NASHVILLE – The Titans focused on defense during the early portion of free agency, and it's just part of the reason ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper is now thinking offense for Tennessee at pick 22.
In his Mock Draft 3.0, which was released on Tuesday, Kiper has the Titans taking Florida receiver Kadarius Toney in the first round of the NFL Draft.
In his first two mocks, Kiper tabbed defensive players to the Titans, but the events of free agency, including the departure of Corey Davis, have changed things as far as Kiper is concerned.
Here's what Kiper said:
With Corey Davis leaving in free agency, this is a really thin wide receiver depth chart behind A.J. Brown. Toney could have a few different suitors in this range, and Ryan Tannehill would love him. Toney could contribute as a dynamic receiver, runner and returner, and new offensive coordinator Todd Downing should get him the ball 10 times a game. Toney will do damage out of the slot: In his career, he averaged 15.6 yards per catch when lined up in of the slot, adding 10 scores.
In his Mock Draft 2.0 released last month, Kiper had the Titans taking Miami Hurricanes defensive end Jaelan Phillips with the 22nd pick of April's NFL Draft.
Earlier, in his Mock 1.0, Kiper tabbed Miami defensive lineman Gregory Rousseau to the Titans at pick No. 22.
The Titans signed former Steelers edge rusher Bud Dupree and former Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry last week, and so far the Titans have added five new players on defense in free agency. In addition to Davis, the Titans also released receiver Adam Humphries last month.
The 6-foot, 189-pound Toney impressed at the Senior Bowl in January after a great career with the Gators.
At Florida, Toney played in 38 games and he racked up 2,641 all-purpose yards (69.5 average) while catching 120 passes for 1,590 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 580 yards and two touchdowns in his career.
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29-May 1.
