grading the Titans 2023 Draft Class after one season
The Titans struggled mightily in 2023, as they experienced their second straight losing season and posted their worst record since 2015. Though Tennessee failed to meet expectations this season, the 2023 draft class constructed by GM Ran Carthon quietly impressed. Let's grade every pick from the Titans' draft last April...
Peter Skoronski, OL: B+
Surrounded by below-average play at center and left tackle, Skoronski did an admirable job in his rookie season. In 863 offensive snaps (14 games), Skoronski allowed five sacks and 32 total pressures while posting a PFF Grade of 61.6. The numbers may look uninspiring, but the 22-year-old dealt with numerous obstacles many wouldn't be able to overcome. Playing next to Andre Dillard/ Jaelyn Duncan and battling an appendectomy are just a few hindrances Skoronski had to deal with in 2023. The 11th overall pick is far from perfect and developed but had an underappreciated rookie season...
Will Levis, QB: A
Many questioned Ran Carthon's decision to trade up for Kentucky QB Will Levis during the 2nd round, but it's arguably been his best move as Titans' GM thus far. Behind a pitiful offensive line and subpar receiver play outside of Deandre Hopkins, Levis impressed and showed flashes of franchise quarterback potential. The 24-year-old posted the greatest QB debut in NFL history versus the Falcons and engineered one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory at Miami. He was inconsistent at times, but overall, Levis’ rookie season will instill optimism in the organization and fan base...
Tyjae Spears, RB: A
Tyjae Spears' versatility was on full display in 2023 as the Tulane standout dazzled in the run-and-pass game. The 22-year-old posted 838 scrimmage yards in 2023 as the change-of-pace back behind Derrick Henry and had the third-most receptions on the team with 52. Though he wasn't dealt the bulk of the carries, Spears still made an impact in the run game, running for an efficient 4.5 yards per carry behind the league's worst O-line. Even if King Henry walks in free agency this March, the Titans are in good hands at the RB position with the dynamic Spears!
Josh Whyle, D+
An early-season concussion and late-season knee injury limited Whyle to 11 games in his rookie campaign. In the games he played, the former Bearcat didn't have the most impressive showing, posting an abysmal 38.0 run-blocking PFF grade and seeing just 15 targets. The young TE still has room to grow and didn't have a prominent role in 2023, so all hope should not be lost...
Jaelyn Duncan: D-
If Duncan weren't a sixth-round draft pick, this selection would've been an easy F. The former Maryland Terp surrendered nine sacks and 36 pressures on 207 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 and posted an eye-straining 32.9 PFF grade. On the bright side, Duncan was never meant to be an impact player in year one, as his development is still far from complete. But what he showcased in 2023 was worse than awful. Let's hope new OL coach Bill Callahan can salvage Duncan's career in Nashville...
Colton Dowell: D
Similar to many seventh-round picks, Dowell struggled to carve out a role on the Titans' offense in 2023, as he was targeted twice and came down with one catch on the season. The former UT Martin standout played 52% of the special teams snaps this season and had three tackles. Dowell's rookie season ended on a low note, as he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in Tennessee's embarrassing road loss to the Texans on New Year's Eve. Dowell failed to fit into a role on the offense in 2023, but his impact on special teams earned him some points...
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