The case for the Titans not drafting a quarterback early in this year’s draft comes down to this: Just how much are the Titans rebuilding in 2023. Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry are both still on the roster and expected to once again be the of the offense.
But elsewhere, there aren’t a lot of weapons for a Titans team that is heavily weighted toward the defensive side when it comes to overall talent. With the Titans only holding six picks in the draft, the question becomes can they afford to take a quarterback at all – even with Tannehill only under contract for one more season.
The Titans don’t have excessive cap space for 2023, about $11.8 million, Spotrac.com estimates.
Such a predicament makes general manager Ran Carthon hitting on draft picks to fill holes all the more important. There is the smart, sound philosophy that the club must address needs first. Wide receiver needs a big boost with the team still feeling the aftereffects of trading A.J. Brown. The Titans need playmakers and bodies there.
The offensive line also is still a work in progress, with the Titans hoping that several experiments, like free agent Andre Dillard potentially nailing down the left tackle spot and Aaron Brewer, given a surprisingly high $4.2 million second round tender, being able to play better and more consistently at center than he did at left guard.
And what of left guard? There almost has to be a draft pick penciled in to start there.
Defensively, the Titans could always use cornerback help, safety depth and another inside linebacker. A pass rusher of value is also always hard to pass up.
So while the Titans have vetted the quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, the question is will they grab one, despite so many needs across the board. If they do, and how highly they spend for one, it will give an idea as to just how much of a rebuild is in the offing.