HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans in action against the Houston Texans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Titans want to ride Derrick Henry to a Super Bowl title next season. They’ll need to nail their first round draft pick to make that happen.
As long as Derrick Henry continues to run the football at an elite level, the Titans can legitimately consider themselves to be a Super Bowl contender. That doesn’t mean Tennessee shouldn’t look to get him more help in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
On the contrary, the Titans desperately need to nail the No. 23 overall pick if they want to upgrade their roster talent this offseason. The team has no ability to add significant talent through free agency due to their lack of salary cap space. Adding young, cheap talent is a desperate need for Tennessee.
In Round 1, look for the Titans to try to upgrade their talent on the defensive side of the ball. The front seven is crying out for a No. 1 edge rusher to tie everything together. Landing a legitimate No 1 cornerback could also be a temptation for Tennesee on Day One.
In the end, Titans fans should focus on the five following prospects as their franchise’s most likely targets.
5. Jaelan Phillips
Phillips may well be off the board before Tennessee goes on the clock, but if he slips this far he would be an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel’s defense. His ability to rush the passer from a standing position or two-point stance would be a big boost for the Titans.
The knock on Phillips as a prospect is that injuries really hampered him during his collegiate career. He briefly retired from the game due to concussions in 2018. He finished his final season at Miami on a high note, but the Titans will need to do serious work on his medical records before selecting him.