In the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay, the Tennessee Titans go with North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson at No. 26 overall.
Here’s what McShay had to say about the pick for Tennessee.
A seventh first-round wide receiver to match the 2004 record! It’s a deep pass-catching class, and there are plenty of teams searching for playmakers on the outside. Yes, this is a bit of a reach, but Tennessee probably wasn’t planning on six wideouts being off the board already. The Titans’ deal for Robert Woods was one step toward getting quarterback Ryan Tannehill more pass-catchers beyond A.J. Brown; but they shouldn’t stop there, especially since Woods is returning from a torn ACL and the team cut Julio Jones. Watson is a big target who brings a vertical element to the table.
The 6-foot-4, 208-pound Watson would be a good fit in Tennessee as an outside receiver. Not only is he a big target capable of winning contested catches, he also has good speed to be a vertical threat, and he could contribute as a returner, also.
The only problem is, as McShay notes, this feels like a bit of a reach. Yes, the Titans need a receiver, but if guys like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Treylon Burks and Drake London are off the board, I’d be more inclined to take an offensive lineman in this spot.
Some notable linemen who were still available in McShay’s mock at No. 26 included Kenyon Green, who has the versatility to play inside and out, and guard Zion Johnson, who is a personal favorite of mine. Quarterback Desmond Ridder was also available.
While taking a wide receiver or quarterback is the sexy pick, the Titans have major concerns upfront that need to be addressed, thus don’t rule out general manager Jon Robinson spending an early-round pick on an offensive lineman for the third-straight year.
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