2017 NFL Draft Grades: Tennessee Titans Day 2 Picks

The Tennessee Titans had to wait until Round 3 on Day 2, but had two selections in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Did they get them right?

After selecting two players in the top 18 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans had to sit back and twiddle their thumbs for a while on Day 2. Due to the trading back up to take Jack Conklin a year ago, the Titans were without a second-rounder. Thus, they stood pat until the third round on Friday. But once they got on the clock, they had a chance to make some noise.

With Corey Davis and Adoree’ Jackson getting their tickets punched for Nashville in the first round, there were questions about what the Titans would do in Round 3, where they owned a pair of picks. Would they look at a thin class of linebackers or try to get depth at guard or something unexpected?

Related Story: Titans, Jon Robinson Mix It Up In First Round

As it turned out, it was the latter. General manager Jon Robinson made a concerted effort to put his franchise quarterback, Marcus Mariota in a position to succeed. That started with the No. 72 overall pick as they traded up with the New England Patriots.

Round 3, Pick 72 (via Patriots): Taywan Taylor, WR – Western Kentucky

Following the move up, the Titans selected Taywan Taylor to add another body to their receiving corps. In doing so, they procured a prolific college player that will be another big-time weapon for Mariota in the passing game.

Taylor is a bit of a contrasting player to the big-bodied Davis that was taken in Round 1. The 5-11 receiver isn’t going to be that superstar-type player if it all pans out. However, he has every bit of the skill to be effective right away. He’s not exceptionally fast, running a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, but he does possess great and quick feet that lead to superb route-running. Thus, he can still get separation.

Coming to Tennessee and joining Davis, Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe, Taylor figures to see a lot of work in the slot. He has the more natural size to play inside than any of the other three, in addition to being proven as a weapon over the middle of the field.

Taylor will have an immediate impact on the Titans offense. He’ll diversify the looks of the receiving corps and open up the offense further. The notion of the Titans’ Exotic Smashmouth rushing attack with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry forcing teams to sell out on the run and then Taylor attacking behind them in the middle of the field is exciting. Though it was a risk to trade up, Robinson has proven he’s not afraid to make a deal to get his guy. That’s what he did here and got a nice player in doing so.