After the curious decision to select Isaiah Wilson in the 1st round, the Titans rebounded nicely on day 2, picking up two players that addressed two of their biggest needs on the roster.
The Titans somehow picked up ex-LSU corner Kristian Fulton at pick #61, and ex-Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans at pick #93, closing out a masterful night for Titans GM Jon Robinson.
For the Titans, they came into round 2 still needing another corner. As expected, a couple corner targets came off the board before Jon Robinson was scheduled to pick once again, including ex-Alabama corner Trevon Diggs, and ex-Utah corner Jaylon Johnson.
But instead of finding a way to move up in the 2nd round, Jon Robinson took a big risk and stayed patient, ultimately getting his hands on one of the best corners in this draft.
Yeah, I think there was some temptation there on our part. I kept looking at some of the teams that were ahead of us and what it would take to get up there. At the end of the day, I was just like, ‘You’re going to have to give this pick away,’ and when you do that it’s going to knock you out of potentially another player. We were just patient. We just kind of waited it out. We took a couple of jabs, and absorbed a couple of body blows, but hung in there and waited it out. Again, fortunate that he was there for us to take.
via Titans, Titans GM Jon Robinson on staying patient in the 2nd round to select Kristian Fulton
With Logan Ryan looking like a goner, it’s entirely reasonable to believe Fulton steps in as the starting slot corner. But the Titans already had some good options for the role before Fulton even got drafted, so the competition there will be fierce, and something to watch as training camp begins.
Jon Robinson isn’t ready to label him a starter, citing Fulton’s ability to grasp the defense early on, as reason on whether Fulton plays a good amount of snaps as a starter early on.
I think he’ll get in here and compete with the guys that we have on the roster. As (Mike) Vrabel talked about earlier his role will be defined by himself, how quickly he can acclimate himself to our football program.
via Titans, Jon Robinson on Kristian Fulton’s role going forward
Fulton himself isn’t concerned about his ability to play in the slot, referencing his freshman year as proof he’s ready to step in and give it his all.
Most definitely, that was one of the first questions they asked me if I was comfortable playing inside and how I would feel playing inside, and I told them I was comfortable doing it. My whole freshman year at LSU, that was my main position, I played nickel and played behind a great guy and I learned from him. From the second I was there, I was able to learn the whole defense and I feel like that’s where I took my game to another level. I’m definitely excited to play inside if that’s where they want to put me at.
via Titans, Kristian Fulton on if he’s comfortable playing slot corner.
Let’s get into the Titans’ 2nd selection of day 2.
Darryton Evans and his 5’10 206 lb. frame is going to change this Titans offense for the better.
Evans can run well between the tackles, he has the ability to line up in the slot, and he can make game changing plays on special teams.
Yeah, talked to me about kickoff return and other special teams. Coming from App (State) they saw I could do it. I actually got the record there for kick return touchdowns, at Appalachian State, so that’s one thing that we talked about – making sure I can get back there and help in that phase of the game. Just try to create a lot of hidden yards and give the offense better field position.
via Titans. Darrynton Evans on his skills as a returner.
In short terms, he’s an weapon that’s only going to make this offense better.
What a night for Jon Robinson.
These moves are a nice step towards being able to consistently compete with, and even dethrone the Chiefs as kings of the AFC. But some questions still remain about this football team, particularly at pass rusher, and Ryan Tannehill’s ability to build upon his record 2019 season.
The Titans aren’t an immediate Super Bowl contender just yet, but if they can find some more help at pass rusher(Clowney??), and if the offense can maintain/expand their 2019 offensive success, this team is going to be dangerous going forward.