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2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Titans could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 2: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans hands off the ball to Derrick Henry at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 2: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans hands off the ball to Derrick Henry at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers reacts against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers reacts against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Dexter Lawrence

Tillery is the best pure nose tackle in the class, but Lawrence is the most talented guy who can perform as a nose tackle on every down. He’s got a lot more pop at the line of scrimmage when compared to the former Notre Dame star.

Lawrence projects to go higher in the draft than Tillery because of both his explosion and versatility. Teams operating in a 4-3 scheme will feel comfortable taking him to start at defensive tackle. Lawrence has enough interior pass rushing ability to collapse the pocket in a four man front.

The Titans may hesitate to take Lawrence because he isn’t the most disciplined lineman available. When you watch him on tape he had a real tendency to freelance at Clemson. He got away with that in college due to his talent and the quality of the players around him. If he does that in Vrabel’s defense he’s going to leave his teammates horribly exposed.

No prospect projected to go this late in Round 1 is perfect. Vrabel and his staff will think they can fix Lawrence’s minor issues. He could turn into one of the most dynamic nose tackles in football with the right coaching.

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