By BLAKE BEDDINGFIELD, special correspondent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Drafting for your team is about roster construction. Most of the teams picking in the top 15 should be looking to add quality players to their roster no matter what the position – draft the best player available.
Most teams seem to select need positions and let better players fall to organizations that aren’t afraid to select talent.
There are teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills that can draft for need or draft quality depth because of their quarterback stability and also their roster depth and talent.
A great example of taking quality players a year before they are needed is the Eagles draft in 2022.
GM Howie Roseman drafted defensive tackle Jordan Davis in the first round, offensive center/guard Cam Jurgens in second and inside linebacker Nakobe Dean in the third. Each of these players played a backup role and added quality depth. The in free agency this offseason the Eagles let defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, guard Isaac Seumalo and inside linebacker TJ Edwards leave for has equally talented replacements ready on rookie deals.
This is roster construction and building with the long term in mind. The extra money saved on those free agents allowed the Eagles to lock up their starting quarterback long term and they can now continue to build around him. The Eagles also have two first-round selections in the 2023 draft, Nos. 10 and 31.
It doesn’t take money to build a good roster but planning and execution.
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama After trading up with the Chicago Bears for the first pick, they were going for the one franchise QB in the draft class and that is Young.
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Scouting Report: Franchise QB. Small in stature but has rare qualities -- field vision, anticipation, pocket awareness, accuracy and touch are all elite level. Very poised, confident and calm in the pocket when blocking breaks down. Plays like a veteran QB when he is moving in the pocket keeping his eyes downfield and scanning for open receivers. Arm strength is good but not special, but has no problem throwing off platform and on-the-move. Unique quality of making plays to the opposite side of the field. Field vision and his overall understanding of where receivers are on the field is special. When he gets into the NFL with veteran receivers this will only be more enhanced. The key to him being a franchise QB in the NFL is system philosophy and stability. He can’t go to a place where there is constant change on the offensive coaching staff, the organization must build around him similar to what the Bengals did for Joe Burrow.
- Houston Texans: Will Anderson, OLB, Alabama This team needs quality players on its roster and pass rushers are a premium. Anderson is a leader in the mold of ex-Texan J.J. Watt, and can be a cornerstone player on their defense for newly hired head coach and former Alabama linebacker, DeMeco Ryans.
Scouting report: Good size frame and long arms (33 7/8). Highly productive pass rusher for three seasons. Faced constant double teams and slide protection but still produced. Relentless pass rusher who has a full arsenal of pass rush moves and ability to rush with speed and power, inside and outside of a block. The key to him being so highly regarded is his outstanding run-down play. He is a force on the edge against the run at him or away. He has very good vision and instincts into the backfield, diagnosing plays quickly, shedding blocks easily and attacking runs. A true three-down linebacker who will be a playmaker Day One he enters the league. Anderson is also the full complement of leadership, effort, intensity and production.
- Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia The Cardinals would have loved to have had Anderson. If the off-the-field concerns check out for Carter, he is a difference-maker in the NFL. That is the biggest question regarding the big DT. If Anderson is gone the Cardinals will want to move back, but I am not predicting trades, so they can’t afford to take a lesser player with this roster that is void of impact players.
Jalen Carter has some JJ Watt in his game. Not only is he big and strong but he’s shifty and quick. A very SLIPPERY defender. The hardest kind to block. He will be a game changer. #NFLDraft #Draft #NFLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/bZFLP7XQtR
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 24, 2023
Scouting report: Great size, frame, explosion, power and movement skills for his size. Has the rare quality of playing up field with his movements while attacking big blockers with one arm and moving them off their spot. Can rush with quickness and attack gaps and is impossible to press out once he wins the gap. Can power and speed rush. Very good balance and body control. Plays out of control at times, but is a true disrupter like a Chris Jones. He has all the tools to be a dominant player, but there are also major red flags around this kid, not only his arrest, but his weight gain before the pro day. His character will need to check out, or he could be another Isaiah Wilson-type. Background is key here. Has Albert Haynesworth qualities of dominance when he wants to but also some games where he is a non-producer and lacks effort.
- Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State This organization had the luxury of 20 years with Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck playing quarterback. Since 2019 they have had the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Carson Wentz, an old Phillip Rivers and Matt Ryan. They have had to endure what most of the NFL has had to deal with at the quarterback position. GM Chris Ballard needs his QB of the future, or there won’t be one for him.
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Scouting report: Good size and frame. Strong arm, good pocket presence, can stand in under duress and make throws downfield. Has some loft and arch to some of his touch throws that will need to be cleaned up. Shows good touch throwing fades, deep post and corner routes. Can deliver with velocity when it is needed, played with a talented group of linemen, and receivers that made it easier for him but has shown the ability to place the ball where needed with good anticipation and accuracy. Does miss the under defender at times. Can roll and throw on the move. Not as savvy as Young and not the playmaker but a good thrower of the ball with good placement of throws. Not a true franchise-carrier like Young but has the skills to develop into a top 15 passer in the league, provided he has talent around him. If he isn’t placed with talent around him there could be some drop-off to his play and production. Starter in the NFL immediately.
- Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech Seahawks need pass rush and get a versatile and talented player in Wilson.
Scouting report: Great size and frame, very good length. Adequate production based on the talent he has. Upside player who hasn’t fully reached his top level -- the scouting key is finding out if there is another level. A lot of his pressures and production came when he was a free-running defender and unblocked or as a secondary or late defender who cleaned up the pile. Shows a good power-to-speed rush. Can engage and work both sides of a block. Has the power and strength to hold his ground while working inside and out of a block. Not a constant disrupter or producer, but has size, strength and athletic skills to be a good rush/run player. Will be a versatile across the front player in the NFL who can line up in multiple spots, but won’t be a consistent producer. Shows flashes and will be a good complimentary player next to a top defensive lineman.
- Detroit Lions: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State I like corner as a possibility for the Lions but they signed Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner Johnson in free agency and need a wide receiver even before last year’s first-rounder Jameson Williams was suspended for the first six games of the season due to gambling.
Scouting Report: Good size and frame. Plays with a combination of athletic ability, route running, strong hands and instincts for the position. One-year production player after missing most of 2022 with injuries. Outstanding tracking ability of the deep ball, can adjust to poorly thrown passes. Has good run vision and instincts after the catch. Lacks elite speed but his instinct and run skills make up for the lack of elite speed after the catch. Can make a defender miss in space, will run through occasional arm tackle but not a true run-though type. Has very good field awareness, sideline and red-zone instincts. Can align outside or inside and run the route tree effective from each spot. Injuries and one-year production is a concern. Solid No. 2 wideout on most teams, has an upside to his game.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Needs are everywhere on this roster with some overpriced veterans clogging some roster spots. The Raiders need corners to compete in the AFC West.
Scouting Report: The Raiders have needs all over the roster. Witherspoon is a starter at corner in Year One and has some upside to his game after emerging in 2022. Light in his frame is the biggest concern versus bigger receivers, but he has man and zone cover skills and the ability to run with most receivers in the league. The Raiders must find someone that can match receivers and the passing attacks of the Chiefs, Chargers and Broncos.
- Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas The Falcons need offensive playmakers and Robinson is one of the top five players in the draft. There is the possibility of taking a QB with this pick-up but Robinson outranks Will Levis or Anthony Richardson to me. Robinson, Drake London, Mack Hollins, Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson would make for an improved offensive group for their second-year QB Desmond Ridder.
Scouting Report: Good size, frame and all-around skills. Three-down producer, as effective as a receiver as he is running the ball. Has the ability to make a cut to shake defenders and also run over bigger linebackers. Great contact balance, and a true north/south runner who is always attacking up field. Speed and quickness is very good, combined with very good run vision and ability to stay square to the line of scrimmage. Very good hands and open-field run ability after the catch. The devaluing of the running backs should stop when you can get a three-down runner/receiver.
- Chicago Bears, Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa The Bears have improved their personnel so much through trades and free agency they can afford to take a pass rusher to continue to upgrade their defensive front seven.
