Tennessee Titans Draft Strategy: Turn Nashville into Tunsil-town

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Since early January, the Tennessee Titans have been on the clock after a season of marginal improvement. Two years ago, they won only two games, but thanks to a number of savvy moves through free agency and a coaching change, the Titans were able to increase their win total by 50 percent last season. Can someone say Mike Malarkey for Coach of the Year?

It’s also important to remember that the AFC South is the bloodiest battleground of the NFL gridiron. But the Titans have thrived because they have centered around a reversal of an old cliché: “It’s not how you finish, it’s how you start.”

This philosophy has catapulted Tennessee to back-to-back week one Super Bowl champions.

So what’s the reward for these honorable accolades? The No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The NFL Combine is over. Sure, there are Pro Days to be had, but analysts should have enough film to evaluate so they can update their mock drafts hourly.

Titans general manager Jon Robinson has expressed interest in trading the top pick to stock up on picks, but assuming that doesn’t transpire, who does Tennessee snag with the first overall pick? The team has more holes than Camp Green Lake, but just like the first World War, victory is found in the trenches.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Titans offensive line ranked No. 29 overall last year, including No. 26 in pass blocking. Tennessee sure could have used Donald Trump’s expertise last season, because the wall designed to protect rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota let every defender through. Mariota was sacked 38 times in only 12 games, resulting in two knee injuries that sidelined the former Oregon Duck for four contests. Zach Mettenberger took over the reigns, but was sacked at an even higher rate than Mariota (16 sacks in four games). Promptly, Tennessee’s offensive line allowed a league-worst adjusted sack rate of 9.6 percent, according to Football Outsiders.

These putrid stats point to only one logical selection: Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Yes. A very original prediction.

What sets Tunsil apart from other offensive linemen is his combination of elite athleticism and refined technique. From an athletic standpoint, Tunsil possesses quick and smooth footwork that allows him to change direction with ease. His lateral movement allows him to mirror defenders, and he maintains supreme balance through movement and contact. On the technical side, Tunsil bends at the knees, and while he doesn’t have the most powerful punch, his hand placement and timing is flawless.

He isn’t the most powerful blocker, but his athleticism fits the Titan’s offensive outlook like a glove. Mariota rarely ran designed running plays as a rookie, but Tennessee has already indicated that will change in year two. With Tunsil’s ability to swiftly reach the second level, deliver accurate blocks, and sustain them without holding, Mariota should see open lanes to run through on a consistent basis.

On the negative side, Tunsil doesn’t have many. He could add a little more mass in order to gain power, but that’s just nitpicky at this point. The biggest concern lies in Tunsil’s inability to complete a full season during his college career. Over three seasons, he either missed time due to injury or suspension. Tunsil did also struggle at times last season against top-tier SEC pass rushers, but that probably had more to do with rust after returning from a seven-game suspension. For the most part, Tunsil took care of business.

His tape might not jump off your screen, but Tunsil is the safest bet for Tennessee. He is a polished, athletic tackle with tremendous upside and the potential to be a cornerstone blind-side protector for a decade or more.

Welcome to Tunsil-town.

Featured image courtesy of Thomson20192

Edited by Jordan Dajani