Titans 2022 NFL Draft Projections, Positions Needed & Mock Draft

Tennessee Titans 2022 Draft

A sour end in the AFC Divisional round last season ruined what was a remarkable season for the Tennessee Titans. Despite losing star tailback Derrick Henry for much of the season, Tennessee was able to battle its way to a 12-5 record and win the AFC South by three games. Thanks to a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season, the Titans were even the conference’s top seed.

But the playoffs would be a disaster. Ryan Tannehill, who has been a steady presence during his time in Tennessee, imploded by throwing three interceptions during a 19-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a tough year overall for Tannehill, who passed for 3,734 yards and 21 touchdowns. But he also threw 14 interceptions, which were his most since throwing 12 when he was in the Miami Dolphins in 2016.

How Tennessee moves forward will be interesting. The Titans have been knocking on the Super Bowl’s door, making the playoffs in four of the past five seasons. If Tennessee feels it is just a quarterback away, this isn’t the draft class to pursue one and manyof the disgruntled quarterbacks looking for a change of scenery have already changed cities.

The Titans started February $10 million over the cap and are in the process of making moves to create room to maneuver.

Players leaving the Tennessee Titans

Tennessee released cornerback Janoris Jenkins to clear $6.9 million in cap space. Jenkins had come over to the Titans in free agency last season from the New Orleans Saints. He wasn’t the same player he was when he was with the New York Giants and the Saints, only intercepting one pass and defending six others last season. He also forced a fumble and made 55 tackles.

The Titans also released guard Roger Soffold. Soffold, who spent nine years with the Rams before coming to Tennessee, was a durable veteran player also released to create cap space. In three years with the Titans, Soffold started 47 of 49 games in the regular season for Tennessee.

The Titans also released reserve running back Darrynton Evans. Evans didn’t see much playing time during his two years in Tennessee. Evans carried the ball 16 times for 61 yards. Tennessee also released offensive lineman Kendall Lamm.

Positions needed by the Tennessee Titans

Tennessee needs to find some depth up front to help Tannehill out. The Titans’ line allowed 47 sacks last season, which was seventh-worst in the league. Tennessee resigned center Ben Jones, but have already started cutting some of the fat. The Titans released Soffold and they are expected to let right tackle David Quissenberry walk away in free agency. Tennessee will need to grab a number of different options to help build depth and grab a few new starters.

While Tannehill’s contract makes it difficult for Tennessee to think about moving on this year, the Titans should look to plan for the future. Between when Steve McNair left and Tannehill retired, Tennessee had its fair share of quarterback issues. Jake Locker and Vince Young ended up not being the long-term solutions they hoped for.

The Titans will also need to find depth at wide receiver. AJ Brown was a more than solid top target, catching 63 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns. Tennessee brought in Julio Jones last season, but saw him miss most of last season due to injuries.

The Titans will also need to find a few consistent targets at tight end to help open up the middle of the field. Tennessee’s top tight end last season was Anthony Firkser, who caught 34 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee Titans Mock draft

Tennessee will have seven draft picks to work with in the 2022 NFL Draft. In the first round, the Titans can take a shot at a quarterback who had a strong senior season. Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett’s hand-size received a weird amount of attention during the offseason. Pickett completed 67.9 percent of his passes, threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns to only seven interceptions to lead the Panthers to their first 11-win season since 1981.

In the third round, Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert would provide the Titans with a 6-foot-5, 250-pound target. Ruckert caught 26 passes last season for 309 yards and three touchdowns. He nearly doubled his production from his junior season.

Oklahoma guard Tyrese Robinson, who is 6-3 and 334 pounds, can be an asset in the passing game and run game. Robinson was a second team-all Big 12 selection last season. He started all 13 games at right tackle, but started 23 games at guard during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Nevada wide receiver Romeo Doubs could also be an option. Doubs had a career-high 80 receptions and 1,190 yards last season. Doubs hauled in 11 touchdown passes and had a long catch of 66 yards. Check Titans’ NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, Apr. 28th (Round 1) | Friday, Apr. 29th (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, Apr. 30th (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass