5 targets for Titans in second round of NFL draft – The Tennessean
The Titans are widely projected to select Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft on April 28.
But they should also find a difference-making player the next day, near the top of the second round, where they own the 33rd overall pick.
Here are five players at positions of need the Titans could consider drafting:
William Jackson III, CB, Houston. The 6-foot, 189-pound JUCO transfer led the nation with 23 pass breakups as a senior last season while starting 12 of 13 games. He also intercepted five passes, returning two for touchdowns, including a pair of picks in a Peach Bowl victory against Florida State. A standout at the combine, noted for his length, speed and awareness.
Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia. Joseph led the nation with five interceptions through four games, but his senior season was cut short when he tore the ACL in his right knee on a non-contact play in practice. Strong coverage skills are complemented by the 5-10, 205-pounder’s ferocious tackling. As a junior, he had 92 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and two forced fumbles. The injury likely knocks him out of first-round consideration, but he could be a solid pickup. The Titans signed former Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson to a one-year deal last week, but he’s not the long-term answer.
Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State. Titans coach Mike Mularkey loves the occasional trickery, and the Titans could use another playmaker. The 6-1, 201-pound Miller, while raw, would certainly fit the bill. The Buckeyes’ former option quarterback and two-time Big Ten MVP missed his junior year with a shoulder injury, but reinvented himself as a senior last season, finishing with 26 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns and 40 carries for 235 yards and a score.
A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama. Excellent against the run and a work in progress as a pass rusher, Robinson could find a home in the middle of Tennessee’s 3-4 front for years to come, if he were to slip out of the first round. Both of the Titans’ nose tackles reached free agency; the team only re-signed Al Woods. The 6-4, 307-pound Robinson had 46 tackles, 7.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks while starting all 15 games as a junior last season. He was named first-team All-SEC.
Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana. If the Titans don’t draft Tunsil in the first round, they’ll still need help along the offensive line. Spriggs, a durable four-year starter, could slot in at right tackle. The 6-6, 301-pounder has long arms, is quick out of his stance and displays excellent lateral movement. While he’s been effective in run blocking and pass protection, he’ll need to build strength to hold his ground at the next level.
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