2020 NFL mock draft: The Titans’ pass rush can only improve with Yetur Gross-Matos

Arguably no team in the NFL had a more surprising season than the Tennessee Titans. Many believe the Titans would be a middling team getting little national attention.

All it took to be much more than that was changing from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback and a devotion to the run game. Derrick Henry took it from there. Henry was dominant in 2019, rushing for more than 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the NFL in both categories.

Tennessee has had a mostly quiet offseason. Tannehill re-signed, Henry got the franchise tag, and the team brought in some solid pieces on defense. In the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft, Justin Melo of Music City Miracles is here to add another player to it.

Melo: Gross-Matos would serve as an intriguing option for the Titans at 29th overall. His length routinely pops on tape. He plays with terrific extension and can make plays in both the run game and passing game. He eats up a lot of grass with his first step off the ball, and should become a quality player at the next level.

The Titans need to do a better job at getting pressure on the quarterback in 2020 and beyond. They didn’t apply enough pressure to Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game, allowing Mahomes way too much time in the pocket en route to a comeback victory. The signing of Vic Beasley should help with that, but he may be a one-year rental.

Gross-Matos has the skillset to complement Harold Landry on the other side. The Titans love front multiplicity, and Gross-Matos has the tools to be deployed in their unique and complex defense. He can rush the passer from the inside or outside. He would give head coach Mike Vrabel a nice piece to work with on defense.

Analysis: A pass rusher, or someone who blocks pass rushers? That’s the decision the Titans will have to make in the first round this year. In our mock draft, there are several good offensive tackles available who can replace the departed Jack Conklin on the right side. Veteran Dennis Kelly shouldn’t be relied on to be a full-time starter.

But if the choice is a pass rusher, Gross-Matos is a good one. In Tennessee’s defense, there would be situations where Beasley, Gross-Matos, and Landry would all be on the field at the same time. Good luck getting your quarterback enough time with that type of speed.

Pick No. 30, belonging to the Green Bay Packers, will be up at 1 p.m. ET with Evan Western of Acme Packing Company stopping by for his pick.