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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

The Tennessee Titans will pick twice in the first round tonight, and while we expect them to go defense at No. 5, they should look to bolster their offense later in round one. The Titans do not have a true WR1 on their roster, but Marcus Mariota was able to make due with Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe last season. At No. 18, look for them to add a tight end, with O.J. Howard being one of the best prospects at that position in a long time.

Tennessee has a talented tight end in Delanie Walker, but he is getting up there in age. Walker will be 33 years old this season, and while his production is still solid, they need to think about the future. Howard was not used to his full capacity at Alabama, where they like to run first, so expect him to be even more explosive at the next level.

Some experts have Howard going as early as No. 6 to New York, so he may not be available this late in round one. However, we expect the top of the draft to defense driven, which could land Howard as low as No. 18 to the Titans. If he is available, the Titans need to grab him, as a Howard-Mariota combination for the next ten years would be something special.

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