The Tennessee Titans have a grand total of six selections in the 2023 NFL draft, with one in each round but the fourth. Tennessee’s first-round pick comes at No. 11 overall.
With that in mind, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to see the team’s history with that particular selection.
Previously, we’ve gone over every pick made in each of Tennessee’s six 2023 spots since 2000. I’ve provided links to all of those articles at the end of this one just in case you’re interested.
Of course, we know Tennessee drafted a franchise left tackle in Taylor Lewan in their current first-round spot back in 2014, but the Titans have made two other selections at No. 11 overall in franchise history.
The two previous times came while the franchise was the Houston Oilers, but neither was more impactful than Lewan. Let’s take a look at all three picks and a little information on each one.
1977: OT Morris Towns, Missouri
After seeing just one game during his rookie season in 1977, Towns became a full-time starter for Houston over his next five seasons before reverting back to a reserve for his final year with the Oilers.
Towns final season came in 1984, when he played in four games (no starts) for Washington. After his playing career, Towns worked as a civil design engineer.
1985: DB Richard Johnson, Wisconsin
After spending five seasons as a backup, Johnson was a starter in 1990 and 1991, with the former being his best season. The Wisconsin product tallied eight interceptions, finishing second in the NFL in that category.
2014: LT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
The most notable name on this list, Lewan became a franchise left tackle for Tennessee and one of the better players at his position in the NFL. He also added some much-needed talent, attitude and personality.
After playing a big part in helping the franchise turn things around, his career started to hit the skids in 2019, when he was suspended for a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, which cost him four games.
Injuries then began to be an issue in 2020, with Lewan tearing his ACL twice over three years. He was cut by the team this offseason but there’s no doubt Lewan left his mark on the franchise. He remains a free agent.