NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans kicked off their 2023 NFL draft by selecting offensive tackle Peter Skoronski with the No. 11 pick in the first round Thursday in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
The Titans selected six of the draft’s 259 picks.
Here's a pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Titans’ selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 11 overall: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
My take: Taking Skoronski isn't the most exciting option as general manager Ran Carthon's first selection for the Titans, but it's a safe pick, as he fits their identity. The Titans are hoping Skoronski can help solidify an offensive line that allowed 49 sacks last season, the fifth-most in the league. Having started all 24 games at left tackle over the last two seasons, Skoronksi comes to Tennessee as a plug-and-play prospect. He can compete with free agent addition Andre Dillard for the starting left tackle position or become the starter at left guard. Either way, Skoronski figures to be an immediate starter.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time? Skoronski did not having extensive experience as a guard at Northwestern, but he can be expected to start right away. Carthon said that's why they used the No. 11 overall pick to select him. The Titans like Skoronski's versatility and physical style in both the run game and as a pass blocker. When asked to describe himself as a player, Skoronski said he is a player that uses consistent pad level and brings physicality in the run game. That matches the Titans' run-first approach on offense.
What we're hearing about Peter Skoronski? "Peter checks all of the boxes for us and what we're looking for on our offensive line. He was a guy that we targeted from the very beginning but didn't know if he'd be there or not. We got lucky, and he was there. It made the pick real easy for us to pull off at No. 11," Carthon said.
"We're getting a fantastic, physical, violent player that's got versatility. Those are things that we covet. When he grabs people, most of the time they stop moving," Titans coach Mike Vrabel added.
Round 2, No. 33 overall: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
My take: Levis managed to drop out of the first round, but Tennessee wasted no time on Day 2 moving up from No. 41 to No. 33 to make the pick. Levis played in a similar play-action scheme to the Titans in college. His big arm and deep-passing ability are a match for the Titans' desire to open up the downfield passing game. The Titans make this pick in hopes that Levis can step in after the upcoming season to replace Ryan Tannehill to be the starter, as Tannehill has two voidable years remaining on his contract. Tennessee selected Malik Willis in the third round last year, but he struggled in limited opportunities in Year 1.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time? Executing a play-action scheme with defenses focusing primarily on running back Derrick Henry would definitely help a young quarterback. But there's one problem; Tannehill figures to be the starter this season. The 2023 season will likely be a developmental opportunity for Levis, who also suffered a toe injury that hampered him for parts of the season. His 23 interceptions are an area for concern. But every interception has its own story. Titans general manager Ran Carthon said they went over reasons for each interception with the quarterbacks they hosted for visits. It's reasonable to expect Levis to be the Titans starter in 2024.
Round 3, No. 81 overall: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
My take: Spears gives the Titans added depth at the running back position behind Henry after they didn't retain veteran free agent back Dontrell Hilliard. Hilliard was the primary third-down back last season and finished as the team leader in receiving touchdowns. Spears will compete with Hassan Haskins for reps on third down when Henry isn't on the field. Henry has two voidable years remaining on his contract, which means there's a chance he's in his final season with the Titans.
What we're hearing about Tyjae Spears? "His open-field run instincts are off the charts. He’s got home run hitter ability that way. You get him to the second level, and it’s over, man. He can really catch the ball. He’s got a lot of swerve to his game," Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said.
"If Spears gets out of Round 2 -- which shouldn't happen but could -- then a team is getting great value on a Tony Pollard-like running back," ESPN draft analyst Louis Riddick said. "Spears has the kind of toughness, elusiveness, stop/start acceleration and big-play capability that can ignite an offense at any moment."
Round 5, No. 147 overall: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
My take: Whyle adds to the Titans' tight end room that already includes Chigoziem Okonkwo and Trevon Wesco. Wesco signed a one-year free agent deal with Tennessee during the offseason. Whyle showcased his versatility at Cincinnati which should allow him to play a similar role to how Okonkwo was used across the formation last season, including as a fullback. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, Whyle could be used as a bigger slot option if the Titans decide to use 12 or 13 personnel. Last season, the Titans used 12 personnel 24.4% of the time, ranking sixth in the NFL. They used 13 personnel and NFL-high 12.5% of the time. Geoff Swaim and Austin Hooperr each played at least 50% of the snaps. Both of them are gone. Whyle and Okonkwo figure to be Tennessee's tight end tandem of the future.
Round 6, No. 186 overall (from Atlanta): Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
My take: Vrabel said the goal was to find ways to better protect the quarterback, and of their first five picks, Duncan became their second selection along the offensive lineman. Duncan was a four-year starter at left tackle for Maryland, and he'll be a depth player for the Titans to go with the additions of Dillard and Skoronski. Duncan said via zoom that he'd be willing to move inside and play guard if asked to do so.
Round 7, No. 228 overall: Colton Dowell, WR, University of Tennessee at Martin
My take: Tennessee had only three 100-yard receiving performances last season. Wide receiver was one of the primary team needs entering the draft. Dowell is the sole receiver selected by the Titans. He and free agent Chris Moore are the only additions to the Titans' receiver room up to this point. Dowell's 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame along with his speed gives him a shot to at the very least land a roster spot as a special teams player before working his way into the wide receiver rotation.