Blidi Wreh-Wilson to Titans: How Does Cornerback Fit with Tennessee?

One reason the Titans traded a 2014 third-round pick instead of this year's selection is the depth of defensive talent. After having the worst defense in franchise history, the team needed a lot of help. Free agency yielded a couple of veteran safeties in George Wilson and Bernard Pollard and some depth at linebacker and defensive line, but no real difference makers.

After losing Cortland Finnegan, the Titans struggled in pass defense. Jason McCourty played well taking over as the team's top cornerback, and Alterraun Verner is a good starter on the other side, but the team could not cover tight ends and slot receivers. Ryan Mouton, since departed, rookie Coty Sensabaugh and Tommie Campbell rotated as the team's slot cornerback, and the results were not good. 

Enter Blidi Wreh-Wilson. Like the previous draft pick, Justin Hunter, Wreh-Wilson has prototypical size to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. He's not going to have to play that role right away. 

The question is whether he can play the slot, and results are mixed. Matt Stein's scouting report offers the following review:

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Polished route-runners will be able to easily get past Wreh-Wilson. While Connecticut lined him up all over the field, he really struggled when he was forced to cover slot receivers.

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He can be a physical player, but tackling and man coverage are weaknesses, and those are two assets that slot corners need to have. Wreh-Wilson needs some time in an NFL strength program to fill out and work on technique so he can become a trusted tackler. 

When the Titans had Finnegan, they moved him inside to cover slot receivers, leaving Alterraun Verner to play the outside. It's possible the Titans envision Wreh-Wilson in that role, giving the more physical Verner, who has a knack for making big plays, the slot position.

Whatever his eventual role, the UConn product adds depth to the secondary, and that's been one of the front office's main goals this offseason. Wreh-Wilson is going to see significant time on the field this year, although his exact role has yet to be determined.