The Titans had their first winning season in five years last fall and may have made the playoffs if Marcus Mariota would not have broken his leg. General Manager Jon Robinson laid a good foundation for his franchise by drafting Jack Conklin, Derrick Henry, Kevin Byard, and Tajae Sharpe last year. The Titans’ number one need this draft was a featured receiver and Robinson got his man in the dynamic playmaker Corey Davis. The former Bronco has special football instincts and savvy to get open on all three levels of the field. He has been brought along slowly, still recovering from an ankle injury, but has practiced more than originally anticipated. He has caught the ball consistently with his soft but strong hands. Davis is now concerned with developing chemistry and timing with quarterback Marcus Mariota. He is also learning all the nuances of NFL wide receiver play plus the receiver portion of the playbook. Adoree‘ Jackson demonstrated during OTAs that his leaping ability more than makes up for his lack of ideal height. More than one time Jackson leaped up over a receiver to break up a pass. He had a history of making plays for the Trojans and has been picking up in OTAs where he left off in college. Taywan Taylor has been a playmaking machine during OTAs. He had two strong weeks of spring practice and plays like he belongs and the NFL game is not too big for him. Jonnu Smith has steadily improved during OTAs and is starting to grasp offensive concepts. He is a natural hand catcher with length and the ability to run. Smith has been playing with confidence during camp. Jayon Brown has caught the attention of the coaches because of his speed and his ability to play in coverage. The Titans needed an inside linebacker that can cover and Brown was drafted to fill that need. At UCLA, Brown showed enough speed and mirror ability to stay with a receiver in the seam. Corey Levin played guard in college but the Titans worked him out at center as well. He started 51 games in college and was a three-time small college All-America. Levin keeps his head on a swivel and has big strong hands to control defenders. He struggles with balance issues at times. Josh Carraway was drafted as an edge speed rusher. He has long arms and quick reactions. He plays equally strong from the left or right sides. He struggles when big tackles get their hands on him. Makes his plays when he can time the snap. Needs to improve as a developmental tackler. Brad Seaton is an angular offensive tackle who will compete for a backup tackle spot behind Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. He is also getting reps at offensive guard despite his length. Seaton plays high and with limited knee bend. Pro day numbers: 6085, 329, 5.40/40, 24/BP, 26/VJ, 8-9/BJ, 5.01/SS, and 7.84/3 cone. Khalfani Muhammad was drafted as a third down, change of pace back option. The explosive but undersized speedster brings a different dimension to the backfield after DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. In addition he will contribute as a return specialist as well as a kickoff cover defender. GRADE: AVERAGE.
FREE AGENCY: Tennessee was third from the bottom of the league in defense against the pass. Logan Ryan (CB) and Jonathan Cyprien (SS) were signed to help plug two secondary holes. Defensive tackle Sylvester Williams was signed away from Denver to give an interior push in the passing game.
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: DeAngelo Brown (Louisville) DT, KeVonn Mabon (Ball State) WR, and Steven Moore (California) OT.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233