Tennessee Titans’ 2022 Rookie Draft Class Receives ‘B’ Grade From NFL.com’s Nick Shook

The Tennessee Titans had the best rookie class in 2022 grade-wise, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. When examining the classes of every AFC South team, Shook gave Tennessee a 'B' grade for their selections and results from this past season. Despite some struggles throughout the second half of the 2022 season, the Titans' rookie class did show promise with contributions from several of their players. Here's a more in-depth look as to why the Titans graded out the highest compared to the other teams in the AFC South.

NASHVILLE -- When you take a look at the Tennessee Titans' class as a whole, what stands out most is that every rookie from rounds 1-4 started at least one game this past season. Wide receiver Treylon Burks appeared in 11 games and started in six, cornerback Roger McCreary started in all 17 games, tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere started in 16 total games, quarterback Malik Willis started in three games, running back Hassan Haskins started in one game and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo started in eight games.

After trading away A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Draft, the Titans used to the first-round pick acquired from the Eagles (No. 18) to select Treylon Burks in the first round out of Arkansas. Although Burks only started a handful of games mainly because of injury, the rookie had some promising moments for Tennessee's offense in 2022 and hauled in 33 receptions for 444 yards and a touchdown. With wideout being one of their biggest needs going into 2023, there's no doubt that Tennessee will need Burks to more of a consistent contributor next season.

Cornerback Roger McCreary appeared in and started all 17 games for Tennessee this past season. The rookie defensive back recorded 66 solo tackles, one interception and posted an overall grade of 62.6 on PFF's (Pro Football Focus) grading scale. While there certainly is room for improvement for McCreary, that will come with more time in Tennessee's defensive scheme as he figures to play a key role next season.

Quarterback Malik Willis started three total games in place of an injured Ryan Tannehill. Willis, a third-round selection, showcased his ability to extend plays and scramble at times, rushing for 123 yards and one rushing touchdown. Willis did struggle more as a passer in 2022, as the rookie completed just 50.8 percent of his throws for 276 yards with zero touchdowns to three interceptions. It's fair to acknowledge that some growing pains are expected for a rookie quarterback, but Willis will have to prove he can be a consistent and efficient passer going forward.

Tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was another solid selection for the Titans. The former Ohio State Buckeye had been thrust into starting at right tackle early on in 2022 but held up nicely. Although, Petit-Frere also had his fair share of struggles last season, allowing five sacks and posting just a 52.3 grade on PFF's grading scale. Overall, though, Petit-Frere played about as well as Tennessee could have asked for a rookie tackle. Despite some notable struggles, he was available all of last season but will undoubtedly have to continue to improve going into 2023.

Running back Hassan Haskins and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo were both selected in the fourth round last April. In 2022, Haskins started in just one game in more of a rotational role for Tennessee. Haskins had only 150 combined yards in limited action last season.

As for Okonkwo, the rookie tight end played very well when given the opportunity last season. Okonkwo hauled in 32 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns through 17 games (eight starts) and quickly ascended into a go-to target for Tennessee's quarterbacks.

Wide receiver Kyle Phillips, a fifth-round selection, didn't see any playing time due to injuries that ultimately cost him his rookie season. Cornerback Theo Jackson was eventually waived, and linebacker Chance Campbell didn't see playing time in 2022 due to injuries.

There's a reason Tennessee's rookie class received the highest grade out of the rest of the AFC South. Plenty of talent came out of that draft for the Titans, with many players looking to build on their successes going into 2023.