Scouting Report: Great size and frame. Solid production. Big testing numbers. Can align down as a DE but also inside over the guard in pass rush situations. Good shock and shed with his hands, good strength, can rush inside and outside of a block. Can rush with power or speed. Will be an instant starter for the Bears and add pass rush, disruption and versatility. The team spent big on inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and added DeMarcus Walker from the Titans and now they get an edge player.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Peter Skoronski, G/T, Northwestern Eagles can plug and play Skoronski at right guard or use him to protect against a potential retirement of Jason Kelce after the 2023 season, moving Cam Jurgens to center and Skoronski to starting guard. The Eagles have that luxury because of their talented roster.
Scouting Report: Three-year starter. An average-sized player with below-average arm length (32 ¼). Solid player. Not an elite athlete but has good body control. Plays with very good hand use, good technique and very good awareness and instincts. Will be a solid player in the NFL. Limited ceiling, but also a high floor. Will be a solid contributor in Year One. Fall back for Skoronski is to play guard and he should excel in that role. Similar in size to Jonah Williams and Zach Martin coming out of college. Williams did not have success at left tackle and Martin was immediately played inside at guard in the NFL and has great production during his career.
- Tennessee Titans: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah The Titans will be tempted with a QB here and possible offensive lineman. But Kincaid is too talented to pass up and a better player than the QB or OL they could select. He has the ability to be a high-volume catcher and producer to pair with last year’s rookie Chig Okonkwo. Kincaid would give the Titans two pass catchers that are also capable blockers.
Scouting Report: Good size, frame. Highly productive when he plays, but has injury concerns (back) that the Titans will need to check out. Strong hands, good athlete, can run vertically and also play along the sideline. A true red-zone threat. Speed and athletic traits are very good. Has a good feel for where he is on the field. Can be a mismatch like a George Kittle or Dawson Knox. Can run the route tree and will be an instant upgrade for any team that selects him. Injury concerns are real, but so is the talent and production when he plays.
- Houston Texans, Will Levis, QB, Kentucky The Texans could go WR here but can’t pass up a talented QB to compete with Davis Mills. The offensive group of Levis, Dalton Schultz, Nico Collins, John Metchie, Robert Woods, Noah Brown and Dameon Pierce is much improved over the 2022 roster.
Scouting Report: Very good size, very good arm strength, will stand in under pressure and take hits. Has some sneaky run ability. Inconsistent passer with inconsistent accuracy. Not natural throwing the ball all the time. Moves so much in the pocket he isn’t sound with his setup and foot technique. Has the raw skills, but declined this season and did not play with multiple injuries.
- New York Jets: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State Jets continue to take offensive lineman because they still have needs and they will need upgrades to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Scouting Report: Two-year starter. Very good size and length for the tackle position. Has started at left tackle and guard. He is a little riskier of a pick, because Johnson is not as sound fundamentally and needs to continue to work on his technique when playing tackle. Gets by with great length and size, but plays tall too often and struggles to move defenders consistently off the ball, has the athletic traits to develop these skills and be a very good left tackle.
- New England Patriots: Jordan Addison, WR, USC The Patriots have one of the worst rosters in the NFL and need upgrades everywhere.
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Scouting Report: Transfer from Pittsburgh. Adequate size, lean frame, very good speed, quickness, and production. Needs to be stronger on throws where the defender has contact to his body at the catch point. Can align outside or inside. Smooth runner in the open field, but does go down easily with contact. Has some slash and slide to avoid defenders in space, but needs to continue to work on lower body strength to run through low-arm tackles. Very good hands, can catch outside his frame and instantly run after the catch with good instincts. Very good run vision after the catch, has a way to avoid some hits with his run instincts. Good route runner, has the ability to run the whole tree and be effective on all short, intermediate and deep routes. Tracks the deep ball very well, runs under overthrown balls, can accelerate through the catch point. Makes adjustments to his route to track balls, can adjust frame on balls throws behind him. Very smooth athletic player who needs to improve strength but has all the skills of a productive pro. Should be a productive player in a short amount of time.
- Green Bay Packers, Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame Packers could go a number of different places, but Mayer is a solid pick to replace Robert Tonyon and give first-year starting QB Jordan Love and consistent playmaker at TE.
