The Titans should identify these three players in Thursday’s 2024 NFL Draft should they decide to trade down from No. 7
Many expect the Tennessee Titans to select offensive tackle Joe Alt with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. I’ve spoken with several sources who believe a trade-down may actually be Tennessee’s best option. Titans general manager Ran Carthon is entering the draft with several glaring roster needs. It’s worth noting the Titans don’t currently have a third-round pick as a result of last year’s Will Levis trade-up.
A trade-down from seven to 11-14 would net the Titans supplementary draft capital, including an additional selection in the 55-70 range. If Carthon does identify a partner, Alt is likely to be drafted before the Titans make their selection. With that in mind, we’ve presented our top three alternative options should a trade-down scenario come to fruition.
OLU FASHANU, OT, PENN STATE
Fashanu entered the 2023 college football season battling Alt for OT1 bragging rights. It seems Alt has pulled away considerably throughout the pre-draft process. I still possess a high first-round grade on Fashanu despite his play being more inconsistent than expected this past season.
Furthermore, there’s no question that Fashanu is a left tackle, a position that’s doomed the Titans offense for two consecutive seasons. The Titans also need a right tackle, so perhaps this sticking point isn’t quite as imperative to Carthon’s process. Depending on the Titans’ opinion and scouting report on Fashanu, trading down and ending up with him as their Alt alternative may be a win-win.
JC LATHAM, OT, ALABAMA
If you’re throwing the left versus right tackle argument out the window, Latham becomes an intriguing option. I’ve spoken with NFL scouts that believe Latham is capable of playing left tackle. I don’t necessarily agree with that assessment after Latham never played the left side (he played right tackle and right guard) at Alabama.
But I do believe Latham has a legitimate opportunity to be the second tackle drafted, ahead of Fashanu. Latham is a plug-and-play offensive linemen with outstanding power. He’s a certified people mover in the run game with vice-like grip strength in his 11 inch (95th percentile) hands. For what it’s worth, I’d place Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga in this bucket alongside Latham as a potential trade-down tackle option.
BROCK BOWERS, TE, GEORGIA
This one would draw divisive reactions from Titans fans. It’s accurate to claim first-round tight ends have not met expectations over the previous 10 drafts. It’s not necessarily fair to dock Bowers for other players’ failures. Bowers is an unquestioned top 10 overall talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bowers played 60-plus-percent of his snaps as either a boundary or slot receiver. Perhaps that designation would make Titans fans feel better about drafting a “tight end,” a position Titans head coach Brian Callahan publicly claimed his roster needs more of. I understand, and largely agree, with the hesitancy to draft Bowers given other needs, but the Georgia standout should be a shortlisted option if the Titans trade down.
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