Despite interest in bringing him back to Nashville, the Tennessee Titans lost defensive lineman Denico Autry to the Houston Texans in free agency.
Autry and the Texans agreed to terms on a two-year, $20 million after posting a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2023.
The Titans, now needing another pass rusher to replace Autry, recently had a virtual meeting with 2024 NFL Draft prospect Darius Robinson, and edge rusher out of Missouri.
On the consensus big board, Robinson is expected to be the fifth edge rusher off the board in the draft. He is the 33rd overall ranked prospect, and could therefore be a target for Tennessee at the beginning of the second round (pick 38).
At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Robinson had a huge 2023 season for the Missouri Tigers. He led the team with 36 pressures, 22 QB hurries, 14 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Those numbers earned him first-team All-SEC honors.
Robinson's physical traits, more specifically his arm length and athleticism, make him a really intriguing prospect who could be an effective pass rusher in the NFL. But maybe the best thing about his game is his versatility to play inside or outside on the defensive line. That will allow him to have an impact on more snaps. It's also something Autry brought to the Titans defense that they no longer have.
"There's 32 teams and everybody has a different opinion. At the end of the day, I don't care what position I play," said Robinson in regard to his versatility. "Some teams want me to be a true [defensive] end. Some teams want me to go back inside and be a defensive tackle. Some teams want me to continue to do both."
The Titans are committed to getting better up front in the 2024 NFL Draft, and I think there's a real scenario where Tennessee ends up going with a defensive player in the second round. Especially if they trade back from No. 7 and acquire another day two pick.
It's easy to look at the team's needs and assume they'll take an offensive tackle and wide receiver with their top selections, but you can never have enough guys that can rush the passer. Keep an eye on Robinson for Tennessee at 38.
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