Grading the Picks: Tennessee Titans Receive High Marks for Levis, Spears Pick on Day 2 of 2023 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans made some unexpected moves on day two of the 2023 NFL draft, but it appears the selections were generally applauded around the NFL community.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made a big splash early in the second round when they made a trade up for quarterback Will Levis. it may not have been a huge surprise the Titans went to get a quarterback, but to watch it play out was still shocking to watch. The Titans followed it up with the selection of running back Tyjae Spears, which was a surprise considering the Titans need for other positions.

The Titans fan base did not seem to enjoy the picks. Most have concerns about Levis and worries about the medical issues with Spears. However, it seems like the national media examining the Titans selections thought much higher of the moves than the fans.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A-minus

Analysis: "Tennessee made a smart move to trade up in Round 2 for Levis, who offered too much value at No. 33 overall for the Titans to pass up -- even though they just used a third-rounder on Malik Willis last year under former GM Jon Robinson. Coach Mike Vrabel said Friday night that Levis will begin as the team’s QB3, and you have to think the Titans will spend plenty of time this offseason trying to improve his footwork and figuring out ways to maximize his physical traits."

Pro Football Focus: Elite (Levis), Good (Spears)

Analysis: "Will Levis’ slide ends early on Day 2, with the Titans trading up to Pick 33 to grab the signal-caller. Levis has supreme arm talent and an ultra-quick release, but the big knock on him is how little he put that into action. He lacked high-quality throws at Kentucky last season, which played a part in his middling 65.8 passing grade on the year. The good news is that Levis lands in an offense that will help open up some downfield opportunities."

"Spears profiles as a nice complement to Derrick Henry in Tennessee’s backfield. He is dangerous in the open field and is coming off an elite final season at Tulane during which he forced 63 missed tackles on the ground. Spears averaged at least 4.5 yards after contact per attempt in each of the past two seasons."

Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A (Levis), A-minus (Spears)

Analysis: "Levis is mentally prepared to lead an offense as a rookie starter if necessary. This was a tremendous value for Tennessee"

"Also a member of Tulane’s track squad, Spears had a decent showing at the combine but didn’t run the 40 until his pro day on campus. Where he stood out was his trip to Mobile, Ala., where he was voted the Senior Bowl practice player of the week by NFL scouts. That’s where Spears validated his draft stock. He has the potential to rotate with Derrick Henry and eventually succeed him."

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A (Levis), B-plus (Spears)

Analysis: "Levis immediately surpasses Malik Willis as the future franchise quarterback."

"The Tennessee Titans know a special runner when they see one, though Spears is basically the opposite of Derrick Henry in play style and skill set. For that exact reason, the rookie's inclusion into the lineup will make the Titans offense more well-rounded overall."

Charles McDonald, Yahoo: A-plus (Levis) A (Spears)

Analysis: "Levis was in the mix for the Titans in the first round, but they were still able to grab him at the top of the second. Levis has the upside to be a franchise QB, which is something the Titans have sought for a couple of years now. He's a more legitimate prospect than Malik Willis. This gives the Titans more flexibility to pull off a trade with Ryan Tannehill as well."

"The Titans needed a change of pace back for Derrick Henry this season and someone to help out Will Levis in the future. Spears is a big play waiting to happen and was the All-Juice team running back."

It's going to be interesting to see how this quarterback situation plays out in Tennessee. Ryan Tannehill has been the starter for four years, but he was injured for a lot of last year. He's the incumbent starter for now, and Levis does need time to adapt to the NFL game. 

The Titans are expected to struggle this year according to the Fanduel gambling website. They are 14th among 16 teams in the AFC when it comes to winning the conference, at plus-5500. The only two teams behind them are AFC South rivals Indianapolis and Houston. According to Fanduel, the over/under for wins for the Titans this season is just 7.5.

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• SKORONSKI A SAFE PICK: The Tennessee Titans could have made a big splash by moving up during the first round of the NFL draft, but they wound up picking at No. 11 after all. They took offensive lineman Peter Skoronski from Northwestern, which isn't a bright-light pick, but it certainly fills a big need with a football lifer. CLICK HERE
• TITANS TRADE FOR LEVIS: The Tennessee Titans have executed a trade with the Arizona Cardinals with the second pick in round two of the 2023 NFL draft and selected quarterback Will Levis from Kentucky. CLICK HERE