With two picks in the first round and no picks in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans might maneuver around to acquire extra picks at the end of the month. Unfortunately in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft, that’s not allowed.
2017 NFL mock draft: Tennessee Titans go for John Ross
The Titans need speed, and they get it with the dynamic Washington wideout
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
But with those two first-round picks, it’s imperative that the Titans find two starters. The big needs for Tennessee are at cornerback and wide receiver, and those needs fit well with the draft this year. Jimmy Morris of Music City Miracles checked off one of those needs with his first pick in the draft by getting Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He checks off the other one with his second pick of the draft.
18. Titans: John Ross, WR, Washington
Long before John Ross III ran a record-breaking 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he was just a kid from Long Beach trying to make it. This is his origin story.
Morris: After addressing the huge need at corner with the fifth pick, the Titans get Marcus Mariota a weapon here in John Ross. Titans GM Jon Robinson admitted that the Titans were in serious talks with the New Orleans Saints to acquire Brandin Cooks before he was traded to the New England Patriots. Ross is a guy that has drawn multiple comparisons to Cooks throughout the draft process.
The biggest thing the Titans need to add to the offensive side of the ball in this draft is speed. Ross has plenty of that, setting the NFL combine record in the 40-yard dash with a 4.22. His ability to take the top off the defense will open things up for the Titans running game and give Delanie Walker more room to operate underneath.
Analysis: This pick just makes a lot of sense. The Titans need to find a wide receiver with speed and playmaking ability. To get Ross is a coup. He can be the type of vertical threat that takes the top off a defense, opening the underneath for second-year receiver Tajae Sharpe and tight end Walker. It’s an added bonus that he can play as the team’s primary kick returner.
Dan’s top five players remaining
- 16. Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
- 17. Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
- 18. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
- 19. Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
- 21. Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
Titans picks
- 1-5: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
- 1-18: John Ross, WR, Washington
That finishes up our three picks of the day in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft. As always, if you’ve missed a pick find them all here. Bucs Nation gets us started at 9 a.m. ET tomorrow with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and pick No. 19.
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