2020 NFL Draft: Five trade-up targets for the Tennessee Titans
Defensive Line. Justin Madubuike. player. 35. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Texas AM. 4
Honorable mention: Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina, Round 1
Right there with Conklin in terms of impactful, confirmed departures this offseason for the Tennessee Titans is Jurrell Casey. Shockingly, the five-time Pro Bowler was traded to the Denver Broncos for just a seventh-round pick, proving to be another cap casualty of Jon Robinson and the Tennessee front office.
There is no way that a rookie can fill the shoes of Casey, as he was an incredible leader in the Tennessee Titans locker room. As a player, he was so versatile and so productive, even at his age, that no one can expect that level of play from a draftee right away.
One player that I like to try to fill that role in the strong Titans defense is Justin Madubuike out of Texas A&M. While he isn’t quite as versatile as Casey, likely not going to be a stand-up edge rusher at any point, Madubuike is an outstanding penetrator and could play all three down right away.
Although it seems Madubuike was more of a 4-3 defensive tackle in college, he showed to the ability to play up and down the defensive line with his hand in the dirt. From zero to five-technique, Madubuike can make an impact all over the place. He performed well at the 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Combine and is could possibly be taken in the first round on April 23rd.
However, I think it is most likely that he goes off the board early day two. So if the Tennessee Titans don’t opt for him or another player to fill that void in the first round, he could certainly be worth moving up for, again in the mid-to-late 30s or early 40s.
Honorable mention Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina may be the one player in the 2020 NFL Draft that the Tennessee Titans would hand pick to fill that role. Kinlaw also operated primarily as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but can really get through to the backfield from anywhere on the line.
A presumptive top 15 pick, going off the board as high as seven in some mocks, Kinlaw would likely cost a pretty penny for the Titans but may be worth the price if he does fall towards the bottom of the first half of the round.