2020 NFL Mock Draft: Jalen Hurts goes to Colts, Dolphins pair Tua with Jeudy

People like to pile on Marcus Mariota as the primary problem for the Tennessee Titans and their issues. However, when you look at a game like their Week 5 loss to Buffalo, you see issues like poor coaching and play-calling, bad offensive line play and several other factors that had nothing to do with Mariota. At the same time, however, Mariota has proven through 4.5 seasons now that he’s not a quarterback that can transcend anything going off-script around him, as many greats are capable of.

Thus, the Titans move on from Mariota, mostly due to the risk tied into paying him what he’ll get on the open market as a free agent. In doing so, they take on Joe Burrow from LSU. He’s going to shatter almost every passing record in Baton Rouge this season and has come a long way as a prospect, displaying great arm strength and poise as a passer. He has the potential to be a player that can indeed elevate the team in a way that Mariota simply isn’t consistently.

The Oakland Raiders are among the biggest surprises of the early 2019 NFL season. Jon Gruden may not always rub people the right way or make what most would consider to be the right decision but he very clearly has a plan and knows how to execute it. Moving forward, however, that plan also must include continuing to improve a defense that, though it has performed well in spots, needs more talent, depth and consistency.

Isaiah Simmons can help the Raiders improve at linebacker in a big way. The Clemson standout is an absolute freak athlete with the ability to move with ease in space to make plays. His arrival with the silver and black would give them a player in the middle of the field they’ve been lacking, someone who can patrol sideline-to-sideline while also offering the ability to successfully drop into coverage when necessary.