In a recent article from NFL.com naming the top two ideal picks for each team in the 2022 NFL draft, quarterback Sam Howell and offensive tackle Daniel Faalele were pegged to the Tennessee Titans.
The selections come from Chad Reuter of NFL.com. Here’s what he had to say about each:
Howell’s ability to make plays from — and outside — the pocket might push the Titans, who have Ryan Tannehill entrenched as their starter, to follow the example set by teams that have drafted a first-round QB despite the presence of a veteran (see: the Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes and Alex Smith in 2017, the Packers with Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers in 2020 and the Niners with Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo last year). Faalele’s 6-foot-8, 384-pound build could entice another team before the Titans (whose second-rounder went to Atlanta in last year’s Julio Jones trade) make their next selection, in Round 3, but he would really fit well with the desire to create huge runways for Derrick Henry in the run game.
If we’re talking ideal, the Titans draft players who can help them out right now, as the team is in win-now mode. With Ryan Tannehill remaining in Nashville, taking Howell doesn’t help Tennessee check that box.
Tennessee’s biggest needs are currently along the offensive line (guard and tackle) and at wide receiver. I don’t mind Faalele, but let’s swap out Howell for a wide receiver or guard — and preferably the former since one position upfront has already been addressed — and things are looking better here.
It certainly isn’t out of the question for the Titans to take a signal-caller in the first round, but they better be damn sure said quarterback is the guy because choosing one will hinder their ability to improve a more immediate need.