2019 NFL Draft: Projected First Round after NFL Combine

The competition for the top tight end spot in the draft appears to be down to a pair of Iowa teammates, with T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant both proving to be elite prospects at the position. Hockenson checks a couple of more boxes at the moment for me with his versatility and ability to play in any offense.

Hockenson is an excellent receiver, but he’s also a really strong run blocker, something the Titans are likely to covet with power running back Derrick Henry exploding down the stretch of the 2018 season.

Adding another offensive weapon for Marcus Mariota, whether that be a safety valve tight end like Hockenson or a wide receiver is paramount. It might not be the biggest need this offseason, that’s probably still an edge rusher, but giving the former Heisman winner more weapons will be key as they evaluate whether or not he’s still the franchise quarterback they drafted him to be.

Delanie Walker still has something left in the tank, but he’ll be 35 by the time next season starts and is coming off of a season-ending ankle injury. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spent a lot of time in the Patriots organization anyway, and saw how Bill Belichick and company utilized two tight ends to great effect.

Hockenson could provide an impact immediately as a rookie, giving Mariota that intermediate option that he needs. Florida’s Jachai Polite could be tempting to boost Tennessee’s pass rush, but some character issues popped up at the combine this week that could see him fall down draft boards a bit.