The Tennessee Titans have many needs this offseason after finishing the 2015 season tied for the worst record in the NFL at 3-13, and will look to add a major piece with the first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Newly acquired Titans general manager Jon Robinson may have hinted at where the Titans will go in the draft with comments he made about building Tennessee into a contender this past week.
"If you watch the Super Bowl, the team that actually got to the quarterback, they won the Super Bowl. The team that protected their quarterback, they won the Super Bowl," said Robinson, via the Titans' team website. "So it is about the lines, and protecting the quarterback and keeping him upright so he can get the ball to the guys who run and catch."
The Titans already have their franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota, but need to improve his protection, as he missed the final two games of the season with an MCL sprain. Robinson has clearly made protection of their franchise quarterback a priority this offseason, and that could be a hint of them drafting an offensive lineman with the first pick in the draft.
In particular Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is considered the best offensive lineman in the upcoming draft class. Reports surfaced earlier this offseason that the Titans were shopping the first pick in hope of moving back to take a cornerback in the top ten, but Tunsil has reportedly always been their backup plan.
It's unknown if the Titans will get the trade offer they are looking for prior till they're on the clock in April, but Tunsil could make a strong fit and solidify their offensive line next season. The Titans currently have a top-tier offensive tackle in Taylor Lewan, but could look to have two strong bookends on their offensive line with Lewan and Tunsil in 2016. Tunsil has drawn comparisons with Dallas Cowboys three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith, and would immediately start week one in Tennessee.
The Titans still have over two months until the draft, and will heavily analyze every prospect they are thinking about for the top pick. The Titans have plenty of needs to fill this offseason, but Robinson has made it known what he believes will build the foundation in Tennessee.
