The Tennessee Titans selected JC Latham with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night to be their future left tackle.
While it’s a gamble, the Titans believe in Latham’s ability to make a fluid transition to the left side of the line. They also believe they’ll be able to get targeted players and address other needs in Round 2.
“We came in with a targeted plan and we should have some guys available to us [at 38] that we like, that we figured should be there,” said Carthon during Thursday’s press conference.
#Titans have “targeted plan” for pick 38 tomorrow and players they figured would fall to them, says Ran Carthon.
Who do you think it’s gonna be? pic.twitter.com/yvfBslXOnE
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) April 26, 2024
Who might the Titans have their eyes on in Round 2? Here’s a look at the best players still available at positions of need for Tennessee after the first round.
Best Players Available
WR Adonai Mitchell
The Titans may not have pulled the trigger on Rome Odunze with the seventh overall pick, but I don’t think we can completely rule out the possibility that they’ll target a wide receiver at 38.
As Brian Callahan has said before, you can never have enough guys that are fast, explosive, and physical. If we’re talking fast and explosive, let’s look at former Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who surprisingly fell out of the first round.
Mitchell ran a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is incredibly shifty and has reliable hands. He can beat press coverage and has all the tools to be a really productive NFL wide receiver, especially in an offense that already has veteran weapons like DeAndre Hopkins or Calvin Ridley.
WR Ladd McConkey
For all the same reasons I listed for Mitchell, Ladd McConkey is another intriguing prospect to watch out for if he’s still available at 38.
McConkey is one of the best route-runners in the draft class. He knows how to manipulate coverage, gain leverage, and create space. That precision is complimented by 4.39 speed and crazy athleticism.
McConkey’s production was down in 2023 due to back and ankle injuries. That likely also hurt his draft stock and prevented him from being selected in the first round.
DL Johnny Newton
Former Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton has never seemed like someone who would remain on the board until the Titans’ pick at 38 overall. But given the wide receivers and cornerbacks that are still out there to start Day 2, he could very well hang around long enough for Tennessee.
Newton was a complete disruptor for the Illini in 2023. He led the team with 7.5 sacks, led the FBS with a school-record 4 blocked kicks, recorded 52 tackles, and 8.5 tackles for loss.
It’s the agility of suddenness of Newton’s game that really sets him apart. That’s also what might make him attractive to the Titans, who are looking to improve in the trenches. Braden Fiske is another name to watch on the defensive line.
DT T’Vondre Sweat
Draft ing JC Latham with the seventh overall pick was a testament to the value the Titans place on size and strength. “You want size and strength. I think Dennard says it sometimes, but you want to get off the bus and look good too. That means you’ve got a well-built football team,” said head coach Brian Callahan a few weeks back.
If Tennessee wants to keep that up, defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is a really interesting option. Sweat is 6-foot-4 and 366 pounds. When I saw him in person at the Senior Bowl, he looked like he covered two gaps on the line just from existing. He’s a massive individual that is essentially impossible to block one-on-one.
Sweat has some off the field concerns after he was arrested and charged with DWI before the draft, but the Titans flew him out to Nashville for a visit after the arrest. If they sign off on the character, the talent is absolutely a good fit for them.
LB Payton Wilson
The Titans could still use another starting inside linebacker to play next to Kenneth Murray. Ideally, they could find a fast and intelligent linebacker to wear the green dot and thrive in coverage.
If filling that role is a priortiy in the draft, Peyton Wilson could have everything the Titans are looking for.
The former NC State linebacker posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He recognizes blocking schemes well and flies to the football. He was simply everywhere in 2023, recording 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. Wilson also won Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award and Butkus Award.