2019 NFL Mock Draft: Attacking and protecting young quarterbacks

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass in the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

The absence of Delanie Walker at tight end is looming larger and larger for the Tennessee Titans with each passing week.

His presence in the passing game was always a safety valve for Marcus Mariota and the young quarterback just hasn’t looked the same since he went down.

Since Walker is on the wrong side of 30 now, the team has to look towards the future. Noah Fant has established himself as the best tight end of the 2019 class.

Big, athletic and a natural pass catcher who also accepts the responsibility of blocking for his position as well. A fine heir to the Walker legacy.