After a season in which the Tennessee Titans finished 12-5 and claimed the first seed in the AFC Playoffs, but failed to win a single playoff game for the second year in a row, general manager Jon Robinson has quite the task in front of him to improve this roster. The reasons for which aren't much due to the free agency happenings inside the building, but more due to the nuclear arms race that's taken place across the AFC this offseason. Unlike some of the other powers in the AFC, the Titans do have a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft this year, at 26th overall.

There has been chatter that the Titans may trade back into later rounds to stockpile picks, but for the purposes of this article, let's assume the Titans stick at 26. We're also assuming that no one who's expected to go early is going to experience an Aaron Rodgers level slide to the end of the first, so realistic picks only. With that qualifier out of the way, here are the 3 best players that could hear their name called by the Commissioner and head to Nashville to join the Titans.

 

3. Trey McBride- TE, Colorado State

News broke on Sunday that the Titans would be using a Top 30 visit on McBride, which tells us how the team might view tight end as a need, even after the signing of Austin Hooper in free agency. Some outlets grade McBride as the best tight end in the class in fact. What keeps him from being higher on this list is the likelihood that McBride is available at 26. There are teams ahead of the Titans who need a tight end a bit more, or have enough picks in the first round to be able to use one at the position.

McBride is an excellent pass catcher, though he does have relatively little red zone production. However that may be due to operating in a run-first offense at Colorado State, but that offense does mean that McBride is also a very good run blocker. If the Titans wish to draft a tight end early, McBride is their guy.

2. Tyler Linderbaum- OL, Iowa

Monday, at the NFL's yearly league meeting, Head Coach Mike Vrabel said that Jamarco Jones was signed with the intention of, at least at the moment, starting at left guard. This could mean the Titans shy away from taking a guard at 26, but if they decide to, Linderbaum is the best one that could still be available when the team is put on the clock. He fits a zone blocking run scheme, and is truly one of the elite prospects in the 2022 NFL draft at his position. What may cause him to slide down draft boards is that he weighs in at less than 300 pounds, so some teams may overlook him due to his size.

However, given his scheme fit, his size shouldn't be much of an issue should he end up in Tennessee. All that would keep the Titans from taking him, assuming he's available, is how the Titans view guard as a need in relation to other holes on the roster. They could, staying on the offensive line, look to fill the right tackle position instead, though that depends on how the team views Dillon Radunz.

1. Chris Olave- WR, Ohio State

A receiver that's almost unlucky to be this low on 2022 NFL draft boards, Olave is not only potentially the best receiver his alma mater has ever produced, but he may also be the best route runner in the draft. What he lacks in elite size he makes up for in impeccable technique. Olave is able to find separation where few others can, so if he's drafted somewhere he can get the ball on time and on rhythm, he should have no issues overcoming any perception that he's not got the size to be an elite receiver at the next level.

The Titans definitely filled their need at receiver at least partially due to the acquisition of Robert Woods, but cover at the position still needs to be found, and a potentially elite pass catcher is always needed. Sure, there are others the Titans could take if they want a receiver, or if Olave is unavailable, like Alabama's Jameson Williams or Western Michigan's Skyy Moore, but if he's available, Olave is the clear choice. If you've got the chance to take a player who honestly shouldn't be there at your selection, consideration must be taken on that player, especially if you have a need at the position. The Titans do, so Olave would make perfect sense if he's still on the board.