NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Giants, Patriots trade up; Redskins land defensive help

After signing Rodger Saffold to a deal, the Titans have plugged one of the holes they have at the guard position. But if they want to avoid getting Marcus Mariota sacked 11 times in one game (which did happen last year), they will need to continue to upgrade the unit.

With this selection, Cody Ford makes a lot of sense. The big-bodied blocker from Oklahoma played right tackle in his final year with the team, but he seems like a stronger fit at guard at the next level. He is, at best, an average athlete, but his size and strength should allow him to be a mauler in the run game at the least.

Ford has a 6-4, 329-pound frame that should allow him to consistently win with strength at the point of attack. He also has very solid technique that helps to make up for his overall lack of athleticism. That said, considering his size, he won’t need to be an upper-echelon athlete. He just needs to be athletic enough to make some plays in space and stay with speed rushers.

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That said, dealing with quicker pass rushers will be the biggest area of improvement for Ford. He struggled at times with those at Oklahoma, but that came mostly at tackle. A move to guard would mitigate some of those concerns, and that’s why many expect him to move to guard at the next level, as it could best suit his skill set.

The Titans could also consider a tight end like T.J. Hockenson with this pick on a defensive lineman like Dexter Lawrence. At the moment, it seems that they would prefer to address the trenches in one way or another, so Ford and Lawrence would seemingly have the edge.