The free agency period hasn’t been friendly to the Tennessee Titans. Jonnu Smith signed with the New England Patriots shortly after the tampering window opened. Later that day, Corey Davis signed with the New York Jets. In addition to those moves, the Titans released Adam Humphries. He signed with the Washington Football team last week. The trio counted for 129 catches on 192 targets for 1,660 yards and 16 total touchdowns. Even though the Titans signed former Los Angles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds, they need to add at least one wide receiver in the draft. Let’s take a look at three wide receivers Tennessee should target in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
Target Round: First-Round
Originally The Big Ten had opted out of the 2020 season. However, things changed, and Minnesota ended up playing. Bateman played in five games, totaling 36 catches for 472 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers were a far cry from his breakout sophomore season in 2019, with 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 1,219 receiving yards finished second in The Big Ten in 2019, while his 11 receiving touchdowns finished third in the conference. Bateman’s 20.3 yards per catch ranked first among wide receivers in the conference in 2019. The biggest reason why the Titans should target Bateman in the first round is his route running ability. Bateman might be the best route runner in the draft class and an excellent fit for Tennessee.
Rashod Bateman v. Iowa in 2019 is a fun, instructive watch. Shows he can get open deep, create separation with route-running savvy, find openings when things break down. I did include some failed catch opportunities in traffic. Had a 14% drop rate in '20, per PFF. pic.twitter.com/jhtyvjJtsr
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) March 26, 2021
For more on Bateman, check out our scouting report on him here.
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Target Round: Second-Round
Over his last two seasons at Ole Miss, Moore was one of the most electrifying players in all of college football. In those two years, Moore had 171 touches for 2,107 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, Moore was a consensus All-American selection in his final season at Ole Miss. His 1,193 receiving yards in 2020 finished second in the SEC and the country, only behind Heisman Trophy Winner DeVonta Smith. Furthermore, Moore has experience returning kicks and punts. He would be an excellent option to return either as a rookie. In Tennessee’s offense, that values receivers who can make plays after the catch, Moore might be the perfect fit. Furthermore, A.J. Brown is in favor of Tennessee drafting Moore.
As expected. @Titans don’t mess this up! 🥲 https://t.co/AgtCBKbciQ
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) March 25, 2021
For more on Moore, check out our scouting report on him here.
Dazz Newsome, North Carolina
Target Round: Fourth-Round
Time to take a look at a slot receiver. Humphries struggled with injuries during his time in Tennessee, especially last season, as he missed nine games. However, the Titans need to add a slot receiver to pair with Brown and Reynolds, or a rookie, on the outside. During his time at UNC, Newsome was a consistent threat every game. Over his last two seasons, Newsome totaled 131 touches for 1,732 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. Tate would give Tennessee a punt return option as well. He had 48 returns over his final three seasons at UNC, averaging over 11 yards per return. Some have compared Newsome to Golden Tate thanks to his ability to create after the catch, as both are a hybrid wide receiver/running back.
DAZZ NEWSOME WHAT A CATCH
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 3, 2021
For more on Newsome, check out our scouting report on him here.
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