Scouting Report: Solid size and frame. Very good production throughout his career. Very good hands, very good field awareness and understanding of how to get open versus man or zone coverage. Outstanding zone awareness to find open spots and present an open target to the QB. Chain mover, red-zone threat, can be a high-volume catcher. Good athlete but not elite. Has run vision and savvy after the catch but not a true home-run threat or speed threat. A very good receiving tight end who can align on the line of scrimmage, flexed or in the backfield. Day One starter and should produce early in career.
- Washington Commanders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida The Commanders are similar to the Colts, still looking for a QB, they should take a chance on Richardson because of the receiving group they have assembled around the young QB.
Scouting Report: True boom or bust. Great size and athletic traits, but struggles with his accuracy and the speed of the game at times when he is in the pocket. Can the Commanders develop him? They have a good group of receivers that will shorten the learning curve and help a young QB develop faster. If he hits and is good, the Commanders could be a tough team for years with their outside playmakers and playoff-caliber defense.
- Pittsburgh Steelers, Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon They lost Cam Sutton in free agency and add youth to the corner position to replace him.
"Gonzalez moves extremely well. He remains low in his stance throughout routes and has no issue carrying receivers vertically."@PFN365 analyst @JamesFragoza on #Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
— Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) April 19, 2023
📽️(@PickettsPool)#GoDucks #NFLDraft #Steelers #HereWeGopic.twitter.com/EJIAeBviGO
Scouting Report: Good size, length and movement skills. Very smooth hip turner and skills to mirror on routes and have the length and size to defend. Needs to be more physical in the run game and also with the ball in the air but has the ability to improve on the next level and the Steelers have a history of developing corners.
- Detroit Lions: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson: Lions need to add pass rush and Murphy is a solid player against the run and pass and upgrades their defensive line. They get to combine him with last year’s first-rounder Aiden Hutchinson.
Scouting Report: Great size and frame. Solid production. Solid run and pass rush producer. Can rush outside or inside, versatile player. Can run, chase, bend around the edge. Not a consistent disrupter, but has the skills, size, and athletic traits to produce in the NFL. Can line up next to Hutchinson or on the opposite side and give the Lions more rush.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia After Tom Brady retirement, this roster is looking tired and has needs almost every position.
Scouting Report: One-and-a-half year starter at tackle, has started at both tackle spots with the majority of time spent on the left side. Very good size, length and good athletic traits for the tackle position. Plays high because of inconsistent technique, but has the ability to bend. He can move well in space, run downfield and make blocks on the perimeter. In college he got away with outside hand clamps and holds to control blocks but will need better hand use and finish in the NFL. Has intriguing skills but not a fully developed player at this point. Questionable Day One starter but will eventually start as a rookie. Has some boom or bust to his play.
- Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia with their second first-round pick, the Seahawks add another pass rusher to Tyree Wilson. They’ve upgraded their defense and pass rush significantly and will be a tough defensive unit in 2023 and beyond.
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Scouting Report: Has outstanding speed and burst. Active rusher on the edge. Has a knack for getting into the backfield and being disruptive. Effective player in the run game. Bigger offensive lineman can cover him up, but he plays with quickness and speed. will dip and run around blocks but has recovery speed and quickness. Effective as a zone dropper, can align as an edge defender and stacked linebacker at times if needed. Versatile rusher and player.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College Too many games missed by Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. The Chargers roster is talented enough to add a player that can help now and when Allen retires, which will be soon.
Scouting Report: Below average size and frame. Good speed and quickness. Four-year production player. Quick in and out of his breaks. Has a short burst and acceleration to separate from man coverage. Good instincts for the position, good hands, can snatch away from his frame. Plays bigger than his size because of his hands, catching radius and unique ability to go and get the ball in the air. Very instinctive and very good field awareness and understanding of where he is on the field. Good runner after the catch with good vision and run skills. Effective as an inside or outside receiver. Will be a high- volume catcher and a chain-mover.
- Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU The Ravens have one of weakest receiving units in the NFL and need to keep adding talent at the position.
