After losing some key pieces in their 2020 postseason run, including Adoree Jackson, Malcolm Butler, Corey Davis, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the Tennessee Titans came into this year’s draft with some holes to fill. The Titans addressed a lot of their needs in this draft but failed to address others.
However, from a pure talent standpoint, they got some really good football players for their locker room. At least four of their seven picks will look to get some playtime right away and add nice value to a team in need of some talent. The Titans also struck a deal with the Green Bay Packers in this draft, trading back in the third round to acquire a fourth-round pick, and add to their capital.
Make sure to check out all of our 2021 NFL Draft Team Recaps.
Best Pick: Caleb Farley (Round 1, Pick 22)
This pick is all about the medicals. If Farley is healthy enough to have a long-lasting career, he can be an incredible cornerback. This was also a huge position of need for the Titans. Before the draft, it seemed their top cornerback was Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins isn’t bad by any means, but he isn’t a difference-maker. Farley can be a lockdown cornerback for years to come. If his health works itself out, this could be one of the best picks of the first round at 22.
Grade: A
For more on Farley, check out our scouting report here.
Worst Pick: Elijah Molden (Round 3, Pick 100)
Let’s start by saying that Molden is not a bad player at all. There was just no need for a second cornerback here. With Josh Reynolds being the second-best wide receiver on the roster, a pass-catcher was a must here. There were so many talented players on the board as well, but they opted to address the position in the sixth round. Molden may be able to work his way into the rotation early, but the Titans have now spent a first-round pick this year, a second-round pick last year, and a third-round pick this year on cornerbacks.
Grade: D+
For more on Molden, check out our scouting report here.
Sleeper Pick: Rashad Weaver (Round 4, Pick 135)
Weaver fell because he had a bit of a disappointing pro day. However, the film shows a much better athlete, and it’s most likely what the Titans saw in him. Weaver has the opportunity to make a name for himself early if the team figures out how to use him. The Titans run a 3-4 scheme, but Weaver is more of a 4-3 player. He’s too big to move to outside linebacker, so a shift into that interior defensive end position could be nice for him. If he can master this position early, he’ll immediately boost the Titans front-seven and give them some nice production, especially for a fourth-round rookie.
Summary
After coming in with holes to fill, the Titans didn’t exactly perfect this draft. They did address cornerback pretty nicely, but the disregard for going to the wide receiver position is just mind-blowing. Even their wide receiver selected in the sixth round was bad. There were guys on the board like Austin Watkins and Cade Johnson, but they took Racey McMath. This gets them a huge dip in their grade. Overall, there were some really great picks for the Titans and a mix of bad ones as well.
Overall Grade: B-
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