One of the biggest steps on the road to the 2023 NFL draft happened this past week, with the Tennessee Titans and the rest of the league descending upon Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine.
The combine is a great place for prospects to improve their stock, which some did. Unfortunately for others, their stocks were hurt by the event.
As a result of both scenarios, experts immediately began pumping out mock drafts at the conclusion of the combine that reflected prospect stock movement.
I usually like to cover mock drafts of writers from different outlets here at Titans Wire because they create interesting conversations to get us through the dead parts of the offseason, no matter how good or bad the picks are.
That said, I don’t like covering mocks with the same picks over and over again, something that has been the case this offseason thanks to the vast majority of experts rightly mocking a left tackle to the Titans at No. 11.
There is no better evidence of that than this round-up, although included in it is a pick for the Titans I haven’t seen before. Not included in this round-up is a single selection of a wide receiver.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: OT Paris Johnson Jr.
The Titans’ current offensive tackle depth chart is sparse. The good news is their need matches up well with the talent that should be available around this pick. Not only does Johnson fit the profile of what the Titans covet at the position, the Ohio State connection wouldn’t hurt. Adding Johnson would give Ohio State alum Mike Vrabel an all-Buckeye OT depth chart of Johnson, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Jamarco Jones.
Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire: OT Broderick Jones
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: OT Peter Skoronski
As veteran Taylor Lewan was among the Titans’ recent roster cuts to get in compliance with the potential for free-agency spending, it’s time to get that left tackle position solidified once again. The Titans could do a lot worse than Skoronski, the grandson of five-time NFL champ and former Green Bay Packers tackle Bob Skoronski, a fact that gives the younger Skoronski a lot of pride. He’s a technique-perfect blocker who can handle any pressure and stunt you throw at him, and he allowed just one sack, two quarterback hits, and three quarterback hurries last season in 474 pass-blocking reps.
The NFL Draft Bible: iOL O'Cyrus Torrence
“Large human in terms of outright mass. Mainly a guard but has moved out to tackle and handled the duties well in limited snaps. Arms and strength to finish plays. Plays long with heavy hands at the point of attack.”
Todd McShay, ESPN: OT Paris Johnson Jr.
I had Johnson to Tennessee in February, too. Then Mel projected the same move two weeks ago. It just makes sense. Johnson is an easy mover with 26 starts across two positions, sliding over to left tackle from right guard in 2022. The Titans released Taylor Lewan, which clears the way for Johnson to come join former Ohio State teammate Nicholas Petit-Frere on the line. He has 6-6, 313-pound size and jarring power in his hands. After allowing 49 sacks (tied for fifth-most) last season, Tennessee should focus on building out from the offensive line and trying to get an offense that was underwhelming in 2022 back on track.
Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network: OT Peter Skoronski
Tennessee gets the pick of the litter here at OT despite not having a top-10 pick—a dream scenario. While there are a few different options here, it’s tough to argue against Peter Skoronski when it comes to identifying the best offensive lineman in the class. His arm length may be a concern to some, but I’d play him at tackle in the NFL until and unless he proves he can’t. Skoronski met with the Titans in Indianapolis and fills an immediate need.
Dan Wilkins and Dane Belbeck, The Score: OT Paris Johnson Jr.
The Titans needing an offensive tackle is arguably the worst-kept secret in NFL draft circles. Tennessee will opt for potential with the Ohio State star and bring him aboard at No. 11. With ideal size and length, Johnson could become a high-end tackle in the AFC with the right amount of polish.
Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department: OT Peter Skoronski
The Tennessee Titans are essentially entering a rebuilding phase. The organization won’t frame it as such, but all of the signs are there.
Last year, the team chose not to pay A.J. Brown a hefty contract extension. Instead, the Titans traded their top receiver. Longtime left tackle Taylor Lewan has already been released this offseason. In a special to Bally Sports, Michael Silver reported that all-everything running back Derrick Henry is now on the trade block, too.
The Titans are clearing salary-cap space by shedding overpriced veteran contracts. This is the exact first step of every rebuild. The team can restart its plans by making sure it has a strong foundation.
Enter the class’ top-rated offensive line prospect, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski.
“Tennessee is without a left tackle or left guard and could upgrade either by adding Skoronski,” Thorn said. “Skoronski checked all the necessary boxes at the combine both in the athletic testing and drill portion of the event.
“One big question remains with his arm length being far below average for a starting tackle (32¼ inches), which could lead to a move inside. Everything else about his profile signals a high-end starter inside with a shot at playing tackle.
“For the Titans, Skoronski is exactly the sort of player they need for a line devoid of quality starters.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Paris Johnson, who played left tackle for the Buckeyes this season, also has experience on the interior; either way, he is a Day 1 starter.
Connor Rogers, Pro Football Focus: OT Peter Skoronski
“Talent-wise, or pro-readiness, tells me Skoronski. A guy that will check every box for every offensive line coach and staff is Broderick Jones, because of that arm length. I’ll go with Skoronski here. I wouldn’t be floored if this changes.” — Rogers
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: OT Peter Skoronski
The Titans must think about Taylor Lewan’s replacement at left tackle more immediately after releasing him last month. Skoronski, who had a great Combine from his running through his smooth positional drills, can deliver as their tackle of the near future opposite 2022 draftee Nicholas Petit-Frere with his smooth quickness and athleticism on the edge.
