The Tennessee Titans saw their successful 2017 season come to an end with a playoff loss to the New England Patriots, but this team is set up for continued success in the future. However, for them to reach their full potential, they have a few needs they should address in the NFL Draft - and drafting the wrong players could send them in the opposite direction. As such, here are four players the Titans should avoid in the first round:
1) Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
A big concern for the Titans entering the offseason is their talent and depth at the linebacker position and will likely look to the draft to find a potential starter and some depth. 2018 is a talented draft class at the linebacker position, but selecting Vander Esch in the first round would be a bit of a stretch. He had a great year in 2017 with 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four passes broken up and three interceptions, but he simply isn't worth a first-round pick.
2) Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Tennessee will certainly be looking to upgrade their secondary early in the draft but Davis isn't a great fit and would be a bit of a reach in the first round. While he's very physical and is great around the line of scrimmage, he struggles in deep coverage and, as a result, gets beat with the long ball fairly often. That's not a good recipe for success.
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3) Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Hubbard's physical skillset suggests he should be a first-round pick no matter what. However, his inconsistent production and sometimes questionable motor have some thinking he's a Day 2 prospect. Tennessee was one of the worst teams at getting after the quarterback last season and need to find someone who can do that consistently - which is why they should pass on Hubbard.
4) Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Tennessee would be smart to invest in keeping Marcus Mariota upright - especially considering how they've struggled when he has been injured. Brown is a big boy, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 360 pounds. Despite Brown's size, he struggles with speedy edge rushers and isn't very versatile. If the Titans take him, there's a solid chance they'll be disappointed.
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