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Tennessee Titans NFL draft picks 2022: Analysis for every selection

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The 2022 NFL draft is in the books, with every Tennessee Titans' draft pick analyzed here.

The event was held on the Las Vegas strip in the area adjacent to Caesars Forum two years after it was initially scheduled. The 2020 draft was turned into a virtual event because of COVID-19.

Here's a pick-by-pick look at how each player Tennessee selected will fit.

Analysis of every NFL pick | Updated depth chart


Round 1, No. 18 overall: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

My take: Burks is a playmaker who will help carry the burden of replacing star wide receiver A.J. Brown after he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Burks has a similar build to Brown. He is a big, sturdy receiver who will bounce off of tackles and be featured across the middle. Coach Mike Vrabel likes wide receivers who make "combat catches" and get yards after the catch. That is Burks' calling card. Burks can also work on the outside and in the slot. He provides a large catch radius for quarterback Ryan Tannehill -- which should help allow him to have an early impact.

Replacing A.J.: Burks drew comparisons to Brown during the pre-draft process. Burks said he has looked up to Brown and welcomes the comparisons. Now he will be tasked with having the same kind of impact that Brown had as a rookie in 2019. The two players are eerily similar. Brown is slightly more explosive than Burks, but the two share the ability to shed defenders and pick up extra yards once they get the ball in their hands. Tannehill liked to target Brown on play-action passes across the middle. Burks should get those opportunities now, especially with Robert Woods working his way back from tearing the ACL in his left knee in November.

High picks: Burks becomes the second wide receiver whom Titans general manager Jon Robinson has selected in the first round, joining Corey Davis (picked at No. 5 in 2017). The Titans also drafted Kendall Wright (No. 20, 2012), Kenny Britt (No. 30, 2009) and Kevin Dyson (No. 16, 1998) -- the only other receivers they've selected in the first round over the past 25 seasons.

What’s next: The Titans will get to continue their roster reload on Day 2 with three picks. Tennessee has one pick in the second round (No. 35) and two third-round picks (Nos. 69, 90). Last year, the Titans made three picks on Day 2: Dillon Radunz (No. 53), Monty Rice (No. 92) and Elijah Molden (No. 100). Molden solidified a starting role as a nickel cornerback.


Round 2, No. 35 overall: Roger McCreary, DB, Auburn

My take: McCreary is a solid pick, who some had as a first-rounder. He is a battle-tested cornerback who faced plenty of top wide receivers in the SEC. McCreary can play inside or outside and should compete for a starting spot immediately. At 5-11 and 190 pounds, he is physical and aggressive. He is capable of playing press coverage and is more than willing to come up and help in run support. Right now, the Titans' starters are Caleb Farley and Kristian Fulton. Elijah Molden is the nickel corner. The pick provides some insurance if Farley takes a while to get back to form.

What’s next: The Titans will have two more picks (No. 69 and No. 90) in the third round. Tennessee still needs to add a tight end and help on the offensive line. The Titans could still add a starter at both positions like they did in 2019, when they selected starting right guard Nate Davis in the third round and former starting tight end Jonnu Smith in the third round of 2017.


Round 3, No. 69 overall: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

My take: Taking Petit-Frere gives the Titans a player who can challenge for the starting right tackle spot. He is a two-year starter who offers versatility -- he can also play left tackle. There is some scheme familiarity since Ohio State utilizes a lot of zone rushing schemes. Petit-Frere moves well, but he needs to get stronger to handle pass rushers who convert speed to power or attempt to use a bull rush. Taking a player with traits like Petit-Frere offers upside, but there are holes to fill in his game that make him somewhat of a project. This pick could be an indication that the Titans believe Dillon Radunz is better suited at guard, which is where he worked frequently at the start of training camp.


Round 3, No. 86 overall: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

My take: The Titans moved up and got a guy who can develop into a future starter in Willis. Vrabel wants a mobile playmaker at quarterback, and that's exactly what they got in Willis. He is also very capable of pushing the ball down the field to create chunk plays. That will especially be the case on play-action passes where they get Willis on the move. Getting Willis at No. 84 is a tremendous value, as he was projected to be a first-round pick on multiple draft analysts' boards. There are some issues with interceptions from Willis, but there is upside if the Titans can develop him while Ryan Tannehill holds down the starting spot.


Round 4, No. 131 overall: Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan

My take: Haskins gives the Titans a back used to carrying a heavy workload. He's a physical, downhill runner that wears down defenses -- which is exactly what Tennessee wants to do on game day. Like Derrick Henry, Haskins has a vicious stiff arm. Haskins isn't a home run hitter, but he'll understand what's blocked upfront and be ideal in short-yardage situations. Like any other rookie running back, Haskins needs to improve in pass protection.


Round 4, No. 143 overall: Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland

My take: Okonkwo is a versatile, athletic tight end that can be used as a flex option or lined up over the numbers in addition to playing on the line. He can also play halfback and even take handoffs. Okonkwo compares to Jonnu Smith as far as build and athleticism. Like Smith, Okonkwo is a rugged runner once he gets the ball in his hands and will break tackles to get yards after the catch. He'll need to develop as a run blocker but should be a good matchup option in the passing game.


Round 5, No. 163 overall: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA

My take: Philips gives the Titans an option as a slot receiver. He’s one of those smaller, shifty players that could develop into a reliable pass catcher on third downs and in the red zone. Philips is a well-developed route runner that is sudden at the top of his route stems and able to to create separation. He'll compete with veteran Mason Kinsey for snaps in the slot and provides depth on punt returns.


Round 6, No. 204 overall: Theo Jackson, DB, Tennessee

My take: At 6-1, 198 pounds, Jackson has positional versatility that will allow him to compete for a roster spot as a safety who can match up against move tight ends and bigger receivers. The Nashville native and Tennessee product had 78 tackles, 12 pass breakups and one interception last season. Jackson ran a 4.46-second time in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. That speed would help the Titans on kickoff and punt coverage units, especially as a gunner.


Round 6, No. 219 overall: Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss

My take: Campbell provides depth at inside linebacker and on special teams. He transferred from Maryland to Ole Miss and led the team with 109 tackles and posted 12.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and three fumble recoveries. It's pretty clear Campbell knows how to find the football. Campbell should solidify a roster spot and contribute.