The Tennessee Titans, like any NFL team, face tough decisions when it comes to shaping their roster. Draft picks are often seen as the future of a franchise, but not every pick pans out as expected. Here’s a look at three recent Tennessee Titans draft picks who were cut, shedding light on the challenges and unpredictabilities of the NFL.
### 1. **Dez Fitzpatrick (WR) – 2021 Draft, 4th Round**
Dez Fitzpatrick was selected by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with hopes that he could develop into a solid contributor at wide receiver. Despite a promising college career at Louisville, Fitzpatrick struggled to make an impact in the NFL. His time with the Titans was marked by inconsistency, and he was unable to secure a spot in the receiving corps. After being waived and re-signed to the practice squad, Fitzpatrick was ultimately released before the 2023 season. This cut was a disappointment, as the Titans had invested significant draft capital in him, hoping he could fill a void in their receiving unit.
### 2. **Isaiah Wilson (OT) – 2020 Draft, 1st Round**
Isaiah Wilson’s story is one of the most notable recent draft busts for the Titans. Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Wilson was expected to be a cornerstone on the offensive line. However, his time with the Titans was plagued by off-field issues, including multiple incidents that raised concerns about his commitment and maturity. Wilson played only a handful of snaps in his rookie season and was placed on the non-football injury list. The Titans quickly lost patience, and Wilson was traded to the Miami Dolphins in March 2021, only to be cut by the Dolphins days later. His release by the Titans was a significant blow, highlighting the risks that come with high draft picks.
### 3. **Rashad Weaver (OLB) – 2021 Draft, 4th Round**
Rashad Weaver was another 2021 draft pick who didn’t meet expectations. Drafted in the fourth round as a pass rusher from Pittsburgh, Weaver was viewed as a potential impact player on defense. While he showed flashes of potential, injuries and inconsistent play prevented him from securing a long-term role on the team. Weaver’s release in 2023 was part of the Titans’ effort to revamp their defense, signaling that he hadn’t developed as the team had hoped.
In summary, the Titans’ decisions to cut these recent draft picks underscore the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. Even highly-touted prospects can struggle to transition to the professional level, and teams must continuously adapt as they strive to build a competitive roster.
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