MOBILE, Ala. – Titans General Manager Jon Robinson is here at the Senior Bowl evaluating prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.
While looking ahead, Robinson made it clear he's also counting on bigger contributions from members of the 2021 class, while offering his thoughts on each player.
The Titans picked eight players in last year's NFL Draft – cornerback Caleb Farley (1st round), offensive lineman Dillon Radunz (2nd round), linebacker Monty Rice (3rd round), cornerback Elijah Molden (3rd round), receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (4th round), outside linebacker Rashad Weaver (4th round), receiver Racey McMath (6th round) and safety Brady Breeze (6th round). All but Breeze remains on the team's roster.
Farley, who played in just three games during his rookie season before suffering a season-ending knee injury, has made strides during his rehabilitation since being placed on Injured Reserve back in October, Robinson said.
"It's just unfortunate what happened with Caleb," Robinson said of the Virginia Tech product. "He was excited to get back on the field, and had a couple of good weeks of practice, and then (he was injured). He knows what he has to do, and he's working extremely hard with our training staff, rehabbing, and trying to get back out there.
"I am excited to see him get out there and help the football team."
Robinson believes Radunz, who played in 12 games, with one start, in 2021, will be more of a factor moving forward after a year under his belt. Radunz started at left tackle against the 49ers in December, and he held his own.
"I thought Dillon did a nice job there in the San Francisco game, and he continues to work and improve," Robinson said. "Dillon was a guy who had not played a whole lot of football (at North Dakota State) – he played in 2019, one game in 2020, and then the Senior Bowl – and we saw him really continue to get better toward the end of the year, and his performance in the 49ers game, again, was good, but he has to build on that."
Molden made a nice contribution for the Titans while playing in 16 regular season games, including seven starts. Molden finished the year with 60 tackles, four passed defensed, and an interception.
Rice, meanwhile, played in 10 games, with four starts, during his rookie season in 2021. Rice was credited with 30 tackles.
"I thought Elijah played some good football for us, similar to what you saw on the Washington film when you watched him," Robinson said. "He's instinctive, he was around the ball, was aggressive.
"And I thought Monty Rice did some good things before he got injured."
Robinson offered some praise for Weaver, who flashed in the preseason before suffering a season-ending leg injury in the team's September 27 game against the Colts.
"I am expecting Weaver to bounce back," Robinson said. "He works extremely hard. He's probably one of the hardest workers in that class. He was kind of starting to develop a little niche as a longer pass rush guy, can play a (number of spots)."
Robinson said McMath, who played in nine games, "made some good plays for us in the kicking game."
Robinson then heaped praise on Fitzpatrick, who spent time on both the active roster and practice squad in 2021 after initially being cut out of training camp.
Fitzpatrick caught just five passes for 49 yards in 2021, but Robinson liked the way he developed, and he believes the best is yet to come.
"I am proud of all of them, but I think Dez really grew as a player," Robinson said of the former Louisville standout. "I think he has developed his skillset, and he understands what the pro game takes now – he did not understand that in August.
"But he has grown, and I am just really proud of the steps he has taken."
