According to ESPN’s newest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Tennessee Titans will make an interesting decision at No. 7. Analyst Field Yates expects the Titans will select Washington receiver Rome Odunze. He had 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns with the Huskies in 2023.
It did not take long for one NFL Draft expert to shake things up for the Tennessee Titans. ESPN’s Field Yates predicts that the team will pass on an offensive tackle with its first-round choice in favor of Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Another key position for the Titans to address this offseason is receiver. However, given the problems at left tackle last season, many draft watchers anticipate general manager Ran Carthon and coach Brian Callahan will fill the position with either Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu with the seventh choice.
Yates discussed why he thinks Odunze, one of the top receivers in this year’s draft class, would be a great match in Nashville.
“The Titans have a clear and obvious need at wide receiver, and if the board plays out like this come April 25, I’d be floored if they pass on Odunze,” Yates said. “The wideout’s game is nearly flawless. He’s a flawless route runner, excellent after the catch, fantastic in contested catch situations, and Mr. Dependable with his hands. Quarterback Will Levis would be thrilled with this selection, as Odunze led the country in receiving yards last season (1,640).
In addition to his 1,640 receiving yards, Odunze recorded 13 touchdown catches on 92 grabs for the Huskies last year.
Tennessee should give Levis with some playmakers. DeAndre Hopkins was the only receiver to have significant numbers in 2023, finishing with 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches. Chris Moore, the team’s second-leading receiver, with only 424 receiving yards.
Hopkins will also be in the second year of his two-year contract with the Titans. So, the 2024 season could be his last in Nashville. This emphasizes Carthon and Callahan’s focus on the receiver.
Adding Odunze in the first round would not be a bad decision for Tennessee. But, given the obvious deficiencies on the offensive line, the expectation is that they will address that need first.
How about Alt and Fashanu?
Yates predicts Odunze will sign with Tennessee in part because he believes Alt will be selected before the No. 7 pick. The Notre Dame All-American will be drafted fifth overall by the Los Angeles Chargers, according to an ESPN analyst.
As for Fashanu? He would still be available to the Titans in the first round, according to Yates, who forecasts the former Nittany Lion standout to go to the New York Jets with the No. 10 pick.
So, while Tennessee may have a need at receiver, it’s difficult to imagine the team passing on Fashanu if he’s available. However, given the depth of the offensive line in this draft class, the Titans may be better placed to chase a playmaker with their first-round pick.
Last week, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah stated that this year’s draft class has a plethora of quality lineman that might assist teams in restructuring in the trenches.
“If you need to remake your offensive line, this draft is going to provide that opportunity,” he added. “Talent and depth is there to make a major impact next year.”
If Tennessee does not select an offensive tackle in the first round of the draft, there is a significant chance that the Titans will be able to select a talented player at the position later.
