Biggest winners and Losers of the Titans 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft has officially concluded, as the Titans selected seven players and didn't trade back or up once. Tennessee addressed many positions of need in the three-day drafting period and added quality depth on both sides of the ball. Here are the winners and losers of the Titans' 2024 NFL Draft.
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Winner: QB Will Levis
After being sacked 28 times in nine starts, Tennessee got Will Levis a humungous bodyguard in Alabama OT JC Latham. The 6-foot-6, 342-pound offensive tackle is a mauler in the run game and has a solid anchor in pass protection. Latham allowed two sacks and 14 QB pressures in 2023 and fits the Titans' new offensive scheme. Though some fans questioned the pick, I can tell you one thing: Will Levis LOVED IT.
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Winner: DL Jeffery Simmons
Tennessee needed to find a running mate for Jeffery Simmons on the interior of the defensive line. Though the team signed Sebastian Joseph, Tennessee needed more young talent and a starter at the position. At pick 38, GM Ran Carthon did just that, selecting Texas DT T'Vondre Sweat. The 22-year-old is a monster in the run game, as he scored a 92.0 run defense grade and had 26 run stops. Sweat is also a better pass rusher than most give him credit for, totaling 31 pressures in 2023 with a 15.3% pass-rush win rate. The selection of T'Vondre Sweat will lift much weight off Simmons' shoulders and gives him a talented running mate on the interior.
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Winner: WR Treylon Burks
Tennessee waited until the sixth round to draft a wide receiver, as they selected Tulane wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson with the 182nd overall pick. Though Jackson could compete for the slot receiver role, the 23-year-old will likely be a primary candidate for the punt returner job. This is the ultimate vote of confidence in Burks, who has struggled to stay healthy and produce through two seasons. The coaching staff and front office are giving him the opportunity to revive his career and produce in a make-or-break year three.
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Winner: OG Peter Skoronski
Skoronski had a tumultuous rookie season, as he dealt with an appendectomy and was hampered by Tennessee's poor left tackle situation. With the selection of JC Latham, Skoronski now has a legitimate left tackle to play alongside, and it will be beneficial to his and Latham's development. The Titans may have just found their LT-LG combo for the next decade.
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LOSer: Casual Fans
Not taking a shot at anyone, but to the average football fan, this Titans’ draft was likely unenjoyable and dull for you. Tennessee waited until the sixth to draft a wide receiver and didn't take many flashy and "exciting" players. Though some will call the Titans' draft boring, Ran Carthon and Brian Callahan did precisely what they needed to do. The pair addressed the team's biggest needs and found quality depth in the later rounds.
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Loser: WR Kyle Philips
Jha'Quan Jackson likely won't push Treylon Burks, but on the other hand, Kyle Philips now has some real competition. Philips has struggled to stay healthy in his NFL career so far and will have to earn a roster spot in 2024. Jackson and Philips will be fighting for the same roles: Punt returner and depth at slot receiver and receiver as a whole. The pressure is on Philips to perform in training camp.
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Loser: LB Jack Gibbens
With the selection of Cedric Gray in round four, Jack Gibbens' starting spot is in jeopardy. Gray is exactly what Tennessee needs in a starting linebacker, as he is terrific in pass coverage and is a fluid mover. Gibbens could still end up starting alongside Kenneth Murray in 2024, but Cedric Gray will be the favorite to start at mike linebacker entering training camp. Tennessee also selected S/LB James Williams in the seventh round.