Tennessee crushed the draft. Here’s why.

Welcome to Talkin’ Titans. That is Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur. In immediately’s e-newsletter, I’m breaking down the Titans’ 2022 draft. 

The response was swift: What on the planet are the Tennessee Titans doing?

It was Thursday, Day 1 of the NFL Draft. After weeks of publicly proclaiming star receiver A.J. Brown wasn’t going anyplace, the Titans despatched him to the Eagles in a blockbuster deal. 

Tennessee, searching for to shut the hole with the AFC’s elite, had traded arguably its most vital offensive participant. A 24-year-old star who ended his years-long purgatory on the important receiver place. It didn’t make sense. 

However then you definately have a look at what was achieved within the 2022 draft. The Titans centered on offense, as they wanted to. The draft class is Energy 5 dominant, crammed with multi-year faculty starters who make up for any lack of upside with high-floor potential. And it got here with 9 alternatives — after beginning with seven — in a course of common supervisor Jon Robinson felt extra snug in with out the COVID-19 restrictions that outlined the final two drafts. 

The Brown commerce stings, and it’ll linger within the brief time period. Make no mistake about that. However with their newest draft class, the Titans put themselves in the perfect place to have current and future success with out Brown.

In Treylon Burks, the 18th choose, Tennessee acquired the receiver within the draft who most resembled Brown’s physicality, playmaking skill and blocking prowess.

Second-rounder Roger McCreary gives high quality depth at cornerback, the one concern on a powerful protection.

Nicholas Petit-Frere bolsters the offensive deal with spot, which wants a brand new starter on the proper facet.

Malik Willis has the instruments and upside to be the quarterback of the longer term.

Hassan Haskins gives an insurance coverage blanket and backup for Derrick Henry.

Chigoziem Okonkwo attracts similarities to Jonnu Smith, the No. 1 tight finish misplaced in 2021 free company.

Kyle Philips is a possible Day 1 slot receiver and punt returner.

Nashville native Theo Jackson is a flexible defensive again who might assume Dane Cruikshank’s function.

Likelihood Campbell has core particular teamer vibes with the upside to fill in if wanted in a deep inside linebacker room. 

“All of them play with a troublesome play model, and so they have been all actually good within the interviews,” Robinson mentioned post-draft. “They got here throughout as team-first guys, guys prepared to purchase into their function and compete to assist the soccer staff.” 

On paper, that is the Titans’ finest draft class in not less than three years. 

Possibly Tennessee did know what it was doing.