Mike Vrabel coached his Tennessee Titans well beyond the expectations that many had for his team in 2019. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who had shown signs of greatness in Miami but never managed to get things together for the Dolphins, played the best ball of his career, leading Tennessee to a four-game winning streak late in the season that put them in the mix for a postseason spot and then to a 35-14 win in Week 17 down in Houston to get the Titans that wild card. Then they rode that wild card to shocking wins at New England and Baltimore and to a double-digit lead at Kansas City, before the Chiefs wore down the Titan defense and delivered a comeback win. This year, the oddsmakers have the Titans with 28/1 NFL betting odds to win Super Bowl LV. How did the Titans address their needs in the 2020 draft? Take a look at our thoughts.
NFL Betting: Tennessee Titans 2020 Super Bowl Odds & Analysis After the Draft
Isaiah Wilson will make the Tennessee rushing game even stronger
Tennessee basically ran right over the Patriots and the Ravens — and the Chiefs, until the Chiefs made some adjustments and took the lead, making it necessary for Tennessee to throw the ball. Isaiah Wilson started for two seasons at Georgia at offensive tackle, opening holes for the likes of D’Andre Swift and Sony Michel. He moves very well for a lineman who stands 6’7” and weighs 350 pounds.
The Titans lost Jack Conklin to free agency. They added veteran Dennis Kelly, but Wilson should push him hard for the starting job. Wilson was given the redshirt as a freshman but started in 24 of the Bulldogs’ 25 games over the next two seasons. He played at right tackle against some of the best edge defenders in the SEC, so he has the sort of experience that will help him in the NFL. He has already worked within a zone blocking system and can use his quickness to beat his opponent to a spot first instead of just engaging the man. Wilson comes from a team that grinds opponents into submission on offense, and that is the sort of scheme that Vrabel loves.
Kristian Fulton reduces Tennessee’s vulnerabilities in the passing game
Fulton was a terrific cover corner at LSU, one of the best at his position in the entire draft. Tennessee was impressed by his skills in press coverage, playing aggressively on wide receivers. They visited with him about playing the nickel corner as part of their discussions ahead of the draft. Fulton lined up at that spot frequently in 2018. Given that Logan Ryan could end up somewhere else in free agency, the Titans needed some insurance. Fulton makes Tennessee’s secondary faster.
Darrynton Evans gives the Titans a complement to Derrick Henry
Evans averaged 5.8 yards per carry for Appalachian State in the 2019 season, picking up more than 1,400 yards on 255 attempts. So he can handle a heavy workload — although he shouldn’t have a huge number of carries in 2020, as Henry will still be the team’s workhorse. He has the ability to make one cut and then take the football to the house, and while Henry can do that too, Evans has a slight edge in speed. He could also contribute to the kick and punt return game.
Larrell Murchison brings depth to the D-line
Tennessee traded Jurrell Casey to Denver, leaving the Titans a little thinner along the defensive line. Murchison, coming from Hawaii, has a lot of athleticism for his size (6’2”, 297 pounds) and is expected to fill in as part of the rotation instead of having to come in and be expected to start right away.
Cole McDonald gives the Titans a third quarterback
Also from Hawaii, McDonald has an odd release but put up big numbers for the Rainbow Warriors, who run a pass-heavy offense. McDonald might not make the roster but could end up on the practice squad.
