Tennessee Titans “Aiming” for Pass Rush Help in First Round According to ESPN’s Matt Miller
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans’ first round pick and what they should do with it has been debated at length since the 2022 season ended. Most people battle back and forth between wide receiver and offensive line with some conversation about potentially selecting a quarterback mixed in. However, according to some recent buzz from ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Titans are actually “aiming” to take a pass rusher with the eleventh pick.
This is quite the surprise to hear, but maybe it shouldn’t be. The Titans are not on the door step of being a championship roster. So, while some fans and followers will be thinking about plugging holes in the starting lineup, the Titans could be thinking about the long-term benefit of their roster. Pass rushers are maybe the second most important role on an NFL football team outside of quarterback and you can never have too many.
Here is what Miller had to say about the current buzz around the Titans’ first rounder:
“People I've spoken with aren't ruling out the Titans trading into the top five for a quarterback, but I would consider it a surprise. An AFC exec said, "Everyone outside Tennessee thinks they'll trade up, but no one in the organization is saying it directly -- yet." Tennessee is considering several positions in Round 1, and the most common scenario shared among NFL sources is Tennessee staying at No. 11 and aiming for a pass-rusher. But after signing edge rusher Arden Key and left tackle Andre Dillard in free agency, the team's biggest needs have been checked off, which could open the door for a trade up to secure a passer. Perhaps Anthony Richardson (Florida) could be in the Titans' plans? Ryan Tannehill is turning 35 and had a disappointing 2022 season.”
Obviously, the quarterback conversation will continue until it doesn’t happen, but what is most surprising maybe about what Miller had to say is there is no mention of wide receiver. Currently, the receiver spot has to be considered the biggest need. So, for it to not even be brought up is quite interesting. Pair that with the fact that pass rusher was brought up as what the Titans are “aiming” for and now we have a full-on shocker on the horizon.
Maybe the Titans go after Lukas Van Ness or Tyree Wilson or Myles Murphy with pick eleven and add to an edge rush group of Harold Landry, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver and Denico Autry, but it would still be wise to attack the offensive side of the ball with offensive line or wide receiver. Either way, this latest buzz is setting up for a very wild first round for the Titans with a ton of different directions they could logically go.
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