With it looking increasingly likely that the Tennessee Titans won’t be bringing Logan Ryan back in 2020, it begs the question: who will replace him at slot corner next season?
While we can talk about free-agent options or even those in the draft, the first name that comes to my mind in this conversation is Amani Hooker, the Titans’ 2019 fourth-round pick.
He was labeled as a safety coming out of college, but do we really believe he was drafted to play that position when the Titans have Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard locked up and playing nearly 100 percent of snaps every game?
Of course not.
The real reason general manager Jon Robinson likely drafted Hooker is because the Iowa product was an elite slot corner in college, per Pro Football Focus.
Robinson taking Hooker might have been the writing on the wall then that Ryan wouldn’t be back past 2019.
Take this for what it’s worth, but Hooker made a post on Instagram on Sunday with the caption “in due time”, which could be foreshadowing an increased role next season.
There will be plenty of people out there who will be a bit apprehensive about a second-year player taking over for Ryan, who was undoubtedly a valued member of this defense last season.
However, Ryan wasn’t exactly great in coverage, as he allowed more passing yards than any cornerback in the NFL. He permitted a 66 percent completion rate when targeted.
Adding to that, Ryan isn’t exactly fleet of foot, which is increasingly important against speedy receivers in today’s NFL.
Hooker gives the Titans an upgrade in the speed department, and he could provide just as good — and quite possibly better — play in coverage for much cheaper. Ryan is looking for at least $10 million annually, while Hooker will make just $858,370 in his second season.
In due time, Hooker might make us forget all about the Titans letting Ryan walk in free agency.
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