NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It's just over 16 weeks until the Titans will be on the clock from the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The night of April 30th is surely going to be one to remember for Titans nation, but it's never too early to start taking a look at who might be wearing two-tone blue. National analysts have already begun compiling their ever-changing mock drafts with their predictions on which player the Titans may have their eyes on with the #2 pick.
Each week, Titans Online will comb through the most respected mock drafts on the web and compile a comprehensive list to get the latest opinions on who the Titans might select.
And so it begins…
ESPN.com’s Todd McShay (@McShay13) has the Titans selecting Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
Ranked sixth on fellow ESPN expert Mel Kiper's big board, Winston likely played his last game at FSU in a 59-20 loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff. In that playoff game (also the Rose Bowl), Winston passed for 348 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
McShay on Winston: "He has all the tools to be great on the field as an NFL quarterback. He excels from inside the pocket, has prototypical size, can drive the ball downfield and to the outside hashes, and displays very good game-management skills and on-field leadership."
He also notes that the off-field concerns with Winston are something any team drafting the QB will have to be comfortable with.
Also of significance, McShay has Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota going first overall to the Buccaneers.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) thinks the Titans will go defense, taking Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory. The defensive end had seven sacks in 2014 and could play in Ray Horton's 3-4 scheme.
Miller on Gregory: "He's massively long-armed, quick and instinctive off the ball and has disruptive skills as a defender. He's an ideal fit and a worthy value at No. 2 overall."
Miller also has the Bucs selecting Mariota with the first pick.
Rob Rang (@RobRang) and Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) of cbssports.com both have the Titans going with Winston. The red shirt sophomore posted 3,907 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in his second season as the Seminoles starting QB.
Rotoworld.com’s draft expert Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) continued the theme of Winston picks. Norris said he wouldn't comment on Winston's off the field concerns, but said, "On the field, Winston already handles what are traditionally called 'pro-style' concepts and displays anticipation as a passer."
He also provided a link to a more complete breakdown of Winston from Rotoworld's Cian Fahey.
Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown (@DraftCountdown) thinks the Titans will take USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
Wright on Williams: "Regardless of whether Williams lines up inside or outside or in an even or odd front, he is a legitimate blue-chip talent and arguably the best prospect in this class."
Wright said Williams can play both end and tackle. He had seven sacks and one interception in 2014.
Finally, WalterFootball.com (@walterfootball) has the Titans going with Winston, but isn't overly confident in the choice. The website also names Williams as a possible selection. Winston's character concerns will continue to make him difficult to gauge in the coming draft.
WalterFootball.com said the Titans drafting Winston could be similar to the Panthers taking Cam Newton first overall in 2011, a situation in which they fell in love with Newton as the draft drew near.
"Winston is unbelievably talented, and he's not just some Vince Wonderlic quarterback; he's a better prospect than that, even with all of the character concerns," the website said.
In all the mock drafts mentioned above, experts have Mariota going first overall, meaning the Titans never have a chance at the Oregon quarterback.
As projections change and new websites begin posting their mock drafts, I'll have everything you need each Mock Draft Monday.
