Yardbarker
x
Meet the Titans’ 2024 NFL Draft class: Grades for all 7 picks
Image credit: ClutchPoints

The Tennessee Titans are suddenly in a dog fight in the AFC South. The Houston Texans emerged as favorites in 2023 led by CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans. Trevor Lawrence and Anthony Richardson both have squads who shouldn’t be ignored either. The Titans lost Derrick Henry and Mike Vrabel this offseason, but they have wasted no time trying to find a new identity.

Brian Callahan was a nice hire at head coach. The Titans made a handful of excellent moves in free agency that helped add premier talent on both sides of the ball. Tony Pollard joined Tyjae Spears as the team’s answer at running back, Calvin Ridley got a huge four-year contract and gives the Titans a pretty nice starting lineup at wide receiver. Tennessee also signed Sebastian Joseph-Day, Kenneth Murray, and Chidobe Awuzie on defense in addition to trading for star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

The Titans added even more talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. Here are our grades for every pick made by the Tennessee Titans.

Titans 2024 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

J.C. Latham – T – First round (7th overall)

Alabama Crimson Tide tackle JC Latham (J.C Latham) is selected as the No. 7 pick of the first round by the Tennessee Titans during the 2024 NFL Draft © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans were probably miffed when the Chargers drafted Joe Alt at fifth overall. However, J.C. Latham is an excellent consolation prize.

Latham profiles as a strong run blocker considering he played most of his collegiate career at right tackle. That said, he is expected to play left tackle for the Titans. Putting him next to left guard Peter Skoronski has the left side of the line looking great. Will Levis will have his blindside protected in 2024.

Grade: A

T’Vondre Sweat – DT – Second round (38th overall)

T’Vondre Sweat fell right into the Titans’ lap. Sweat is a mauling defensive lineman who should start for the Titans in Week 1 as their nose tackle. Sweat fell into the second round due to a DWI charge that he received just weeks before the draft.

The Titans must be thrilled to pair Sweat with star Jeffery Simmons on their defensive line. Tennessee’s defense is looking more complete than it has in years, at least on paper.

Grade: B-

Cedric Gray – ILB – Fourth round (106th overall)

The Titans needed an inside linebacker after losing Azeez Al-Shaair to the Texans during free agency. Cedric Gray will step in to compete for a starting spot right away next to Kenneth Murray. As a two-year starter in college, it’s possible that Gray gets the green dot and becomes the new QB of the defense. That would be huge for only investing a fourth-round pick.

Grade: B+

Jarvis Brownlee Jr. – CB – Fifth round (146th overall)

Brownlee Jr. projects as depth at nickel corner behind Roger McCreary. He can sit behind veterans in Awuzie and Sneed to really learn the NFL game before he is forced into action. Good process pick.

Grade: C+

Jha’Quan Jackson – WR – Sixth round (182nd overall)

Tulane wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson (WO12) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson was college teammates with Tyjae Spears and is the nephew of Hall of Famer Ed Reed. There wasn’t much buzz around Jackson in the pre-draft process, but this year’s draft class was loaded with receiver talent. He will immediately provide depth at slot receiver and could be in the mix as a punt or kick returner. Considering the NFL’s new XFL-style kickoff rules, it’s possible that Jackson could become a dedicated returner in his rookie season.

Grade: C

James Williams – S – Seventh round (242nd overall)

Williams has plenty of traits and versatility, but he is an incredibly raw prospect. He can contribute on special teams but there is absolutely no guarantee that he finds a role on defense.

Grade: D

Jaylen Harrell – EDGE – Seventh round (252nd overall)

Jaylen’s father, James, played eight seasons in the NFL. Harrell was a starter for the Wolverines during their national championship run, but he will provide depth for the Titans. The Titans don’t have a legit second edge rusher after Harold Landry III but they have a handful of rotational players like Harrell.

Grade: C

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.