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          NFL Nation

          Being Titans' pick at No. 1 important to Laremy Tunsil

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          Kiper Jr. breaks down Tunsil, Elliott (1:52)

          ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. analyzes how Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil will have to prove his durability heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, and says Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott needs to prove why he's the top running back prospect. (1:52)

          • Paul Kuharsky, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 25, 2016, 07:06 AM ET
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            • Covered AFC South for five years for ESPN.com
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          INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil has always dreamed about being the first pick in the NFL draft. He said at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday that he thinks he’s worthy of it.

          “Being the No. 1 pick would be great,” he said. “That’s been my goal since I was a little kid.”

          Barring a trade, if he is the first selection he will join the Tennessee Titans and be charged with helping protect Marcus Mariota. It’s a move that would prompt the Titans to move Taylor Lewan, picked 11th in 2014, to right tackle.

          Tunsil said being close to Ole Miss as he arrives in the NFL would be great, but that he has a lot he’d need to learn about the Titans.

          Some analysts believe the gap between Tunsil and Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley won’t be significant once they both settle into the league.

          “We’ve got to push each other,” Tunsil said. “You can’t run away from competition. I think Ronnie Stanley is a great tackle. But you can’t run away from competition.”

          Tunsil said he wants to work on his run-blocking and being more vocal. He seeks to get a little heavier in the lower body and improve his explosion.

          Stanley said he hears some people question his passion and that he has to prove how much he loves football.

          “I don’t think many people know how important football is to me,” he said.

          If the Titans decide Tunsil is a singular player, I wouldn’t have an issue with him as the top choice.

          But if Tunsil and Stanley and Michigan State’s Jack Conklin aren’t separated by a lot, the Titans would be better served to leave Lewan where he is, find a quality veteran right tackle and find a different premium player at the top of the draft or following a trade down.