt at the next level.
Ultimately I expect James to compete for a nickel role in the NFL, and the Titans have that covered with Roger McCreary. While he could provide depth at that position, there are other players worth looking at first.
DO Draft:
Calen Bullock | S | USC
Ruhnke: While not the most pressing need, the Titans could still use another safety in the rotation considering the injuries and lack of depth that have plagued the depth chart.
Enter Calen Bullock, a soon-to-be 21 year old Safety out of USC. Bullock’s Slender frame at 6’2 and 188lbs caps his physicality, but the fluidity is apparent on tape. A major plus is the versatility, playing over 200 snaps deep, in the slot, and in the box.
The Trojan’s 4.49 speed compliments his 80th percentile wingspan very nicely, and as a rotational piece, could develop into an every-down starter.
DO Draft:
Isaac Guerendo | RB | Louisville
Ruhnke: Guerendo is one of the most traits-y prospects in this year’s draft class. Built-in a lab, Guerendo’s 9.98 RAS score shows just how lethal he could be at the next level.
At 221 pounds, Guerendo’s 4.33 speed makes him hard to catch or take down. The main knock is the production. Guerendo was never the featured back at Louisville and had just one game with more than 17 carries in his career. Despite the lack of workhorse production, he posted an efficient 6.1 yards per carry in 2023 and caught 22 of his 24 targets.
The Titans still lack depth at running back, and if Ran Carthon wanted to spend a 4th on securing the position, Guerendo would be my vote.
DON’T Draft:
Brenden Rice | WR | USC
Freeze: Everybody knows Marvin Harrison’s son is in this draft class, but he’s not the only son of a legend at the receiver position. The big difference, however, is that Brenden Rice isn’t nearly the receiver prospect that his father Jerry was.
He’s got prototypical outside receiver size and a strong bag of techniques going for him. But he has poor separation ability and doesn’t leverage his size advantage to make up for it. On tape, he consistently gets beat physically by smaller corners and isn’t a strong 50/50 ball winner.
Rice has the raw traits to be molded into a serviceable X/Y receiver one day, but he’s a serious project the Titans should pass on.
DO Draft:
Johnny Wilson | WR | Florida St.
Freeze: Let Johnny Wilson play receiver and let’s just see what happens.
A lot of the Wilson talk this cycle has revolved around his jaw-dropping size. At 6’6 and 231lbs with nearly 35.5-inch arms (all 97th percentile and above), he’s built more like a tight end than a receiver on paper. But when you watch the guy move in space, you see the type of ability that someone with that hulking frame shouldn’t possess. He’s fluid in and out of breaks, changes direction well, and has good balance for his size.
Drops were a frustration in college. But if he can improve the reliability of his hands, his catch radius will make him the easiest target on the field in practically every game he plays. If he falls out of Day 2, he’s worth betting on.
DON’T Draft:
Will Shipley | RB | Clemson
Ruhnke: In a class of good but not great running backs, Shipley is one of the more forgettable prospects.
A 4.45-speed athlete, Shipley has the ability to accelerate quickly but can’t break away from top defenders. He also isn’t the shiftiest of athletes, scoring a 51.5 elusiveness rating per PFF in 2023.
A knee injury in his final game of 2023 could keep the Clemson product away from his full potential early in his career and, in my opinion, is not worth the selection.
DO Draft:
Tanor Bortolini | OC | Wisconsin
Freeze: Bortolini checks the most important box you can on Day 3: be a freak athlete. at 6’4 303lbs, he tested north of the 88th percentile in the broad, vertical, and 40-yard dash. His final year of college tape contained a lot of ups and downs as he was transitioning from guard to center. But after a year of learning the ropes at his new position, his technical chops and athleticism promise to have him trending upwards. A coach like Bill Callahan would love having a ball of clay like Bortolini to mold.
DON’T Draft:
Blake Fisher | OT | Notre Dame
Ruhnke: One of the rawest prospects in the class, Fisher will undoubtedly need time to develop at the next level. The size to be a plus starter at the next level is there. At 6’5 and 310 pounds, Fisher possesses light and nimble footwork with a decent bit of fluidity too.
Body control can be a glaring issue though, lacking security in his anchor point consistently. Because of this, Fisher has to overcompensate which gets him into trouble (5 flags in 2023).
Especially in the late second/early third round, the comparisons to Nicholas Petit-Frere are eerily similar and the Titans should look elsewhere for line depth.
DO Draft:
Christian Jones | OT | Texas
Freeze: In an astonishingly deep OT class, Christian Jones represents the last stop on the potential starting OT train. (and he’s the consensus OT14!) Jones is built to play on the end with a 79th-percentile wingspan. He clocked an 87th percentile 40-yard dash, though his movement in the short area can be a bit stiff at times. His feet are active and quick, though, and he uses his impressive length to his advantage quite well on tape. He only allowed 1 sack and 8 hurries in his final year as a Longhorn.
