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Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking the Titans' 5 biggest needs ahead of NFL Draft Day 2

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Jack Gentry | Last updated 4/26/24

Heading into 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday the Tennessee Titans were searching for upgrades to a handful of roster deficiencies. Tennessee got their guy in Thursday's first round with Alabama OT JC Latham but there is still plenty of work to be done.

The Titans' lone selection on Day 2 of the draft comes at the No. 38 overall pick. The second-round selection is just one of the team's remaining six draft picks, barring a trade of course.

Tennessee scratched its offensive line itch with Latham, who Titans GM Ran Carthon expects to fill in at left tackle. But in order to keep up with the Joneses in the AFC South, the Titans must acquire talent at a few key positions.

Without further ado, let's dive into where each positional currently need ranks for the Titans.

1. Inside Linebacker

Coming into the draft the Titans desperately needed to find a starting inside linebacker who can handle the responsibilities that came along with the all important green dot.

Tennessee addressed one linebacker spot in free agency when the team inked Kenneth Murray to a two-year deal. While Murray's ceiling is high, he's not expected to wear the green dot as the defense's signal caller. The departure of Azeez Al-Shaiir, who signed with the Houston Texans in March, leaves a void Tennessee needs to fill.

There are two linebacker prospects that are expected to hear their names called in the second round. Michigan LB Junior Colson, who had a top-30 visit with the Titans, and Edgerrin Cooper out of Texas A&M stand out at the position.

Both players are capable of handling the green dot duties as well as providing speed and athleticism to a position where the Titans lacked those qualities a season ago. Colson is a Nashville product and attended Ravenwood High School, so perhaps a homecoming is in order near the top of the second round.

Other notable Day 2 targets: Payton Wilson (NC State)

2. Right Tackle

Hiring offensive line coach Bill Callahan this offseason was the first step the Titans took in shoring up its protection woes from a year ago. Slotting Latham next to 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski creates stability and security for Will Levis on the left side, but the right tackle spot leaves plenty to be desired.

Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jaelyn Duncan and Leroy Watson all figure to compete for snaps at right tackle, but Tennessee could and should do better at such a critical position.

BYU's Kingley Suamataia tops my list. He brings experience at both tackle spots and allowed just two sacks over the last two seasons at BYU. Suamataia, who is Lions RT Penei Sewell's cousin, has an elite mindset when it comes to run blocking.

"Run blocking is just who has the nuts to drive the person in front of them. I gotta let the little guys know that it's not a joke around here."

Other notable Day 2 targets: Patrick Paul (Houston), Kiran Amegadjie (Yale), Roger Rosengarten (Washington), Dominick Puni (Kansas)

Kingsley Suamataia - OT, BYU, No 78

- elite athlete with a well-built frame
- easy movement ability to cover up the arc
- explosive first step to get into his sets
- powerful, upper body strength
- grip strength and pop in his hands
- ready-made run blocker, moves well in space pic.twitter.com/5wGRQ7Usrn
— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) April 24, 2024

3. Defensive Line

Jeffery Simmons needs a new running mate. Denico Autry leaves big shoes to fill after signing with Houston this offseason. His versatility and overall impact launched him into the conversation as one of the best defensive free agents the Titans have ever signed.

The Titans went out and added Sebastian Joseph-Day to a one-year deal in free agency. Joseph-Day has five years of NFL experience, but the Titans should look for a long-term option in the trenches.

Johnny Newton out of Illinois is a touch undersized for a defensive tackle, but his quickness as a pass rusher is one of his best tools. He will likely be the first defensive lineman to hear his name called on Friday.

Other notable Day 2 targets: Braden Fiske (Florida State), Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan) and T'Vondre Sweat (Texas)

4. Safety

There remains a question mark as to who will start alongside Amani Hooker in the defensive backfield. While Elijah Molden showed flashes in 2023, a golden opportunity to upgrade at this position could fall right into Tennessee's lap.

Cooper Dejean, who many believe could transition to safety after playing cornerback at Iowa, slipped to Day 2. Though he could get nabbed before the Titans are on the clock, he would be the final infinity stone to what is shaping up to be one of the scariest secondaries in the NFL.

Jaden Hicks (Washington State), Tyler Nubin (Minnesota) and Javon Bullard (Georgia) are also capable of starting from day one. However this crop is expected to hang around until the back half of the second round.

5. Wide Receiver

Titans fans upset with the team's decision to take Latham over Rome Odunze won't like this ranking. With that being said, Tennessee has two wideouts capable of putting up 1,000 yards in 2024 in Hopkins and Ridley. This need is not as pressing as it was two months ago.

Treylon Burks has been a disappointment due to injuries and inconsistencies. Perhaps he finally breaks through playing out of the slot in Brian Callahan's offense, but he's certainly not someone the Titans should count on.

There are plenty of attractive options left on the board as the Titans look to add another playmaker. It should be noted that Tennessee hosted Michigan WR Roman Wilson and North Carolina WR Devontez Walker on a top-30 visits in the pre-draft process. But with Adonai Mitchell, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Troy Franklin all still available the Titans should have the option of at least one of these pass catchers when pick No. 38 arrives.