With the 2023 NFL draft inching ever closer, experts have begun putting out full seven-round mock drafts that include the full slate of picks the Tennessee Titans have.
Of course, Tennessee has a total of six picks to work with in 2023, with one selection in each round but the fourth thanks to the Julio Jones trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
One of the experts who recently posted a seven-rounder for the Titans was our own Shaun Calderon, who got a very good haul in a mock draft that saw Tennessee take a wide receiver at No. 11 overall.
Another solid group of 2023 draft picks for the Titans came in a recent seven-round mock draft from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who rightly has the team going heavy offense and addressing several major needs.
First, we’ll list each pick along with any write-ups Reid provides, and then we’ll give a bit of analysis at the end, along with a poll for you to grade the haul.
Round 1, Pick 11: OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Reid’s write-up:
New general manager Ran Carthon is still in the early stages of molding this roster. The Titans’ lack of consistency along the offensive line has been a problem for multiple seasons, and Skoronski has the potential to fix a lot of those issues immediately. Is he a guard or a tackle? Based on the scouts I’ve talked to, that’s still up in the air. The opinions are mixed, but the talent as an immediate starter is evident. Skoronski played all five spots up front in college. With free agent signing Andre Dillard likely to be the starter at left tackle, there’s a massive hole at left guard in Tennessee. Skoronski could slot there as a rookie.
Round 2, Pick 41: WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Reid’s write-up:
It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Hyatt is selected much earlier than this, but opinions in the league are mixed on his next-level projection. One area all scouts agree on is his ability to be a difference-maker as a vertical threat. Coach Mike Vrabel has repeatedly said the Titans need to get faster. Hyatt, who averaged 18.9 yards per catch last season and had 15 touchdowns, ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The Titans lack perimeter talent outside of 2021 first-rounder Treylon Burks.
Round 3, Pick 72: TE Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
Reid’s write-up:
After Austin Hooper signed with the Raiders in free agency, tight end sits near the top of the Titans’ list of roster holes. Kraft is a middle-of-the-field operator who mixes well with the team’s downhill running scheme as a blocker. He also could take advantage of those areas in the passing game. He would help form a solid one-two punch with Chigoziem Okonkwo, who is coming off a solid rookie season.
Round 5, Pick 147: IOL Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
Round 6, Pick 186: CB Alex Austin, Oregon State.
Round 7, Pick 228: EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Analysis and grade for Reid's mock
This is a fairly good mock that checks the boxes of needs such as wide receiver, guard, tackle and tight end, but I like Shaun Calderon’s aforementioned mock better.
There is some debate about where Skoronski is best suited at the next level, but he gives Tennessee a potential left tackle or guard of the future. If he’s ready to start right away, Skoronski could play at guard in favor of Andre Dillard at left tackle for now.
The second-round selection of Jalin Hyatt is also a good one. The Tennessee product adds much-needed speed and explosiveness to a Titans receiving corps. that desperately needs some.
The next two selections of tight end Tucker Kraft and interior offensive lineman Nick Broeker address needs, although I would’ve rather seen a wideout taken in one of these spots considering the current situation.
That said, Kraft has the goods to be an impact pass-catcher at the next level, and he’s a solid blocker, making him a good option to be the No. 2 tight end behind Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Broeker will factor in as a backup guard in Year 1, but there are experts out there who believe he can develop into a quality starter down the line.
I’m not particularly a fan of the last two picks, though. The Titans are already stacked with question marks in the secondary, and chances are a seventh-round edge rusher won’t pan out.
I’d prefer the Titans take a shot at a kicker with one of their last two picks. I’d also be on board with another receiver in one of these spots if Tennessee doesn’t take two beforehand.
Despite the gripe with the last two picks and the fact that Reid only took one wide receiver when the Titans need two, this mock receives a pretty decent grade overall.
Grade: C