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Scouting Report: Good size, frame and length. Best production was in 2022, doubling his past season’s performances. At his best on angle routes, crossers, slants and in-cutting routes. He is also effective on 50/50 balls using his length, size and strength. Speed is build-up to top end. Has some stiffness in his hips and can get off stride or even off balance when he must adjust his route. Can run through an arm tackle, but not a true make-you-miss-in-space runner. Competitive catcher. Has good feel and run instincts, can also high-point throws and track downfield. Not an elite player or receiver but will be a starter in Game One, Year One.
- Minnesota Vikings: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan: Smith is a run-down player who has upside as a pass rusher and the Vikings defensive front needs the upgrade.
Scouting Report: Average height, good frame, strong and athletic. Average length in arms. Easy mover for a bigger, heavier player. Can win a one-on-one block by playing both sides of the block. Keeps his eyes in the backfield, very good at anticipating the block and not staring it down. Has natural instincts for the game. When he guesses and jumps gaps, he can get reached and walled off. Has very good contact while blocked. Good get off on the snap, can snatch and shed with some pop and explosion in his hands. Can run. When he chases down the line of scrimmage, shows athletic ability, run-and-chase speed. Has another level of his game that hasn’t been developed. His pass rush has potential but lacks a defined rush move or counter off it. Starting NT or DT in any front in his first year. Has upside as a rusher, but not a pass rusher at this point, can develop and has all the necessary traits to develop.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh Jaguars can add multiple spots along the offensive line and defense, but Kancey improves the interior pass rush to pair with Josh Allen and Tavon Walker on the outside.
Scouting Report: Undersized three-technique defensive tackle and pass rusher. Wins with quickness, burst, explosion and upfield penetration. Can win versus one-on-one blocks in the interior and will have success because of his pass rush and penetration skills. The Jaguars are a perfect fit because of the need for pass rush and to match with the investments they have put into outside edge rushers, Allen, and Walker.
- New York Giants, Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas After adding Kavon Thibodeaux as a pass rusher last season and adding Sanders’ size, versatility and production to him, Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari and Bobby Okereke, this defense will become dangerous.
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Scouting Report: Great size, frame and production for the position. Multiple position player. Was an outside rusher at Alabama and inside linebacker who rushes at Arkansas. Has the skills set to do both effectively. Size, speed and very good instincts for the game. Makes plays in the run game, but has pass-rush ability using a speed rush. Good tackler. Has good shock-and-shed ability against linemen. Can play in space. Good coverage player in zone. Quick reactions. Can also man up versus a tight end. Flashes some physicality, but also has the finesse of an athlete. Has good change of direction, stop and start quickness. Standout special teams player at Alabama and can do that again if needed. Can play OLB or inside WLB in a 3-4 defense, will be an OLB in a 4-3. Effective three-down linebacker that is productive with size and athletic ability. I love this player and think he is a no-brainer with big upside.
- Dallas Cowboys: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz in free agency and add a very talented red-zone mismatch.
Scouting Report: Outstanding size, frame, length. Played with other top prospects at the TE position so production suffers based on rotation. Outstanding reach, can frame outside of his body. Uses his body well, to block out defenders and can high-point throws. Tracks the ball downfield, strong hands to catch and secure. Adequate route runner, peaks too often on routes waiting of the ball instead of finishing off the route first before looking. Power runner after the catch not a make-miss type run after catch player. Builds up to top-end speed. Good enough athletic ability to adjust to throws behind him. Hands are solid. Runs and moves in space like a smaller athlete. Has big upside as a front-side blocking TE. When he uses good technique he is a good run blocker that can move defenders, can pass pro, also solid outside the tackle box in space. Needs to work on his releases off press, play faster off the snap and getting into his route. Huge upside. Obvious natural ability, still raw, but has a high floor and high ceiling.
- Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, S, Alabama Branch is exactly what the Bills covet -- a versatile defensive back to play multiple roles. He is very similar to Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde but can also align as the nickel.
Scouting Report: Branch is a do-it-all defensive back – a good tackler with ball skills and versatility to line up at the nickel corner, dime back and starting safety position. A valuable piece because of his ball skills, intelligence and versatility. With NFL the frequency of NFL passing snaps, he is a starter as a sub package player. Will also have an immediate special team’s impact.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama The Bengals add another dynamic threat to team with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Irv Smith and protect against Joe Mixon’s legal issues.