Ultimately, Jones projects to be a strong 3rd tackle option for a team right away. He has some holes in his game, but the foundation of elite length, impressive play strength, and punishing hands makes up for his shortcomings.
DO Draft:
Gabriel Murphy | EDGE | UCLA
Ruhnke: Gabriel Murphy, not to be confused with his identical twin Grayson Murphy who also played EDGE at UCLA, is one of the many prospects that suffers from the “played on the same line as a round one prospect” clause. However, I don’t think that his story can be chalked up to just that.
Murphy still excelled in his final year despite being opposite Laiatu Latu. It’s important to note that Murphy played UCLA’s bowl game against Boise St. while Latu did not. Without his counterpart on the field, Murphy posted his second-best grade of the season according to PFF, recording eight tackles and a sack.
Murphy posted a 14.8% pass rush win rate in 2023, along with 8 sacks and 23 hurries. Murphy may be a little undersized at 6’2 and 251lbs, but possesses great speed with a 4.63 40-yard dash. This helped Murphy excel this past year in the pass rush game, posting an 85.2 overall grade for the season. He brings the speed to complement the interior play of Sebastian Joseph-Day and Jeffery Simmons and adds to a dangerous rotation alongside Arden Key and Harold Landry.
DON’T Draft:
McKinnley Jackson | DL | Texas A&M
Ruhnke: The 4th round is full of promising defensive interior players, however Jackson may be a bigger headache than most.
At 6’0 and 326 pounds, he has a more compact build that limits his play to nose tackle at the next level. A 5.26s 40 time also shows the lack of explosiveness needed to have the versatility to play elsewhere on the defensive line.
Despite being a captain at Texas A&M, Jackson has dealt with off-the-field issues such as being arrested on drug charges in 2021. He also comes with a lengthy injury history and was limited in his snap count because of it. Overall, there are more promising options in this round.
DO Draft:
Mekhi Wingo | DL | LSU
Freeze: The only reason Mekhi Wingo isn’t regarded more highly in this class is his serious lack of length. At just 6’0 284lbs, his game is pure quickness. But he won regularly with that quickness in college, tallying 32 hurries and 9 sacks the past two years. He rarely came off the field in that span too, averaging 55 snaps/gm. Will his build limit his versatility? Certainly. But he can fill an extremely valuable niche as a three-tech up front who feasts on loafing offensive linemen.
DO Draft:
Jordan Magee | LB | Temple
Freeze: What Jordan Magee lacks in size, he makes up for with an impressive athletic profile. At 6’1 288lbs, he managed a broad jump, 40-yard dash, and 10-yard split all north of the 85th percentile. His lack of power and length combined with an overall lack of polish makes him a day 3 prospect, but if he can learn to play more proactively than reactively at the next level, he’ll be a real asset.
Magee was reportedly an emotional leader in college, which is an intangible trait you’re looking for in a middle LB. A three-year starter at Temple, he was a regular on special teams as well through his senior year. He excels when he can identify and lock on to his target with impressive closing speed. He’ll be a phenomenal special-teamer who can compete for snaps on defense.
DON’T Draft:
Tommy Eichenberg | LB | Ohio St.
Ruhnke: To quote Stoney Keeley of the SoBros Network: “Eichenberg is a caveman”.
The OSU prospect has a fine build at 6’2 and 233lbs, but lacks the quickness and explosiveness to be an X-factor in space. Eichenberg lacks the chase-down speed to punish scrambling quarterbacks.
A 52.7 2023 coverage grade in 2023 tells the tale of a steep drop-off in production from 2022. Even in Round 4, Eichenberg is one of the prospects I’m staying far away from.
DO Draft:
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. | CB | Louisville
Ruhnke: The former Lousiville Cardinal burst onto the scene at this year’s Senior Bowl. At 5’10 and only 194 pounds, Brownlee projects as a nickel at the next level, but plays with incredible ferocity.
Brownlee’s attitude is pure “dawg”. Brownlee aggressively tries to derail receivers from the jump, just like the Titans’ newest corner L’Jarius Sneed. His twitchy nature and 4.51s speed will allow him to keep up with just about any receiver and was evident on tape.
However, that aggressiveness will land Brownlee in some trouble occasionally. The 3-year starter allowed 13 touchdowns during his time at Florida St. and Louisville, and his man coverage grade in 2023 was a pedestrian 61.7. Brownlee still has much to refine in his game, but his lightning-in-a-bottle aggression is infectious.
DON’T Draft:
Renardo Green | CB | Florida St.
