The Tennessee Titans might be in the market for a right tackle this offseason if Jack Conklin moves on in free agency.
Should that happen, there’s a good chance Dennis Kelly will be retained to take his spot, but the Titans would be wise to explore other options in the 2020 NFL Draft, also.
In his latest mock draft, Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner has the Titans taking Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland with the No. 29 overall pick.
Athletes like Cleveland simply don’t last long in the draft. He’s not perfect in pass pro by any means, but he’s had grades over 80.0 each of the past three seasons. With the best three-cone (7.26) and shuttle (4.46) of all the offensive linemen at the combine, Cleveland has elite movement skills to protect QBs in the NFL.
I’ve been of the opinion that the Titans will target either EDGE or cornerback in the first round, but if a prospect like Cleveland is sitting out there at No. 29, he may be too good to pass up.
One of the biggest positives you read about Cleveland in scouting reports is his outstanding athleticism, which is a great fit in the Titans’ zone-blocking scheme.
Drafting Cleveland wouldn’t be an immediate fix, though. He’s going to need some time to develop, so the Titans securing a starter at right tackle like Kelly or another veteran will still be necessary.
We’ll find out just who the Titans select in the first round when Day 1 of the NFL Draft takes place on Thursday, April 23.