APC Community Mock Draft - The Titans are on the clock at 22

With the 21st pick in the draft, the Colts went for a pass rusher in Jaelan Phillips to fill one of their most glaring needs. After Denico Autry left for the Titans in free agency, the Colts are left with DeForest Buckner as their only proven option on the edge. Some reports have linked the Colts to re-signing Justin Houston, but he is still a free agent as of today. With the arrival of Trevor Lawrence in the AFC South, the division is loaded with QB talent. The Colts’ defense rarely blitzes, so it will be imperative for Phillips to come out of the gate strong this year.

The Titans, who sit with the 22nd pick, went on a spending spree early in free agency, signing Janoris Jenkins to replace the released Malcolm Butler and adding Denico Autry and Bud Dupree to bolster a putrid pass rush. Last season the Titans were near the bottom of the league with 19 sacks. Last year’s signings of Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley turned out to be busts as Beasley was released after 5 games and Clowney missed the last 8 games of the season with knee surgery. Autry, Dupree, and continued development from Harold Landry should be able to improve the rush, but the Titans could use another force on the edge to prevent Dupree and Landry from shouldering too much of the load. In addition, Tennessee could use another starting CB to pair with Jenkins, as their defense ranked near the bottom of the league in most passing defense statistics last year. Look for Greg Newsome to be in play here as he may be the best combination of fit and talent for the Titans at this pick. One hole the Titans did not fill in free agency is the WR spot left vacant due to Corey Davis’ departure. While they did sign Josh Reynolds, he was a role player for the Rams and will likely fill the same spot in Tennessee. WR is a need they must address in the first 2 days of the draft. As always, we’ll run down the previous weeks before checking out the Titans' choices.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
2. New York Jets - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
3. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
4. Atlanta Falcons - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
5. Cincinnati Bengals - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
6. Miami Dolphins - Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
7. Detroit Lions - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
8. Carolina Panthers - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
9. Denver Broncos - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
10. Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
11. New York Giants - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
13. Los Angeles Chargers - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
14. Minnesota Vikings - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
15. New England Patriots - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
17. Las Vegas Raiders - Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
18. Miami Dolphins - Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
19. Washington Football Team - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
20. Chicago Bears - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
21. Indianapolis Colts - Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

The Titans have options at WR, EDGE, and CB with pick 22.

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Among the wide receivers in the second tier of this year’s draft class, Bateman is one who projects well as a do-it-all guy. In 2018, Bateman had an impressive true freshman season, forming an intriguing tandem with Tyler Johnson. 2019 saw him explode as a deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per reception on 60 catches, 11 of them going for touchdowns. He isn’t overly large, but he’s an excellent route-runner as well as a very good athlete, able to win with technique or speed.

Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

Of all the edge rushers in this draft, Oweh may be the most athletic. While he didn’t record a sack in 2020, Oweh finished with 6.5 tackles for loss and was voted first-team All-Big Ten. The tools are not all there yet, but Oweh only played 20 games in college and didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. At 6-foot-5, 257 pounds, he has the strength and speed to be a situational rusher from day 1. Oweh does not have many pass rush moves in his arsenal and will need to develop counters to what he’ll see in the league. He may be too raw to make a real, every-down impact in his first season, but teams will be salivating over the possibilities down the line.

Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

One of the rising cornerbacks in this year’s draft class is Newsome, who had an excellent three-year run for the Wildcats. Although he only recorded one interception and played in just 17 games over his career, Newsome’s ability suggests that he can be a top-flight corner if he can stay healthy. He has an excellent blend of size (6 feet, 192 lbs) and athleticism (4.38 40, 40” vertical), and looks to be a good fit in any type of coverage scheme. Newsome is also one of the youngest prospects in the 2021 class, as he turns 21 about a week after the draft, suggesting that he has not yet approached his ceiling.

With the 22nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select…

Can the Titans find a way to replace Corey Davis? Or will they continue to bolster their poor defense on day 1? Check back tomorrow to find out who they select. Tomorrow at 11 AM EST we’ll be checking out the Jets’ options at 23 as they make their second pick of the first round, followed by the Steelers at 4 PM EST with the 24th pick. Vote here and on Twitter @acmepackingco and sound off on who you’d select.