NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans drafted big experience from big conferences, and at a time when transferring is commonplace, the bulk of their draftees stayed put for their college careers.
Some thoughts on the Class of 2026.
Age: In their top three, the Titans got young guys. Tate is 21, Faulk 20 and Hill 21.
“I think you're always looking for younger, healthier guys that have more of an upside,” Mike Borgonzi said. “It wasn't really something that we totally just said, 'We're going to do this,' just happened to draft the first three guys that were all 20 years old last year playing basically.
“But of course, there's always—this guy is 20 years old, I mean, some guys they come out now at 24. So these guys are going to be finishing their first contract, while some guys are still in college. So, I think there's still room for these guys to grow.”
While they are all 23, Francisco Carmona and Pat Coogan are both older than CJ Latham, the Titans' right tackle, who’s entering his third season.
Big conferences: There are plenty of good prospects coming out of smaller conferences and schools, but the growth curve can be bigger. The Titans didn’t dip into that pool.
The Titans drafted exclusively from the Power Four, from the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12.
Keldric Faulk, Anthony Hill Jr., Fernando Carmona and Jaren Kanak came out of the SEC. Carnell Tate, Nick Singleton, Pat Coogan are from the Big Ten. And Jackie Marshall is from the Big 12.
Players from those conferences played against the best competition and while it’s not always the case, they should be the most pro-ready.
Undrafteds: Justin Melo’s list has the Titans in agreement with 12 undrafted players. The roster was at 86 after the draft, so with a max of 90 they only have room for four. By the time the undrafteds arrive late this week actually to sign and participate in rookie minicamp, eight guys with bottom of the depth chart spots will be cut.
That list has four cornerbacks and three wide receivers. They didn’t have a lot of bodies at corner.
Now, receivers Lance McCutcheon and Hal Pressley could be at risk, as could running back Blake Watson.
The team is really bloated on the defensive line with 18 players. Whoever is judged worst among Nate Lynn, Isaiah Raikes, David Egbuka-Agoha, CJ Ravenell and Malik Herring will likely disappear.
Trouble spots: The Titans still have some major concerns.
Consider these positions and their current solutions:
Starting center — Austin Schlottmann, with a chance for Jackson Slater unless and until Pat Coogan becomes something.
Right guard — Cordell Volson/ Slater/ Fernando Carmona battle.
Swing tackle — Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson/ Austin Deculus/ undrafted Aamil Wagner.
Big nickel — Tony Adams right now.