Fansided

2018 NFL Draft: Biggest need for each team

By Conor Dorney

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 32
Next

Tennessee Titans: EDGE rusher

The Titans have been one of the most aggressive teams in free agency, picking up several key pieces that should improve their defense in 2018. Cornerback Malcolm Butler comes over from New England to shore up the secondary, while underrated pickup DaQuan Jones will help to clog up rushing lanes on the interior.

One spot that Tennessee figures to address in the 2018 draft is at edge rusher, despite being near the top of the league in team sacks last season. New head coach Mike Vrabel figures to invest heavily in the defense in his first year in an effort to take the pressure off of franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota. The team invested a first-round choice in wide receiver Corey Davis last season, and the continued development of Derrick Henry at running back both figure to be crucial pieces if they want to return to the playoffs next season.

Several prospects who could make sense for Tennessee on the edge could include LSU’s Arden Key, Boston College’s Harold Landry and Oklahoma’s Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. If the Titans are comfortable with the off-field issues that have plagued Key, they could pull the trigger and wind up with one of the biggest steals in the entire draft.

In addition to edge rushers, the Titans figure to also be in the market for some depth at linebacker, as well as more weapons on the outside at wide receiver for Marcus Mariota. Vrabel has made it clear that finding ways to maximize Mariota’s success will be key to a return to the playoffs next season, and a good start will be investing in the defense early and often in the 2018 draft.

Home/NFL Draft