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Turron DavenportESPN
NASHVILLE – The start of Thursday’s draft (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN and ESPN apps Tennessee TitansJon Robinson, general manger, gets another chance at adding an impact-player in the first round.
Robinson’s seven first-round selections since he became general manager in 2016 have been only two. None of Robinson’s selections have been offered a second contract by the Titans.
Tennessee was not selected in the 2018 first round Rashaan EvansThe inside linebacker was granted free agency by the Atlanta FalconsThis month.
Evans joins Jack Conklin, Corey Davis, Adoree’ Jackson Isaiah Wilsonas the first-round picks in the five previous seasons to leave the team.
Robinson’s relatively low retention rate has not caused frustration. Robinson has found a way of putting a positive spin on the situation.
Robinson stated that Robinson believes that every player is in a different situation. Robinson spoke during the Titans’ predraft news conference.[Coach] Mike [Vrabel] and I have those conversations about, ‘What’s the impact of that player being here or not being here? What’s the comp pick value that you’re going to get back if you lose the player?’ It was forever before we had a comp pick.
“You have to look at the return that you’re going to get draft capital-wise with the compensatory pick formula versus, ‘Can I get another player to do a similar job, get a pick, and save some money in the process,’ if all of that makes sense.”
To maintain a competitive balance, compensation picks were introduced to the draft in 1994. They are awarded to teams that have suffered more losses in free agency than the previous season. This formula takes into account salary, playing hours, and postseason honors.
Although the Titans did not receive a compensatory pick for 2020, they were given a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) for 2021. Two picks were awarded by the NFL to the Titans in 2022. One in the fourth round (No. 143 overall, and one sixth round (No. 219 overall).
It is important to note that Evans and Wilson were not among the eligible players Robinson chose in the first round. However, they have signed lucrative free-agent contracts.
Conklin was an All-Pro for the first time in 2016 and 2020. Conklin signed a $32 million, three-year deal with the Cleveland BrownsAfter 2020.
Wilson was selected by the Titans in the first round, and Wilson was resigned. Dennis KellyTo a three-year contract worth $21 million with an $8.75m guarantee. They were able to replace Conklin as right tackle with a cheaper replacement. Kelly was released in the last offseason.
Jackson and Davis were both promoted to the starting lineup despite not being offered a second contract. Davis finished within a yard of his first 1,000-yard season in 2021 (984 yards). He signed a three-year $37.5 million deal with The. New York JetsLast offseason
Robinson made a run for it when he sent two 2022 second-round picks and a fourth-round selection to Falcons in 2023 for future Hall of Famers. Julio JonesHe was a 2023 sixth round pick. Jones only had 31 receptions of 434 yards and one touchdown in his first season with the Titans. Jones was released in March.
Tennessee chose to release Jackson last season rather than paying him $10.24 million prior to his fifth-year option becoming guaranteed. He signed a $39.3 million, three-year contract with the New York Giants.
Robinson opted instead for veteran-free-agent cornerback Jackrabbit JenkinsOn a 2-year agreement worth $15million, with $7.5million guaranteed. Jenkins was released March 1, paving the path for 2021’s first-round pick. Caleb FarleyTo become a starter.
Farley was able to play two games before injuring his ACL.
“[Farley]Vrabel mentioned that Vrabel had a “really good first week”, which was light years ahead from where he finished. “So, not just rehab, but also from a mental perspective and just being there and listening to his answers.
Evans’ replacement plan has so far been successful. Formerly, Tennessee was acquired Houston Texans linebacker Zach CunninghamWaivers last season were removed and he was placed next to the 2019 sixth round pick David Long Jr.Evans was replaced by a solid pair of inside linebackers who formed a formidable duo.
Evans was a promising player during his four years with the team. Evans’ two first seasons as Titans’ defensive coordinator were the most successful. Pees joined Arthur Smith, the Falcons’ former offensive coordinator for the Titans. Evans was natural to follow Pees from Tennessee to Atlanta.
Wilson is no longer with the NFL, and Wilson is not among the Titans’ Day 1 picks. Wilson was traded by the Titans along with a seventh-rounder in 2022 due to a series of issues off the field. Miami DolphinsFor a seventh-round selection in 2021. The Dolphins released Wilson three days later. Wilson was released by the Dolphins three days later.
Robinson struck out when he picked Jeffery Simmons No. 19 overall for 2019. Simmons’ 8.5 tackles last season during the regular season are an example of how he has become a top-10 interior lineman in NFL. Robinson will likely sign Simmons’ second contract as the Titans’ first round pick.