Jack Conklin Scouting Report
Pick no. 8--Jack Conklin ( Tackle, Michigan State)
After a failed experiment with Jeremiah Poutasi at RT, the Titans took Byron Bell from LG to RT and he struggled terribly. After giving up constant pressure from RT last year, Titans pulled the trigger on a stud Tackle who is best suited to the right side. Critics will say "You don't draft a right tackle that high." I'm sure you all witnessed Von Miller's dismantling of Mike Remmers in the Super Bowl. Needless to say I'm not one of those critics. Great pick here and his tenacity in the run game should help tremendously.
Pick no. 33--Kevin Dodd ( Defensive End, Clemson)
While I wasn't 100% on this pick with Noah Spence still on the board, Dodd had a monster year last year. He wrecked the competition to the tune of 23.5 TFL's and 12 sacks. He has a non stop motor but lacks ideal measurable. Initially, he will just come in as relief for starters Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.
Austin Johnson Scouting Report
Pick no. 43--Austin Johnson ( DL, Penn State)
This is a sneaky good pick here, Johnson's run stopping ability isn't as good as Alabama's Reed and Robinson. But, he has more upside as a pass rusher. He's another non stop motor guy, and will immediately compete for a starting job, either at Nose Tackle or DE opposite of Jurrell Casey.
Pick no. 64--Kevin Byard ( Safety, MTSU)
Byard is a ball hawk at the Safety position and snagged 19 interceptions in his career at MTSU. Apparently, his football knowledge and cerebral abilities are what made him stand out to GM Robinson. Byard should compete for the starting FS job, and has a shot to win it.
Pick no. 140--Tajae Sharpe ( WR, UMASS)
Tajae had a great career at UMass, compiling 3,486 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. His route running is above average and he has 4.5 speed. I fully expect him to get relegated to 4th receiver duties behind Green-Beckam, Matthews, and Wright.
Pick no. 156--Leshaun Sims ( CB, Southern Utah)
Sims is a tough, gritty corner with great size (6'0, 203 lbs). His greatest strength is his press coverage. His career stats at Southern Utah include 25 break ups and 8 interceptions. After last year's dumpster fire in the secondary, no one should be safe and Sims has a shot to crack the starting line up.
Pick no. 193--Sebastian Tretola ( Guard, Arkansas)
Tretola is the last addition to a Titans line that was overhauled this off-season. He is a nasty run blocker, who loves to get in your face and knock you down. His pass protection is a little raw, but he has the skills to start from day 1 at Guard. Additions of Conklin, Tretola and ex-Texan Ben Jones should help bring this line back to credibility.
Pick no. 222--Aaron Wallace ( LB, UCLA)
Aaron is a very solid developmental prospect at LB. He was actually one of my sleepers, along with Kalan Reed. Wallace has all the measurables to be a starter soon. He has great size (6'3, 240 lbs) and had a good workout with 25 reps of 225 and a 4.57 40 yard dash. I could see him getting time at any LB spot, and he could even stick as an ILB. He's very familiar with Tennessee LB coach Lou Spanos, who was his DC his first two years at UCLA.
Sports
Pick no. 253--Kalan Reed ( CB, Southern Miss)
Another solid pick up in the 7th round. Kalan was a playmaker for USM, with 8 career picks and 19 passes broken up his senior year. He also has great size (5'11, 192lbs) and athleticism for the position. He posted a 4.49 40 yard dash and a 41.5 vertical at his pro day. He should also be able to come in and compete.
Overall
New GM John Robinson had a solid draft, overhauling Tennessee's two biggest weaknesses (Offensive Line and Secondary) and creating a lot of Roster competition. He saved his developmental, good potential guys for late picks. I'd say overall grade: B+