There are many in NFL circles who believe former USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is the most talented player in the 2015 NFL Draft. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock is among them.
Williams is not expected to go No. 1 overall to Tampa Bay, however, and as a result Mayock thinks the Titans, who have the No. 2 pick, could be in prime position to land the best player in the draft if they opt not to take quarterback Marcus Mariota.
"They could go a bunch of different ways (at No. 2 overall), it's really intriguing," Mayock said on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Monday. "Leonard Williams fits them like a glove. He makes sense for them. Or, there's the intrigue of a trade."
Williams is no doubt a top option for the Titans, who have a major need along the defensive line. His combination of size, strength and athleticism along with his ability to play multiple positions should make him an excellent fit in the Titans' 3-4 scheme. But a potential trade involving the No. 2 overall pick does loom large.
One scenario discussed recently on NFL Network's "Path to the Draft" even sees the Titans swapping first-round selections with the San Diego Chargers in exchange for Philip Rivers. While that would give the Titans their first franchise quarterback since Steve McNair, Mayock said he believes the Titans would be bypassing a potentially special player in Williams, who could develop into one of the best defensive players in the league.
"He reminds me a lot of Richard Seymour when he came out, who was drafted at No. 6 overall. A little of J.J. Watt," said Mayock. "(Williams) is a natural five-technique who can play up and down the line of scrimmage. He's kind of a no-brainer, I think, if he continues to want to be the best player."
Williams is No. 1 on NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's Top 50 prospects list. His star potential will certainly present the Titans with an interesting option or two with the second overall pick in a few weeks.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
