With the 2023 NFL draft in the books, analysts from different media outlets have begun posting power rankings reflecting the results of the three-day event, so let’s see where the Tennessee Titans stack up.
As always, we start our roundup with USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who has the Titans moving up two spots from No. 28 to No. 26 since his last iteration.
Here’s what he had to say:
26. Titans (28): Apparently they’re running it back one more time with QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry … and running it forward and laterally, as it’s still not clear what kind of production they’ll get from this receiving corps.
Davis rightly points out what is Tennessee’s biggest weakness at wideout, but I wouldn’t pencil Tannehill in as the definitive starter just yet after the team drafted Will Levis, who could conceivably take the reins in Year 1. If that happens, whether before or during the season, Tannehill will get moved.
As for Henry, I continue to believe he’ll be on the team to start the season, but a trade deadline deal to acquire a pick with The King in the final year of his contract shouldn’t be ruled out.
Now, a look at the rest of our roundup, which has a few experts putting the Titans in the teens, while the rest have them in the 20s.
Mark Lane, Touchdown Wire: 17
The Titans added arguably the best tackle in the draft in Peter Skoronski. They also acquired Tyjae Spears, who should help keep Derrick Henry fresh. Tennessee is also getting back a healthy Ryan Tannehill along with other options long-term under center with Will Levis and Malik Willis. The Titans were 7-3 last year before the wheels completely fell off.
Dan Hanzus, NFL.com: 24 (+4)
The Titans made a sensible move on Thursday night, selecting versatile Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski with the 11th overall pick. One night later, they pulled the trigger on a trade that ended the draft-board freefall of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis two picks into the second round. Ryan Tannehill remains on the roster, and he might stay there as coach Mike Vrabel and GM Ran Carthon attempt to balance contending in the present with developing for the future. The decision to import Levis says all you need to know about the team’s thoughts on Malik Willis, a third-round pick last year who appears to very suddenly be the odd man out in the quarterback room.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 21 (-1)
They will always be tough, feisty and play hard, which is the Mike Vrabel way. But do they throw it around well enough with Ryan Tannehill? When does Will Levis play? It’s always the same story about their passing game.
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 17
I am clearly on the Will Levis bandwagon, though I’ve been fooled by high-upside second-rounders before (see: Deshone Kizer). Levis is a better right-away scheme fit for the Titans and he could, at some point this season, work his way into the lineup. I think this process should go much more smoothly than the Malik Willis experiment. Given the smoke about the Titans possibly trading up to the No. 3 spot to get a QB, the fact that they left with a solid tackle and a first-round-caliber passer shows a solid understanding of the board.
Bleacher Report: 25
There was no shortage of speculation before the 2023 draft that the Tennessee Titans could select a quarterback for the second straight year in preparation for the post-Ryan Tannehill era.
It happened—just not like most expected. The Titans did take Kentucky’s Will Levis, but that pick didn’t occur until early on Day 2. On Day 1, the team made an effort to bolster the protection in front of whoever their quarterback will be, selecting Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski at No. 11 overall.
After a tumultuous offseason in which both Tannehill and Derrick Henry were the subject of trade rumors, it appears that it’s going to be the status quo in Nashville for at least one more season after the Titans made the playoffs three times in four year with Tannehill under center.
For their run to be successful, they will need to be more consistent defensively.
Last year, no team allowed fewer yards per game on the ground than Tennessee. But no team surrendered more yards per game through the air.
If that pass defense isn’t markedly better, the Titans have no shot in an AFC loaded with superstar quarterbacks.
Steve Serby, New York Post: 23
Ryan Tannehill handing off to (Derrick) Henry behind rookie LG Peter Skoronski will only get you so far. WR Treylon Burks caught one TD as a rookie. LT Andre Dillard has been an underachiever. Mike Vrabel is a tough out, however.
Logan Reardon, NBC Sports: 28
28. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis dropped all the way to Tennessee in the second round. The Titans added Peter Skoronski, a starting lineman, in the first round. It could be time for a total rebuild in Nashville, but Ryan Tannehill remains the starting quarterback for now.
