With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Tennessee Titans, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Tennessee Titans rookies?
- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern | Round 1, Pick 11
- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky | Round 2, Pick 33
- Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane | Round 3, Pick 81
- Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati | Round 5, Pick 147
- Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland | Round 6, Pick 186
- Colton Dowell, WR, Tennessee-Martin | Round 7, Pick 228
Tennessee Titans Draft Class Grade:
The Titans received an A rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B+ from ESPN, and a C+ from NFL Network.
Which Titans Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Despite rumors they were interested in trading up for a quarterback, the Titans wisely played it safe with the selection of Peter Skoronski (first round). Skoronski played left tackle at Northwestern, though it's unclear where his future lies in Tennessee. He worked out at tackle and guard during rookie camp.
The Titans signed Andre Dillard to play left tackle, but he also has experience at guard. Skoronski and Dillard will likely make up the left side of the offensive line in some combination.
Will Levis (second round) will be expected to beat out Malik Willis for the backup job behind Ryan Tannehill. If things go well for Tennessee, perhaps Tannehill hangs on to the job, but Levis will likely be called upon to start at some point in 2023.
The narrative surrounding Levis this offseason was that he struggled in 2022 due to a nagging ankle injury and the loss of offensive coordinator Liam Coen. There’s definitely truth to the injury portion of that 一 his mobility was dramatically hindered 一 but his inconsistent accuracy tracks back to 2021.
Based on route-adjusted data, Levis’s on-target rate was 1.4% above expected in 2022 and 1.1% above expected in 2021. Those numbers obviously aren’t terrible, but they’re also well below the rates of top-tier prospects. Expect Tennessee’s offense to be centered around Levis’ mobility early in his career as the coaching staff works to improve his accuracy and decision making.
Tyjae Spears (third round) was a surprising selection because his skill set contrasts in style with Derrick Henry and Hassan Haskins. Perhaps Tennessee simply wants to inject more change-of-pace options in the run game, or maybe this signals a desire to shift the direction of the offense as the Henry-era winds down.
It’s also worth noting Spears’ extensive injury history, which includes multiple significant knee injuries. Drafting an injury-prone running back in the third round, who isn’t even positioned to play a significant immediate role, was an unnecessary risk.
At 6-foot-7, Josh Whyle (fifth round) will provide Tennessee with another big target in the passing game. He’ll compete for the backup job behind Chig Okonkwo. Whyle is a good athlete for his size and is worthy of seeing some targets as a rookie. Based on route-adjusted data, Whyle generated 8.8% more yards after the catch than expected over the last two years.
Jaelyn Duncan (sixth round) has the talent to start at left tackle if Tennessee can figure out how to keep him focused and motivated. He was a four-year starter at Maryland but showed minimal development from his freshman to senior year. Mental mistakes constantly plagued Duncan, who committed 20 penalties over his final two seasons.
If he can’t clean that up, he won’t last much longer than Isaiah Wilson.
The Titans were likely drawn to Colton Dowell (seventh round) because they covet receivers who can block. Dowell tested extremely well at his Pro Day, so he’s a worthy developmental prospect to take a flier on late in the draft.
If Levis is the long-term answer at quarterback, this class will set Tennessee up for continued success. However, new general manager Ran Carthon took a risky approach to his first draft in Tennessee, coming away with just six rookies.
Tennessee has also traded away its third-, fifth-, and sixth-round picks in the 2024 class. If Levis flops, Tennessee will be without a long-term solution at quarterback and entering a full rebuild without the necessary draft capital.