2024 NFL Draft: Why Titans should jump at a chance to trade down from No. 7

Many see the Titans' strategy with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft as simple: Take Joe Alt (assuming he's available). 

Notre Dame's All-American left tackle is the prospect who's been most commonly mocked to Tennessee, which needs a blindside protector for second-year quarterback Will Levis. Left tackle is the Titans' most glaring weakness, and Alt is widely considered to be the best in this year's class among draft pundits. 

[ROB RANG: 2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years ]

Receiver is also a big need in Nashville, even with the addition of Calvin Ridley in free agency. Tennessee has a dearth of young talent at the spot. It's why prospects like LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze should be on the radar for the Titans. Both of them have also been popular choices in mock drafts for the franchise. 

At least one of Alt, Nabers and Odunze is expected to be available when the Titans are on the clock Thursday. So no one would fault Tennessee for staying put to take one of them, or whoever else is at the top of its board. 

But there should be serious consideration to trading back if the opportunity presents itself. 

"I like 7, but I'm open," Titans general manager Ran Carthon said at the combine. "We have to listen to any offers that may come. Our long-term goal is to build this football team into a consistent winner. And the way you do that is building through the draft. And off of that, you need draft picks to do that."

Earlier this offseason, we watched the Titans be one of the most aggressive spenders in free agency, signing the likes of Ridley (four years, $92 million), running back Tony Pollard (three years, $21.75 million), center Lloyd Cushenberry