With the Tennessee Titans addressing their need along the offensive line at No. 11 overall with the selection of offensive tackle Peter Skoronski, the team can turn its attention to other needs on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
The biggest remaining need for Tennessee is by far wide receiver, where the team has done nothing to improve the group after a putrid 2022 campaign. Check out our article on six they should target on Day 2 right here.
While that remains priority No. 1, it’s also conceivable that the Titans could go after a tight end, offensive lineman, or even a defensive player with one of their two Day 2 picks that comes in Round 2 (No. 41) and Round 3 (No. 72).
Tight end is on Tennessee’s list of needs, with the team looking for another tight end to complement Chigoziem Okonkwo. I tend to believe Tennessee would target a tight end on Day 3, if at all, but a Day 2 pick remains possible.
Only one tight end came off the board on Thursday night (Dalton Kincaid to the Buffalo Bills), leaving the Titans with plenty of options to explore if they want to add a tight end on Friday.
Here’s a look at seven, all of whom made Shaun Calderon’s top 10 at the position and were projected to be in the range of a Day 2 pick.
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking:1
Quick analysis: Most all-around TE in the class. Can impact the game as a playmaking receiver or a dominant run-blocker.
Grade: 86.5 (first round)
Ceiling projection: Mid-first round
Floor projection: Mid-second round
Darnell Washington, Georgia
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 3
Quick analysis: Massive and punishing presence for an offense who is essentially a sixth O-lineman in the run game. Is capable of boxing out smaller defenders as a pass-catcher as well.
Grade: 80.1 (first round)
Ceiling projection: Late first round
Floor projection: Late second round
Sam LaPorta, Iowa
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 4
Quick analysis: Solid run-blocker who also happened to be Iowa’s most consistent weapon in a dismal passing offense. He nearly produced more receiving yards in 2022 (657) than Iowa’s top three WRs combined (667).
Grade: 78.5 (second round)
Ceiling projection: Early second round
Floor projection: Late third round
Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 5
Quick analysis: Superb athlete from the tight end position who possesses a ton of upside as a pass-catcher. He puts defenses in a bind because he is often too fast for linebackers, but too big for defensive backs. Unfortunately, he missed most of 2022 with a knee injury.
Grade: 74.8 (second round)
Ceiling projection: Early second round
Floor projection: Late third round
Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 6
Quick analysis: Big-bodied tight end who has a ton of untapped potential. He is a reliable pass-catcher who could eventually develop into a dominant run-blocker as well once he gets stronger.
Grade: 69.9 (third round)
Ceiling projection: Late second round
Floor projection: Early fourth round
Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 7
Quick analysis: Impactful three-down player who is sufficient in every aspect of his game. Kraft will only continue to improve once he’s around NFL coaching on a full-time basis.
Grade: 68.3 (third round)
Ceiling projection: Early third round
Floor projection: Late fourth round
Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
Calderon’s pre-draft ranking: 8
Quick analysis: Phenomenal athlete who is the type of project NFL teams love to get their hands on. He tied for the highest Relative Athletic Score (10.0) by a tight end since 1987.
Grade: 67.9 (third round)
Ceiling projection: Early third round
Floor projection: Late fourth round
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