The Titans narrowly missed a playoff berth in 2018. If they want to go one step further in 2019, they need to nail their first round draft pick.
Head coach Mike Vrabel got a lot out of the talent on the Titans roster last season. Finishing the year at 9-7 probably represented an overachieving season for Tennessee. The front office definitely wants to give their coaching staff more talent to work with this season.
Signing both Adam Humphries and Rodger Saffold should give Marcus Mariota’s offense a positive boost. Saffold will help stabilize his protection and Humphries should emerge as one of the quarterback’s favorite targets in the slot. Questions about Mariota’s ability to stay healthy still hang over the Titans, but don’t expect them to make any seismic shift at quarterback in Round 1.
The Titans didn’t ignore their defense in free agency. Inking Kenny Vaccaro should give the team a bargain safety they can count on. Cameron Wake can’t rush the passer forever, but there’s no reason to think he can’t be effective for one more season.
Tennessee still has more defensive needs to fill than their vacancies on the other side of the ball. Expect Vrabel and his coaching staff to shop for the best defender on their board when they get the chance to make the No. 19 selection.
5. Clelin Ferrell
A lot of scouts feel like Ferrell is best suited to play as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but he’s got the size to hold up in the 3-4 scheme the Titans employ. He’s not going to emerge as a great pass rusher in that system, but he can push the pocket with his size and agility.
Unfortunately for the Titans he probably won’t be available at No. 19. Chances are, another franchise is going to snap him up before Tennessee goes on the clock. If he does last this long he’ll give the team’s brain trust a really tough decision.