With linebackers coming off the board the Tennessee Titans had to act fast, trading up to select Rashaan Evans with the No. 22 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
More: Follow our instant grades and live reactions for every top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft
Another team that traded up to get a defensive player in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft was the Tennessee Titans, to help bolster their depth at linebacker. With other top linebackers in this class such as Virginia Tech Hokies’ Tremaine Edmunds, Georgia Bulldogs’ Roquan Smith, and Boise State Broncos’ Leighton Vander Esch, off the board, the options were limited for the Titans.
The Alabama Crimson Tide had three players selected in the first 22 picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. That 22nd selection fell to a Crimson Tide linebacker in Rashaan Evans.
Most people looked past how good Evans actually was in 2017, with by far a career best season in Tuscaloosa. He set career highs in total tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and pass deflections. The development that Evans had each season with the Crimson Tide is an encouraging sign for the Titans.
There weren’t many areas where the Titans have a major need on the roster. However, they could improve the roster entirely, and make a huge jump forward in 2018 with a solid haul in this draft. Evans is a solid start to this class that could really help out the Titans in the future.
Next: Final 7-Round 2018 NFL Mock Draft
Evans is the type of player that could become a potential Pro-Bowler by the time he reaches his prime. However, it’s more likely that the Titans get a consistent starter out of Evans that is a reliable player each Sunday during the fall. This is a great pick that Tennessee fans can feel good about for years to come.