The Tennessee Titans should stick to their draft board and target offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil out of Mississippi in this year’s draft.
Make no mistake about it, the Titans need to add a new offensive lineman into the mix in order to continue the progression of quarterback Marcus Mariota as he enters his sophomore season. Last year, Mariota totaled 2,818 passing yards with 230 completions, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. All in all, he had a decent rookie season but it should also be noted that he was sacked 38 times and hurried in the majority of time in the pocket.
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Heading into the 2016 NFL Draft, many analysts have predicted that the Titans will select the overall best offensive lineman in Tunsil. Even in my most recent mock draft, I also had him heading to the Titans since it makes a ton of sense in the grand scheme of what they’re trying to establish over time.
To win plenty of football games means to win the battle of the trenches. It’s no secret that to have an incredibly strong offensive line will produce long-term results whether it’s with establishing the run or in Mariota’s case, giving him more than enough pass protection to let him do what he is capable of.
While some feel the Titans should potentially trade down since other viable options would be available for their offensive line, it just wouldn’t make sense since Tunsil is considered the very best for many reasons. At 6’5″ and 305 pounds, Tunsil has the size, football IQ and toughness to be an anchor on the Titans’ offensive line for years to come.
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Tunsil can handle anything coming his way and would elevate the Titans’ offense well with his pass-blocking skills or establishing the necessary gaps for their rushing attack.
Considering that offensive tackle Taylor Lewan has also developed well, having both him and Tunsil as their premiere tackles would provide immediate results heading into next season.
Since Tunsil excels as a left tackle, the Titans could easily put Lewan in at right tackle and all should be well. Of course he’s not perfect considering he’s had some injuries in the past (dislocated ankle and broken leg in 2014) we well as some character issues (suspended due to receiving gifts/benefits and domestic assault charges also in 2014), but that’s where the Titans can come into play.
With the right coaching and guidance, Tunsil can put all that in the past and focus on this exciting new chapter of his career. It’s evident that he has the skill-set to become a Pro Bowl-caliber kind of player thanks to everything he brings to the table. His speed, strength and keen abilities to pick up blitzing defenders with ease makes this too good an opportunity to pass up for the Titans.
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Sometimes it’s best to stick to what makes sense and not think too outside the box. While plenty of teams will surely try to entice the Titans to part ways with their No. 1 overall pick via trade, they should at least listen but remember that they’re building something very special on offense in Tennessee. It’s best to keep adding top talent to the puzzle so when it all comes together in a year or two, they’ll be ready to surprise the football world with their efficiency on offense.