Jon Robinson flipped his draft script in his second year as the Titans GM. In 2016 he selected six defensive players for Tennessee. Last year he drafted six on the offensive side of the ball. Draft capital is a precious thing and Robinson used the Titans to put more weapons on the field starting with Cory Davis.
Round 1 / Pick 5 / 5th overall
Cory Davis WR Western Michigan University
Davis did not get to participate in the combine or his university pro day. His pick at number 5 by the Titans was more about what we could see in the future than what we have already seen. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen it yet. Davis was targeted 65 times in the 11 games he played in during the regular season. He was kept off the field for 5 weeks due to injury and he hasn’t gotten into a good flow since. Davis best game to date is a 92-yard effort against the Los Angeles Rams in week 16. The Jaguars shut him out in the season finale but the Jacksonville defense is a tough gauge to go by. The Jaguars pass defense was tremendous this year allowing a league-low 169.9 yards a game. The 18.1 completions per game is also an NFL best. The question is whether Davis has the skill set to be a WR1. If he can stay healthy I’m sure you’ll see the answer on the football field.
Round 3 / Pick 8 / 72nd overall
Taywan Taylor WR Western Kentucky University
Taylor projected as more of a possession receiver at the NFL level. He provided depth at the wide receiver position with Tajae Sharpe on the injured reserve list with a foot injury. His best game was against Colts grabbing 2 passes for 61 yards and the first touchdown of his career. With only 16 receptions on 28 targets, there just isn’t enough evidence one way or the other on what his future contributions might be. With Davis, Rishard Matthews, and Eric Decker all back healthy and playing Taylor has seen his opportunity all but dry up with only 2 targets in the last 4 games.
Round 3 / Pick 36 / 100th overall
Jonnu Smith TE Florida International University
The athletic pass-catching tight end that isn’t afraid to stick his nose in and block when it’s called for. Smith hauled in 18 of the 30 targets that were sent his way this year and got into the end zone twice. Those two touchdowns were good enough for third on the team in touchdown receptions. Opportunity again is key for Smith in making an impact. He has the ability to be the heir at the tight end position when Delanie Walker moves off into the sunset. Walkers would be large shoes to fill production wise. Smith will need to keep improving.
Dean Williams is the Managing Editor of the Titans for Full Press Coverage. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Dean on Twitter @badappleffb or email dean@badappleffb.com