2020 NFL Draft: First-round targets for the Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans 2019 Starter: Jonnu Smith

The top tight end in the draft, Cole Kmet draws comparisons to a smaller Rob Gronkowski with his physicality, hands, and strong strides in open space. A 6-foot-5, 250-pound playmaker, Kmet makes his money creating plays up the seam (similarly to the before-mentioned Hall of Famer) and using his size to bowl over smaller defenders after the catch.

Kmet does still need work to even be considered in the same realm as the league’s top tight ends, specifically his dual-threat capability as a run blocker. Kmet was previously a two-sport athlete in both football and baseball and doesn’t have the time under his belt to perfect his run blocking technique. He does have the physical tools to block at a high level but will need some time to understand the nuances of this dimension of the game.

Tennessee Titans longtime tight end Delanie Walker is now 35 years old, and current tight end Jonnu Smith is an athletic specimen but does not possess the well-rounded skill set of today’s top tight ends. Kmet is the perfect prospect in the 2020 NFL draft to provide dual-threat capability in a power-run offense like the Titan’s after his development as a run blocker. The Titans may not have a serious need at tight end, but Kmet is a candidate for being a “best-available” selection.