Freeze: Green is a prospect I simply do not understand the hype with. His below-average size and speed, difficulty tracking the ball, and minimal ball production in college make him a limited scheme fit. The contact balance is a plus, but he rarely jammed receivers at the line in man coverage. His tape shows regular signs of panic, and he was penalized 11 times in the past two seasons. Overall, Renardo Green is the antithesis of a Dennard Wilson defensive back.
DO Draft:
Jacob Cowing | WR | Arizona
Ruhnke: The biggest knock on Cowing is his small size. At 5’8 and 168 pounds, Cowing is prone to serious injury risk. This was apparent as Cowing was carted off on day two of this year’s Senior Bowl, though it wasn’t a serious injury.
In the 5th round, Cowing’s production and explosiveness are well worth the gamble. The Arizona prospects tape is full of impressive footwork and agility. A 4.38s 40-time and 175 receptions over the last 2 years make Cowing a versatile slot receiver the Titans should target.
DON’T Draft:
Ainias Smith | WR | Texas A&M
Freeze: When I first saw Ainias Smith operate at the Senior Bowl in January, I must admit I was intrigued. He’s got a rare combination of elusiveness and explosive quickness when he’s got the ball in his hands. But ultimately, I don’t see him as a great fit for the Titans for a couple of reasons. His height and length are super limiting, both sub-10th percentile. He’ll be a slot-only player in the NFL and presents some returner upside. But he had six muffed punts in college. Smith also has a decent track record of missing time to injury, including much of this year’s draft process (stress fracture in his shin discovered at The Combine).
Is this description beginning to sound a bit familiar? It should, because his basic profile is just a more twitched-up Kyle Philips. And while their styles don’t make for a perfect comparison, the role he’ll be looking to fill at the next level is identical to the role that Philips fills in Tennessee.
DO Draft:
Delmar Glaze | G | Maryland
Ruhnke: An undersized lineman, Glaze has the potential to be a hidden gem in the later rounds of the draft. His biggest pro is his fluid ability in protection, and his 5.21 40-yard dash matches the quickness shown on tape.
Glaze’s hand placement gets him into trouble at times and the technique he plays with is quite raw. But this explosiveness in the fifth round is hard to find, making him a worthy selection.
DON’T Draft:
Garret Greenfield | OT | SDSU
Freeze: Greenfield has a handful of red flags in his profile that make him worth passing on. Despite being 6’5 and change, his arms are below most teams’ tackle threshold of 34 inches. That subpar length shows when he isn’t perfectly in phase. Greenfield plays light in the run game, his first step is poor in pass pro, and he plays too stiff. All of these raw traits in a player who will be 25 years old in his rookie season? I’ll pass.
DO Draft:
Khristian Boyd | DL | Northern Iowa
Freeze: When Khristian Boyd showed up to the Shrine Bowl this year, he was determined to make everybody leave the event with “Boyd” written on their to-watch list. On tape, he simply looks like a future NFL player. The Titans desperately need help along their DL, and he’d provide them with the rotational depth they need. He’s a big body who flashes serious explosiveness and interior rush ability, and his run-defending ability is nothing to sniff at either. Boyd tallied 3 sacks, 9 hits, and 28 hurries in his final year at Northern Iowa.
DON’T Draft:
Curtis Jacobs | LB | Penn St.
Ruhnke: Jacobs has the build to be a starting-caliber linebacker but lacks the physicality to be a game-wrecker. With a 6’1 and 241-pound frame, the explosiveness is present, but rarely leads to production.
The Penn State product plays poorly in coverage as well, allowing an 80% completion rate and a passer rating of 99.7 in 2023. With just 77 tackles over the last two seasons, Jacobs would be a poor fit given the Titans’ need at linebacker and the production simply isn’t there to bet on the traits alone.
DO Draft:
Malik Mustapha | S | Wake Forest
Ruhnke: Even at 5’10 and 206 pounds, Malik Mustapha has adequate length to succeed at the next level. With so many strong starting corners now on the Titans roster, Dennard Wilson’s secondary could use a true A+ run defender in the mix.
Built almost like a linebacker, Mustapha excels in run defense, boasting an 87.5 run defense grade according to PFF. His 21 run stops were the 21st best amongst all safeties in 2023. A fluid mover, if Mustapha were to be there in the 5th round, he would fill the depth need at the position.
DON’T Draft:
Elijah Jones | CB | Boston College
Freeze: Elijah Jones has some athletic traits that will catch your eye, but ultimately he’s a poor fit for the Titans’ defense. He presents elite height and explosiveness, but his game has too many red flags. From a lack of play strength to undisciplined tendencies to durability concerns, Jones is a stay-away for Tennessee.
DO Draft:
Tip Reiman | TE | Illinois
Freeze: Tip Reiman is a big fella alright. Coming in at nearly 6’5 271lbs, his physical presence makes him an ideal option for a team that needs a Y (inline) tight end. He’s not just some towering oaf either: Reiman came in above the 75th percentile in his shuttle, 3-cone, broad jump, and 40-yard dash. His game is rough around the edges, which is why he’ll be available on Day 3. But his traits make him worth taking a shot at.
