The Tennessee Titans selected nine players in the 2022 NFL Draft. My first article for Gridiron Heroics shifted the spotlight to three key players I believe will have an immediate impact to the current roster. Not all draft picks get the highlight they deserve. Every man counts, though. The ‘next man up’ mentality was put to the test in 2021 for the Titans. The team started and rotated a NFL record 91 players this year. That campaign ended with head coach Mike Vrabel earning Coach of the Year. The other guys make ALL the difference. Here are the 6 ‘other guys’ the Titans selected.
Roger McCreary, DB, Auburn
The Titans did not have a second round pick in the 2022 draft after trading it to acquire Julio Jones the prior season. They traded their original 26th pick this year to attain the 35th overall in the second round plus two additional picks and used their second rounder on this 5’11, 190 pound corner who led the SEC in pass break ups (14) and a had a career high 41 solo tackles. Watch him in action!
Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan
Senior Writer/Editor Jim Wyatt on TennesseeTitans.com quoted the wrecking ball, Derrick Henry, with saying, ‘”I was excited when we got him,” Henry said. “Hassan is a beast. I was able to catch his game vs Ohio State when he went off.”‘ Hassan was voted All-Big Ten and All-American in 2021 and finished the year with 270 carries for 1327 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland
Pronounced ‘Chiggo-zem OH-konk-woe’ for all those wondering, Okonkwo finished 2021 with 52 receptions for 447 yards with a team-best five touchdowns. The second most yards for a tight end at Maryland since Vernon Davis’ 871 in 2005. Chigoziem had the second most receptions by a tight end in program history since the one and only Frank Wycheck, 58, in 1990.
Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
Philips is primarily a slot receiver with an inclination to find holes in defenses. He is tough and a great route runner. Many experts, however, believe Kyle will find his pay dirt on special teams. His shiftiness and tackle evading make him poised to be an effective returner. His highlights are impressive.
Theo Jackson, DB, Tennessee
This versatile defensive back from Nashville was one of the best backs in the nation in his final season. Jackson finished 2021 with 78 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and one interception (returned for a TD). He was voted to second team All-SEC. Theo goes where the ball goes.
Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss
Campbell shines on the weak side and interior. He led the Ole Miss Rebels with 109 total tackles on the 2021 season. He also finished second on the team with 12.5 tackles for loss. Chance impressively led the SEC and was third nationally with three fumble recoveries. This explains why he ranked second in the SEC with three forced fumbles.
These rookies weren’t in Las Vegas in the VIP section waiting on their name to be called on day one of the draft. They are, although, an addition to a Tennessee Titans team that wants to bring the Lombardi trophy to Nashville. The next man up could have his name called at anytime. Tennessee’s last season was a testament to that heed. If they are as excited about the season as they are rookie camp, I can’t wait to see them play on Sunday.