Scouting Report: Solid size and frame. Outstanding quickness, gets up to top speed off second step, can make defenders miss in space or just run by them with a good angle. Has speed on the perimeter and can also burst, accelerate through the line of scrimmage and get yards in chunks. Highly productive three-down player with outstanding hands, receiving ability and open-field run-after-catch skills. Has the skills to align in the slot as well as the backfield and can be a true mismatch in the NFL with his dual-threat ability.
- New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson Bresee adds a pass rusher on the inside to combine with Cameron Jordan at DE.
Scouting Report: Bresee has good size, frame and athletic traits to line up and play multiple spots along the defensive front. Flashes pass rush ability and should pair well with Jordan and in the Saints defense. New Orleans needs a defensive line upgrade and Bresee is a good late first-round selection with the ability to play all three downs.
- Philadelphia Eagles, Joey Porter, CB, Penn State Darius slay requested a trade this offseason. This pick protects against that happening again.
Scouting Report: Porter has good size, frame, and athleticism for the position. He has the ability to line up inside or outside at the corner position and is made to play in Year One. Has starting skills and his best football should be ahead of him. I like his coverage ability, toughness and ball skills. A good tackler will be an immediate special team’s player and fit into sub packages in Year One and eventual starter.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Will McDonald, DE, Iowa State Replaces Frank Clark, who remains unsigned, at pass rusher and combines with George Karlaftis, who was last year’s first rounder.
Scouting Report: Good size and frame. Very good arm length. Athletic build and movement skills. Very good pass rush production. Good dip and rip around the edge on speed rush. Has too many wasted movements trying to create space on his rush. Plays out of control at times and looks raw as a player. Played in a three-man front. He will be better on the edge and outside the tackle. Needs to improve strength as he gets blocked easily on power runs to him. Has a get off but lacks top upper and lower strength to get the push he needs. Runs well. Has a long stride and can really open up downfield. Gets mauled too often by bigger tackles. Runs down the line well and makes plays to the sideline. Best football is ahead of him. Adds size and length as an outside rusher.
Other Scenarios for the Titans with Pick No. 11:
Will Levis, QB Kentucky: Levis has talent but with only one viable receiver around him in Treylon Burks and a running back in Derrick Henry who is in his last contract year it’s not a ideal spot for a young developing quarterback who isn’t a franchise changer.
Paris Johnson, LT Ohio State: The Titans signed Andre Dillard to play left tackle and Johnson isn’t that much of an upgrade to warrant selecting him over a Dalton Kincaid who does have special qualities. Johnson would start but is just a solid performer in the NFL.
Take a WR to match with Treylon Burks: First, none of the wide receivers have the upside or skills of Kincaid. Quentin Johnson is a No. 2 at best, Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison are both undersized, but good route runners and very instinctive players that will help this year, but their ceiling is limited. Jaxon Smith-Njiba is talented but has only 12 starts in his career and a history of injuries. May be worth a gamble but inexperience and injuries keep me from selecting him to a team needy of a player right now.
Nolan Smith, OLB Georgia: This one I can see because of his similarities to Harold Landry and the constant need for pass rush in the NFL.
If the Titans need to make a move in this draft, trading back is a much better option than trading up because the value of the draft is not in the first round. Unless the Titans are going up for Bryce Young, Will Anderson, Jalen Carter or Bijan Robinson the best bet is to trade back or stay where they are.
Their roster is old and lacks blue chip-caliber players. The move up for a quarterback will be too pricey unless they get Bryce Young. That won’t happen because the Panthers beat them to it by trading up with the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick.
The Titans will be rebuilding their roster in 2024 but can add pieces now to help that transition. The Titans can avoid wide receiver and offensive line in the first round this year and go for the best player available regardless of position.
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Blake Beddingfield was a Titans' scout for 19 years, through the 2017 draft. He was the team's director of college scouting for his final six years. Follow him on Twitter at @BlakeBedd. He’s brought to us by Callahan & Binkley, who can help you with personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
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