six players the Titans should target in the 2nd round!
The Titans are currently slated to pick 38th in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection at 38 for Tennessee heavily depends on their round one choice, but there are still several prospects GM Ran Carthon should target at the start of Day two based on need and talent. Here are six players Tennessee should target with their second-round pick.
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Chris Braswell, EDGE Alabama
The Titans need help on the front seven with Denico Autry's departure and thin depth at edge rusher. Alabama's Chris Braswell had a stellar 2023 season, posting eight sacks and 30 QB pressures. Braswell's 6'3, 255-pound frame is good size for an NFL edge rusher and is similar to Titans Edge Harold Landry's measurables. The 22-year-old's diverse pass-rushing repertoire, which includes an explosive bull rush and sneaky speed off the edge, would be a solid, young addition to new DC Dennard Wilson's front seven.
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Darius Robinson, EDGE Missouri
Another excellent edge rusher prospect who could be available at 38 is Missouri's Darius Robinson. The 22-year-old racked up 8.5 sacks and 36 QB pressures in 2023, showcasing his versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive line. Robinson's 6'5, 285-pound frame allows him to line up as a DT in some defensive formations, along with his traditional DE and EDGE rusher position. A powerful and versatile freak who would be a DAWG (disciplined asshole with grit, coined by DC Dennard Wilson) for the Titans in the trenches.
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Patrick Paul, OT Houston
If the Titans decide to go wide receiver in the first round, Paul should be Ran Carthon's number-one target in the second round. The 23-year-old was stout in pass protection in 2023, surrendering just one sack and seven QB hurries while posting a 91.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. The 6'8, 331-pound senior has 36.25-inch arms and would immediately step in as the starter at left tackle for Bill Callahan's unit.
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Payton Wilson, LB NC State
Taking a linebacker at 38 will upset some, but Wilson's tape has day two steal written all over it. The North Carolina native totaled 138 tackles, six sacks, and a PFF tackling grade of 90.6 in 2023. Wilson is also a fantastic coverage linebacker, pulling down three interceptions and posting a 90.4 pass coverage grade. Injury concerns could drop Wilson into the second round despite staying relatively healthy over the past two seasons. Though EDGE and WR are smarter picks in round two, Wilson's tape and eye-opening statistics make him an intriguing option at 38 for the Titans. (The only LB who should be in consideration for Tennessee here)
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Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
Franklin's speed and knack for explosive plays make him my favorite day-two option for the Titans at receiver. The 21-year-old hauled in 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 TDs in 2023 and was the top receiver on an outstanding Oregon offense. Though he primarily functioned as an outside receiver in 2023, Franklin has shown an ability to operate in the slot successfully (80 slot snaps in 2023). Brian Callahan's offense will use several four-wide receiver sets, meaning Franklin would fit right in alongside Hopkins, Ridley, and Burks.
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Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina
Legette has drawn comparisons to DK Metcalf and former Titans WR AJ Brown, and for good reason. The 6'3, 227-pound senior's ability to run after the catch and function as a deep threat are his most marketable traits at the next level. Much like Franklin, Legette operated primarily out wide in 2023 but excelled when lined up in the slot (141 slot snaps in 2023). The 23-year-old had 1,255 yards and 7 TDs last season and averaged 17.7 yards per catch.