DON’T Draft:
Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint | WR | Georgia
Freeze: Perhaps the most indicting thing I can say about Rosemy-Jacksaint is this: There’s a lot of Georgia tape you have to watch when you analyze this draft class (actually, any draft class). And I can’t remember a single time I was watching another Georgia prospect the past couple of months when I noticed Marcus do, well, anything. He’s below-average physically and athletically outside of his impressive arm length, and when you pair that with minimal college production, what exactly are you expecting at the next level?
DO Draft:
Cornelius Johnson | WR | Michigan
Freeze: Johnson’s physical and athletic traits are what make him intriguing on Day 3. He’s in the 75th percentile or better in the following categories: height, weight, broad jump, vertical jump, and 40-yard dash. At Michigan, he put enough on tape to indicate he’s more than just a high-level athlete. Despite operating in a system that didn’t showcase its receivers very well at all, Johnson demonstrated a functional route tree, quick feet, and impressive focus and catch radius that lent themselves to a handful of “wow” catches. With special teams experience, he’s the kind of late-round pick worth kicking the tires on.
DO Draft:
Ethan Driskell | OT | Marshall
Ruhnke: An incredibly raw athlete, Driscoll most likely will be drafted based on his size alone. The 6’8” and 313 pound mountain of a man will likely struggle with pad level at the next level. Driskell also did not test during the pre-draft process due to a hamstring issue. However, he is coming off of his best season, only allowing 3 sacks and 2 pressures in 2023. Given his size, Driskell would most certainly be worth a flier for Bill Callahan to go to work on.
DO Draft:
Kingsley Eguakun | OC | Florida
Freeze: Eguakun presents serious bargain upside late in this draft. He fought to come back from an ankle injury during the entirety of his 2023 season and never played at close to 100%. That means teams are reliant on his underclassmen tape and senior bowl performance to determine what his best could be. He lacks the length or power profile to be drafted higher than Day 3, but the unknown is enticing enough to take a swing. Those in the know mention his leadership skills as a real plus, something you love in a center prospect.
DO Draft:
Marist Liufau | LB | Notre Dame
Ruhnke: One of my favorite fits in the later rounds, Luifau can develop from a rotational linebacker into an every-down starter. A very similar build to day two prospect Junior Colson, Luifau has incredible downhill speed that allows him to blitz effectively. The aggressiveness from east to west on the field was very apparent at the 2024 Senior Bowl and he led the Fighting Irish with an 84.8 coverage grade according to PFF.
The aggressiveness can sometimes be his downfall though, as Luifau allowed a 90% completion rate and can find himself getting beat by motion on certain looks. But at a sixth-round price point, the Titans should give Liufau a look to be the future “green dot”.
DON’T Draft:
Myles Cole | EDGE | Texas Tech
Ruhnke: The claim to fame for Cole is his arm length, which clocked in during this year’s Senior Bowl at almost 37”. His RAS score of 9.96 makes him one of the freakiest athletes in the class, but that’s all there really is to say about him. Coming off his best season in 2023 with four sacks and 19 hurries, Cole is an athletic specimen who may need too much work to succeed in the NFL.
DO Draft:
Nathaniel Watson | LB | Mississippi St.
Ruhnke: Watson is more within the mold of Kenneth Murray as a fit for the Titans, but there is an upside in his versatility. The 6’2 prospect from Mississippi St had a combined 143 tackles over his last two seasons. His 5.4% miss tackle rate reinforces how sound he is when taking down a defender. Watson didn’t pop in coverage but only allowed a 76.2% completion rate in 2023 which makes him a rotational depth piece projection.
DO Draft:
Myles Harden | CB | South Dakota
Ruhnke: An under-the-radar player due to his size, Harden has the quickness to become a rotational player at the next level. Playing on the outside may be out of the question for Harden, but 11 turnovers in 29 games shows the potential. Smoothness and fluidity are the name of the game for Harden, who’s worth a look in the seventh.
DON’T Draft:
Johnny Dixon | CB | Penn St.
Ruhnke: At 5’10” and 180 pounds, Johnny Dixon’s path to the NFL is an uphill battle. Dixon’s short arms make it a real challenge for the Penn State prospect to compete with bigger wide receivers. Dixon does have speed but struggles to use it effectively because of how handsy he can be at times. Eight pass-interference penalties over the last two seasons is a big reason why I’m out on Dixon, even in the 7th.
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Author: Easton Freezeis a Nashville native who loves covering the NFL. He is the host of The Hot Read Podcast, and when he isn't watching or covering sports, he's spending time with friends and family.
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