Now that the first wave of free agency has come and gone, it’s time to start shifting focus towards draft weekend.
The NFL Draft is arguably the most important and most anticipated period of the offseason. The Titans are in dire need of once again nailing a draft class that provides instant impact rookies.
Over the last two years, Tennessee has failed to get significant contributions from the majority of its last two draft classes.
The importance is now amplified for this team to add impact rookies in this draft class if they’re finally going to take that next step this fanbase is yearning for.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be giving you all a chance to vote on which prospects you would choose if the choice was yours. Each week we will provide a little background information on four different prospects from the same position group and then a poll will be posted so you all can vote on which prospect you’re leaning towards (write in’s also welcome).
This week, we’ll continue with possibly one of the biggest needs left, offensive tackle.
If the Titans feel that last years second round pick Dillon Radunz is better suited at guard, then that only increases the possibility that the right tackle spot becomes filled through the first two days of the draft (third times the charm, right?).
With all that said, let’s take a quick look at four possible options when Tennessee is on the clock.
OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
College Stats and Accomplishments
- Height: 6’7”
- 325 pounds
- 4.89 40-yard dash
- First-Team All-MVFC
- Only offensive lineman nominated for Walter Payton Award (offensive player of the year)
- Started every game the last two seasons
- PFF grade of 97.3 (2021)
- Only two sacks allowed the last two seasons
- Only allowed four QB hits from 2020-2021
- 15 pressures total in that time span
OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
College Stats and Accomplishments
- Height: 6’6”
- 303 pounds
- 30 bench press reps at 225 pounds
- Made the transition from tight end to offensive tackle in 2020
- First-Team ALL-MAC in 2021
- PFF Grade of 94.6 last season
- One sack allowed since making the transition from tight end
- Only allowed three hits and six hurries last year
OT Tyler Smith, Tulsa
College Stats and Accomplishments
- Height: 6’5”
- 324 pounds
- 4.65 20-yard shuttle
- Redshirted the 2019 season but played in the final four games, starting the final two.
- Played and started at left tackle in all nine games of 2020
- Played and started all 13 games at LT in 2021
- PFF Grade of 92.1 last season
- Two sacks allowed over his Tulsa tenure
- Only allowed two QB hits and five hurries in his final season
OT Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
Collegiate Stats and Accolades
- Height: 6’8”
- 384 pounds
- 24 bench press reps at 225 pounds
- All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2019, 2018)
- Outstanding Offensive Freshman (2018)
- AP All-Big Ten Second Team (2021)
- All-Big Ten First Team (2021, coaches)
- All-Big Ten Third Team (2021, media)
- Started 31 of the 34 career games at right tackle
- PFF grade of 82.3 last season
- Only allowed one sack, two QB hits, and five hurries in 2021
