The Titans Take a Chance Again in the First Round.
The 2021 NFL Draft has come to a close and the Tennessee Titans have made their selections. Social Media was buzzing after the Titans selected the ailing cornerback Caleb Farley with the 22nd overall pick. He is still recovering from a “microdiscectomy” back procedure he received in March. Farley has not played since the 2019 season, which is also a major concern. The NCAA gave student-athletes the opportunity to “opt-out” of the 2020 season due to the pandemic which Caleb Farley chose to do. It was during a training session that he injured his back again with a “herniated lumbar disc”.
The surgery Farley received is actually not a “Major” surgery, it’s a “procedure” and he should be fully recovered well before the start of the 2021 NFL training camp. Chris Simms tweeted this on draft day about the cornerback “Caleb Farley is hands down one of the five best players in this draft. I have never seen a corner with his size move the way he does. His speed is next level. He can be a superstar.”
The Titans Receive a “Mixed Bag” of Draft Grades from the Media.
First and foremost, I am a fan. As a fan, I want to know what the experts think about my team and how they drafted. I have seen ratings from A- to a C+ all across the internet from the various sports outlets. I personally think this draft is hands down, better than last year’s and the team improved over the last few days. The Titans needed an offensive tackle who could potentially start this year. They picked up Dillon Radunz in the 2nd round. He showed out in the senior bowl and quickly became the best offensive lineman there.
Six of the Titans draft picks played in the Senior Bowl which Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel both attended. They drafted Dillon Radunz to eventually be a starter and he might possibly just start next season if he catches on quickly. In the 3rd round, the Titans selected a linebacker by the name of Monty Rice out of Georgia. He is fast and dependable and knows how to run a defense. It looks like the Titans needed an “insurance policy” at that position considering Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown’s status going into the 2022 season.
Making Moves on Day 3 of the Draft.
Jon Robinson possibly got the “steal” of the draft in cornerback Elijah Molden. He was considered the best nickel cornerback in the draft. Some experts even projected him to go in the first round but he fell for some unknown reason. The guy is a baller and should be able to help immediately in the Titan’s defensive system. The next pick in the 4th round was a head-scratcher. Jon Robinson traded up to get wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick from Michigan. He was considered to be a 5th to 7th round prospect. He does have a strong work ethic and did produce in college and the organization seems to really like him.
J-Rob also got another “day 3” steal in defensive end Rashad Weaver from Pittsburgh. He is a confidant player who excelled in College and has a working relationship with Bud Dupree. They rounded out the draft with speedster receiver Racey McMath (LSU) and hard-hitting safety Brady Breeze from Oregon. The Titans fulfilled many of their “needs” in this draft. I believe the secondary will be better this upcoming season and I would give them a B+ for this draft. They picked up some players that fell and I think Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel redeemed themselves from last year’s debacle but only time will tell.
