Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new approach in a mock draft for the Tennessee Titans’ first-round pick.
Instead of taking an offensive lineman or receiver (or a different position the Titans don’t need), The 33rd Team’s most recent mock draft has the Titans trading up from No. 11 to No. 6 in order to draft Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
In order to move up, the Titans deal their No. 11 and No. 41 overall picks in exchange for the Detroit Lions’ No. 6 overall pick, which came via the Los Angeles Rams in the Jared Goff trade. Here’s the write-up for the move:
Mike Vrabel trades up and selects the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback of the future from his alma mater. Pocket passer C.J. Stroud (scouting report) is a potential long-term solution at quarterback for the Titans.
The 33rd Team having Stroud falling this far is a surprise, as most mocks I’ve seen have the Ohio State signal-caller going in one of the first two picks.
Even more surprising is the fact that Kentucky’s Will Levis is drafted before Stroud at No. 2 overall, with Alabama’s Bryce Young being taken at No. 1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts, who trade up to land him.
The only way I’m OK with a selection that doesn’t address the offensive line in Round 1 is if a move like this for a potential franchise quarterback is available, or if the Titans go nuts signing linemen in free agency.
Stroud is a dynamic player thanks to his mobility, but he also possesses great instincts and accuracy as a passer, while having good arm strength. He just about checks all the boxes for what teams are looking.
All that said, Stroud somewhat falling into the Titans’ lap this way doesn’t seem realistic, but crazier things have happened. If this scenario presents itself, Tennessee should jump at it.
