I was shocked when I realized that the NFL Draft was today. Between the Phillies, A's, Sixers, and life being chaotic as always, it totally slipped my mind that April 23rd was indeed upon us. Time has zero mercy I tell ya.
I'd be lying if I said I was keeping track of all the prospects in this year's Draft. The NFL Draft has become it's own beast throughout the years. It's sort of it's very own industry running 365 days a year it seems, especially with how huge college football is.
After watching a few videos on YouTube I'm getting the impression that this year's Draft appears to be pretty unique for the most part. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been pretty much locked in as the first overall pick set to become the newest Las Vegas Raider. But after Mendoza the draft becomes largely a mystery. The prospects themselves are established, but the exact order they'll be drafted in is seemingly anyone's guess which is pretty exciting honestly.
I had the assumption for awhile that Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was pretty much locked in as the Titans selection with the #4 Overall Draft Pick. But now it seems that isn't necessarily the case. Love could be gone by then. The Cardinals look as though they might take him at #3. Who knows? I was pretty happy with the Jeremiyah Love scenario as he is looked at as potentially the most talented overall prospect in the Draft. He is NFL ready and has been compared to some of the best running backs in football. The Titans have an excellent running back history, so ideally Love would help add to that legacy while helping the team get some wins of course.
If Love isn't in the Titans' future, it looks like it will likely come down to two defensive players out of Ohio State. Either edge rusher Arvell Reese or inside linebacker Sonny Styles.
While I wouldn't be mad at either selection, I think I'd prefer Arvell Reese because the Titans need help at edge rusher more than middle linebacker. The Titans have Cedric Gray at middle linebacker and he had an excellent season last year and is still only 23, he turns 24 on October 30th. Cody Barton is also a solid veteran middle linebacker for the Titans who doesn't turn 30 until November 13th.
The Titans need more help at edge to help elite defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and new Titans defensive lineman John Franklin-Meyers cause havoc on the inside.
Other than QB, edge rushers are often seen as franchise cornerstones more and more in the modern NFL. Hopefully with new defensive minded head coach Robert Saleh at the helm Arvell Reese could turn into a star.
I mean the Titans need help everywhere. Notably in the secondary and at wide receiver. But they will take all the talent they can get. They did make some decent moves in free agency at least.
Man, I am so ready for the Draft though! This event can impact a team so much that it almost feels like an NFL Sunday!
I look forward to learning what fate has in store for the Titans!