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If there is anything the Tennessee Titans have excelled at over the past few seasons, it’s making some extremely questionable picks in the NFL draft.
The 2016 NFL Draft has been no different.
At first, it seemed to be a slight reach for talented offensive lineman Jack Conklin at No. 8 overall. Expected to go a little later in the draft, Tennessee may have panicked a bit with this one. However, it is a good pick, as offensive line has been a major need for years and Conklin should be an immediate starter.
The Titans picked up defensive end Kevin Dodd and defensive tackle Austin Johnson in the second round. Both of these players do not jump off the page as exciting picks to the fans, but these guys are solid, talented players who should be a part of this team for years to come.
The real surprise came at No. 45 overall, where the Titans selected Heisman winner Derrick Henry.
Henry, who was an elite college football running back at Alabama, was considered the No. 2 running back heading into the draft and would be a fantastic addition to this Tennessee offense – if the Titans had not already traded for DeMarco Murray.
Look, as a fan of SEC football, I love Henry. I think he has the potential to be a great NFL running back, and I would have followed his career wherever he ended up. However, the No. 45 overall pick by a team that was the worst in the league must be a starting player, especially when that team has glaring needs at the cornerback and wide receiver positions.
After the initial outrage at the Titans’ baffling decision went away, however, the selection made a bit more logical sense.
Henry was likely considered a first-round talent on the Titans’ big board, so getting him at No. 45 was considered a steal. Murray, although talented, is 28 and had some consistency issues last season that likely worry Tennessee. Henry should see some snaps this season, but it will be far less likely for him to be injured with Murray as the feature back.
With three picks in the second round, Tennessee went after a guy who they liked even though the Titans probably needed players at other positions more. Some thought they might take a project guy with one of these picks anyway. Instead they got a talented running back, who could feature for the Titans for years to come.
Remember, there are still several days of the draft left, and Tennessee should still be able to snatch other potential starters at positions they need.
Oh, and though it’s less important than the need for talented starters, with Murray, Henry and Marcus Mariota, Titans’ jersey sales just went through the roof.
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