Between 2000 and 2008, the Tennessee Titans made the playoffs five times. They haven't been back since then, though they haven’t fielded any downright “bad” teams. They’ve managed at least six wins in each of the last several seasons, and they have some good talent on the team now. If quarterback Jake Locker can authoritatively take over the starting role and running back Chris Johnson can put the last couple years of struggles behind him, they could be a dark-horse contender for the division.
However, leapfrogging Andrew Luck’s Indianapolis Colts and the two-time division champion Houston Texans is probably an ambitious goal for the 2013 season. First and foremost, they need to focus on revamping their offensive and defensive lines and bolstering their secondary. The Jacksonville Jaguars are starting completely over with a new coaching staff, the Colts are in the middle of their own rebuild, and the Texans are peaking. If the Titans can draft some impact defenders and quality offensive line talent, they’ll set themselves up well to contend for the division for the next several years.
1 (10): Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Richardson has the tools, production, and upside to warrant a top-five pick, but the fungibility of the top-15 players in this draft will leave Tennessee with a good slate of options at the 10th overall pick. They struggled against the run and the pass in 2012, and Richardson’s interior disruptiveness will improve their defensive line play across the board.
2 (40): Darius Slay, Cornerback, Mississippi State
The Titans surrendered 7.5 yards per pass play last year, making them one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Alterraun Verner belongs in the slot, and Slay can win the job as a starting outside corner. His superior ball skills and coverage ability would complete a revamped Titans’ secondary.
3 (70): Justin Pugh, Offensive Lineman, Syracuse
The Titans have met with Pugh already, and though this is the month of misdirection, in this case I see fire under the smoke. He’s a great fit if they decide to pass up Chance Warmack and/or Jonathan Cooper in the first round. He could play tackle in a pinch, but he’ll likely settle in at guard opposite free agent acquisition Andy Levitre.
3 (97): Michael Buchanan, Defensive End, Illinois
Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan have been a relatively underwhelming defensive end tandem. Buchanan will add youth and speed to the rotation. He flashed on tape more than last year’s first round pick Whitney Mercilus, though he had a down year in Mercilus’ absence. If NFL teams are as high on him as I am, he won’t even last this long.
4 (107): Jon Bostic, Inside Linebacker, Florida
Colin McCarthy is a talented inside starter, but he can’t keep himself healthy. The Titans can’t go into 2013 planning on him starting all 16 games, so they pick up a little insurance in Bostic. He may not be a three-down linebacker, but he’ll be valuable in a rotation with McCarthy.
5 (142): Marcus Lattimore, Running Back, South Carolina
After a record 2009 season with over 2,000 yards rushing, Chris Johnson’s effectiveness has tailed off a bit. His contract is restrictive, and a bolstered offensive line should help him, but Tennessee should be looking for a running mate for him. If Lattimore drops this far, his upside is simply too great to pass him up.
6 (202): Jordan Rodgers, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
Jake Locker is the incumbent starter at quarterback, and will be given every opportunity to retain the job, given his former first-round status. Ryan Fitzpatrick can fill in in a pinch, but the Titans should be ready in the event that Locker doesn’t pan out. Rodgers has more upside than a typical fifth- or sixth-round pick.
7 (216): Jeff Baca, Offensive Guard, UCLA
After picking up Pugh earlier, the Titans can add another offensive lineman to the mix. Baca started at left tackle for the Bruins, but he’ll likely move inside at the next level. If the Titans can draft two offensive lineman to go with their free agent additions, their offense should be much improved in 2013.
7 (248): Khalid Wooten, Cornerback, Nevada
Wooten is a depth pick who can return punts and kicks. He has good size for the position, and his upside lies in his physical style of play and better-than-average ball skills.