Tennessee Titans Mock Draft: Updated Day 3 Predictions

The Tennessee Titans have been all offense thus far in the NFL draft, so I expect them to go into Day 3 looking to the other side of the ball.

They may have had more needs on offense, but on defense, they're very thin at several positions, including pass-rusher and safety.

Of course, they still have enough needs to just take whoever happens to be the best available if that's the route they're going. Still, expect a focus on defense on Saturday.

As for the picks already made, the Titans have shown faith in their evaluations. They drafted Marcus Mariota with the first pick, despite rumored offers to trade down, then used their second pick on high-risk receiver Dorial Green-Beckham before taking Utah tackle/guard tweener Jeremiah Poutasi with their last pick of the day.

The Titans still have cornerback, safety, pass-rusher, 5-technique and inside linebacker to address on defense. Obviously, not all of those areas can be fixed, but they're all areas of need.

With that in mind, here is an updated mock for the Titans' remaining picks on Day 3.

Round 4

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Pick 100: Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Boise State

Tennessee needs to turn to defense, but Jay Ajayi is too good to pass up here. The Titans just spent a second-round pick on running back Bishop Sankey in 2014, but he was less than impressive, so don't be surprised if they take another.

Ajayi is one of those backs who can do it all. He's got fantastic size at 6'0" and 221 pounds, but he's not just a big power back. Ajayi is faster than average, with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, and he has great burst.

Furthermore, Ajayi put up some phenomenal numbers in 2014. He rushed fro 1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns and had another 535 yards and four touchdowns receiving.

Ajayi can run with power, run with speed, cut and catch. He can do it all, and even though it's not a top need, it's a pick the Titans should look into.

Pick 108: Michael Bennett, 5-Technique, Ohio State

A lot of people thought Tennessee would end up taking Leonard Williams No. 2 overall. That didn't happen, but now the Titans finally get their 5-technique in Michael Bennett.

Bennett was a big part of Ohio State's tough defense in 2014, racking up seven sacks, three hurries, three forced fumbles, three defended passes and 14 tackles for loss.

For a fourth-rounder, those are some pretty good numbers.

Bennett isn't a natural 5-technique, but with long arms (33 5/8") and the right size (6'2" and 293 lbs), he could fit into the role nicely.

Mostly, Bennett is the best player available for what the Titans need at this point in the draft, so he should certainly be on their short list.

Round 5

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Pick 138: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Cornerback, Oregon

Ekpre-Olomu would have been a much higher pick than this if not for some medical issues. The Titans have already shown a willingness to take players who come with a lot of risk if they're talented, so there's a reason to think they might try it again.

Ekpre-Olomu tore his ACL in 2014, and that jeopardizes the rest of his career as a football player, unfortunately. Before that, he was one of the better cover corners in this class.

In 2014, Ekpre-Olomu had nine defended passes, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 63 total tackles, which are great numbers for a corner.

That said, Ekpre-Olomu is also only 5'9", which further limits him. Tennessee has several tall corners, so having one who's short wouldn't hurt.

It's good to have short corners who can cover shorter, quicker receivers for when you need them.

Round 6

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Pick 177: Alani Fua, Outside Linebacker, BYU

Despite re-signing Derrick Morgan and adding Brian Orakpo, the Titans are still incredibly thin at outside linebacker.

Alani Fua is a tad small, weighing in at a mere 238 pounds, but he has a long 6'5" frame and should be able to put on weight at the NFL level.

With his quick burst and coverage ability, he'd be a nice depth piece. The chances he'll be a regular contributor are small, but reliable backups are all you can realistically look for this late in the draft, outside of one or two special teams positions.

Pick 208: Justin Manton, Kicker, Louisiana-Monroe

After the trade with the Giants, the Titans have enough picks on the board to invest one in a kicker. Ryan Succop was passable as a kicker in 2014, but the Titans could definitely use all the upgrades they can get, and kicker is one of the few positions you can upgrade this late.

Manton is the top kicker available and hit all 23 extra-point attempts in 2014, along with 20 of the 24 field-goal attempts.

Getting the best kicker prospect may be a small win draftwise, but it's a win nonetheless.

Round 7

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Pick 245: Zack Hodges, Outside Linebacker, Harvard

Yeah, the Titans very well might double up on pass-rushers. To call their depth at pass-rusher nonexistent would be an understatement.

Hodges didn't play at the highest level of competition in college, but that's why he's likely to be available this late in the draft.

In 2014, Hodges set the Harvard sack record with 27 career sacks, 8.5 of which came in his last season. He's a little small for an outside linebacker, but he could potentially add weight, and if he doesn't, he's got special teams contributor written all over him.