Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class

For NFL teams like the Tennessee Titans, evaluating college prospects goes far beyond physical talent and scheme fit—scouts and medical staff must also navigate the complex landscape of injury concerns, which can make or break a draft pick’s NFL career. Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class examines the red flags, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies that define the team’s approach to drafting players with past injuries, from chronic knee issues to season-ending fractures. These concerns aren’t just about avoiding “busts”; they’re about protecting the franchise’s long-term investments, ensuring rookies can contribute to the Titans’ AFC South competitiveness, and balancing upside with health risks. In a league where injuries are inevitable, the Titans’ ability to judge injury severity and potential recovery has become a critical part of their draft success.

Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class begins with the most common red flags the Titans’ scouting and medical teams prioritize: chronic overuse injuries, major traumatic injuries (like ACL tears or Achilles ruptures), and recurring issues (such as hamstring strains or shoulder instability). For example, a college offensive lineman with a history of knee tendonitis might raise concerns about durability in the NFL, where linemen face 60+ snaps of constant physical contact per game. Similarly, a wide receiver who missed multiple college games with hamstring injuries could be seen as a liability in a Titans offense that relies on consistent availability. The Titans’ medical staff uses a multi-step evaluation process for such prospects: they review college medical records, interview team trainers and doctors, and conduct independent physicals at the NFL Combine or team facilities. “We’re not just looking for ‘clean’ medical histories—we’re looking for players who have recovered fully and have no underlying issues that could worsen in the NFL,” said Dr. Thomas Byrd, the Titans’ team orthopedist. “A single ACL tear with proper rehab is less concerning than a player who’s had three knee surgeries for different issues.” This nuanced approach helps the Titans avoid overreacting to minor injuries while steering clear of prospects with unmanageable health risks.

A notable case study in Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class is the team’s 2022 draft selection of cornerback Roger McCreary, taken in the first round (35th overall) out of Auburn. McCreary had a minor injury history—he missed two games in 2021 with a ankle sprain—but the Titans’ medical staff deemed the injury “acute and fully recoverable” after reviewing his rehab records and conducting a physical. What concerned some other teams—McCreary’s slight frame (6’0”, 190 lbs) and history of playing through minor shoulder soreness—wasn’t seen as a red flag by the Titans, who valued his ball skills and consistency. “We looked at how McCreary handled his injuries in college—he didn’t rush back, he followed his rehab plan, and he came back stronger,” said Titans scouting director Monti Ossenfort. “That told us more about his character and work ethic than the injuries themselves.” McCreary went on to start 14 games as a rookie, recording 60 tackles and 1 interception, proving that the Titans’ evaluation of his injury risk was sound. His case highlights the team’s philosophy: injuries are not dealbreakers—how a prospect recovers and adapts is what matters most.

Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class also includes examples of the team’s caution with high-risk prospects, such as their decision to pass on a highly talented college running back in the 2020 draft who had a history of hip injuries. The running back, who was projected to go in the first round, had undergone hip surgery in college and missed his junior season—red flags that the Titans’ medical staff felt outweighed his on-field talent. Instead, the Titans selected running back Darrynton Evans in the third round, a prospect with a clean medical history who could complement Derrick Henry. While Evans’ NFL career was later derailed by a knee injury (a new issue, not a pre-draft concern), the Titans’ initial decision reflected their commitment to avoiding unnecessary risk. “We have to balance upside with reality,” said former Titans general manager Jon Robinson. “A running back with a history of hip injuries is a bigger risk in our offense, where the position takes so much punishment. We didn’t want to invest a high pick in a player who might not be available when we need him most.” For the Tennessee Titans, this caution protects the team from wasting draft capital on players who can’t contribute long-term—especially critical in a salary cap era where every pick matters.

Another key strategy in Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class is the team’s post-draft injury management plan, which helps rookies with past injuries transition safely to the NFL. For rookies with a history of knee or shoulder injuries, the Titans’ strength and conditioning staff creates personalized workout plans that focus on strengthening surrounding muscles to prevent reinjury. For example, a rookie defensive end with a past ACL tear might start with low-impact drills (like swimming or cycling) before progressing to on-field work, and the team limits their reps in training camp to avoid overexertion. The Titans also use technology like GPS trackers and wearable sensors to monitor rookies’ workloads, ensuring they don’t exceed safe limits. “Our goal is to get rookies on the field—but not at the cost of their health,” said Titans strength and conditioning coach Frank Piraino. “For players with injury histories, we take it slow, build up their strength, and make sure they’re fully ready before they play in a regular-season game.” This approach paid off with 2023 draft pick offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan, who had a college knee injury but started 8 games as a rookie after following the Titans’ managed rehab plan. For the Tennessee Titans, post-draft management is just as important as pre-draft evaluation—it’s the final step in turning a high-risk prospect into a reliable contributor.

Looking ahead, Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class will continue to evolve as medical technology advances, with the team increasingly using tools like 3D motion capture and blood work analysis to predict injury risk. For example, the Titans now use a “biomechanical assessment” to evaluate how a prospect’s movement patterns might contribute to future injuries—such as a quarterback with an unusual throwing motion that could strain his shoulder. While no evaluation is perfect, the Titans’ commitment to thoroughness and caution has helped them build a roster that balances talent with durability. “Injuries are part of football, but they don’t have to be part of a draft pick’s failure,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “We do our homework, we trust our medical staff, and we support our rookies through rehab. That’s how we turn injury concerns into success stories.” For the Tennessee Titans, navigating draft class injury concerns isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s about finding smart ways to embrace it, knowing that the right prospect with the right support can overcome past injuries and become a key part of the team’s future. Injury Concerns for Tennessee Titans Draft Class isn’t just about health—it’s about hope, and the belief that talent and resilience can triumph over past setbacks.