Four of the Tennessee Titans’ six 2023 NFL draft picks have made ESPN’s list of the 100 best selections from this year’s event.
The four players making the cut on the list compiled by ESPN’s Matt Miller are offensive tackles Peter Skoronski and Jaelyn Duncan, quarterback Will Levis and running back Tyjae Spears.
Here’s a look at where each ranked, and what Miller had to say about them:
17. OT Peter Skoronski
The Titans have learned that no amount of skill players can cover up a bad offensive line. Skoronski, who could play at tackle or guard for Tennessee, was one of the surest prospects in the entire 2023 class. His positional flexibility, technique and toughness are a perfect fit for a team led by Mike Vrabel.
19. QB Will Levis
Instead of panicking and reaching for Levis at No. 11 overall, the Titans played the board and landed him at No. 33. Levis has undeniable arm talent, toughness and mobility that will benefit him in the pros. And sitting behind Ryan Tannehill for the final year of the vet’s contract, Levis has a chance to learn coming off a rough 2022 season.
50. RB Tyjae Spears
The value on this selection is skewed, but a run on backs in the third round meant the Titans needed to grab one before they were all drafted. With Derrick Henry set to turn 30 next year — a dreaded number for running backs — Spears is both a complementary back and perhaps the future at the position in Nashville.
56. OT Jaelyn Duncan
The Titans landed one of the best value picks in the draft by grabbing Duncan in Round 6 with the goal of developing his play strength and rounding out his game. Duncan’s movement traits and agility had some scouts flagging him as a potential first-rounder during the season. If the Titans can build up his power, they’ll have a certified steal.
Depending on who you ask, the Titans got pretty good value with the picks of Levis, Skoronski and Duncan, but we won’t really know for sure until things play out over the next few years.
There has been a major difference between how those who follow the Titans on a daily basis viewed this year’s draft and how the national media has.
Tennessee’s fans and media have mostly been down on the group, partly because of the failure to secure a wide receiver, but also because fans were not keen on Levis being their next franchise quarterback.
Meanwhile, those in the national media have mostly praised general manager Ran Carthon’s first draft haul, with this article from Miller being the latest example.
