NFL Draft 2019: Tennessee Titans full NFL mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 3 – Pick 82
Dawson Knox, TE, Ole Miss
In the 2017 NFL Draft the Titans selected Jonnu Smith out of Florida International University. He was seen by many to be the heir to incumbent tight end Delanie Walker. Two years later and Walker is still playing while Smith has shown little to prove he should be the long-term answer at tight end. In order for Marcus Mariota and this offense to succeed, they need production from the tight end position. Walker is aging and coming off a dislocated ankle that cost him most of last season.
Dawson Knox of Ole Miss is an intriguing tight end prospect that should interest the Titans. He may not be a highly productive player, but on tape he flashes the ability to be a better NFL player than at college. He was on an offense with three receivers who will be drafted and a quarterback and scheme that did him no favors. Knox also improved this season as a blocker, negating the biggest knock he had entering the year.
Knox is an impressive athlete and fluid mover at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds. He showcased an ability to win across the middle and down the seam in the limited times he was asked. There are concerns about his hands but on tape he’s shown little to make anyone question them being less than okay. His limited route tree will cause some concern, but it may be more of a result of the offense than what he is capable of.
Tennessee can bring in Knox and let him play as a big receiver at times to help the passing game before eventually taking over the starting job. He and Smith pair well nicely; Smith is a better blocker but has troublesome hands and lacks burst after he catches the ball. Not to mention, it is another weapon to help Mariota prove if he is the long-term answer for this team.