Potential Titans Draft Strategy for 2025 🏈

With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, excitement and anticipation abound, particularly for the Tennessee Titans, who hold the coveted first overall pick. This year, the decision isn't quite as clear-cut as in previous seasons. While the Titans find themselves in dire need of a quarterback, the two leading prospects come with reservations, lacking the total assurance that would typically accompany a franchise QB pick. Besides quarterback, the Titans must also address substantial gaps on their roster, specifically at edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver. Each position presents exciting talent that could justify the top pick.

The Case for Trading Back 🔄

One alternative the Titans might consider is trading down from the first pick. A partnership with the New York Giants, for example, could net an impressive bounty of additional draft capital. This strategy would enable the Titans to secure a lesser pick yet still land a top-tier player addressing their needs. Given the depth in this year’s draft, such a maneuver could provide both immediate support and essential long-term value to the franchise.

However, for this mock draft, we'll tap into the prospect of the Titans making their pick at first overall, concentrating on finding a new leader to galvanize the franchise.

Round 1, Pick 1: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado 🏆

While Shedeur Sanders may not boast world-class athleticism or a cannon for an arm, he fulfills every requirement to thrive as an NFL quarterback. Remarkably, his adjusted completion percentage for the 2024 season was an impressive 81.9%, which ranked second nationally. When provided protection, he displayed remarkable accuracy and poise, contributing 18 big-time throws—the eighth highest in the nation—while maintaining a minimal turnover-worthy play rate of just 0.5%.

Delving into more advanced metrics, Sanders excelled in intermediate passing, ranking fourth with a passing grade of 92.8 and an adjusted completion percentage of 70.9% on throws between 10-19 yards. Despite being often backed by a deficiency-riddled offensive line, Sanders managed to conjure magic and demonstrated the qualities indicative of a franchise quarterback.

Round 2, Pick 35: Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State 💪

In the second round, the Titans should look to bolster their defense with edge rusher Jack Sawyer. During his time at Ohio State, Sawyer developed into one of the more formidable defenders, recording a pass-rush win rate above 17% in both of his last two seasons. Additionally, he tallied an impressive 33 run stops versus only six missed tackles across 591 combined run plays in 2023 and 2024. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game would dramatically aid the Titans' defensive unit.

Round 4, Pick 102: WR Tre Harris, Mississippi 🚀

By the fourth round, the Titans should target Tre Harris, a dynamic wide receiver who transferred from Louisiana Tech to Ole Miss in 2023. Harris exploded onto the scene with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, showcasing his ability to create plays after the catch—841 of his total 2,080 yards came after an initial reception. His prowess for creating explosive plays downfield could add a new dimension to the Titans' offense and provide much-needed support for their future quarterback.

Round 4, Pick 119: CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas 🛡️

Following up, Cobee Bryant from Kansas represents an excellent pick in the fourth round, reinforcing the secondary. Bryant delivered a stellar senior season where he secured four interceptions and forced nine incompletions. He also received high praise for his run defense, achieving the second-highest run defense grade among cornerbacks nationwide at 91.3. Adding him to the roster would fortify the Titans' pass defense while enhancing their overall competitiveness.

Round 5, Pick 142: Edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech 🔥

In the fifth round, the Titans could grab another edge rusher, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who switched to Virginia Tech from Florida in 2023. Over his two seasons with the Hokies, Powell-Ryland managed to exceed 50 total pressures, indicating his relentless pursuit and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding more pass-rushing talent will allow the Titans to keep attacking their adversaries defensively.

Round 5, Pick 168: OL Jack Nelson, Wisconsin 🛠️

Continuing to fortify the offensive line, the Titans should select Jack Nelson in the fifth round. Nelson experienced a breakout season at Wisconsin in 2024, only allowing a single sack and one quarterback hit while in pass protection. Given how vital protection is for a young quarterback, adding Nelson could offer a significant safeguard against pressure while aiding the rushing attack.

Round 6, Pick 180: DL Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech 🐝

With their sixth-round choice, the Titans can explore talent on the defensive line, selecting Zeek Biggers from Georgia Tech. Biggers delivered an impressive showing, particularly notable against top-ranked opponents like Notre Dame, where he recorded three tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield adds invaluable depth to the defensive line.

Round 7, Pick 241: OL Nash Jones, Texas State 🌟

To cap the draft, the Titans should look to Nash Jones, an offensive lineman from Texas State. Over his senior season, Jones proved his mettle on 458 pass-blocking snaps without conceding a sack and only allowing three quarterback hits. Strengthening the offensive line is critical for the long-term health of the team, especially as they venture into a new era under a potential franchise quarterback.

The 2025 draft promises an array of opportunities for the Titans, allowing them to address pressing needs while building a foundation for future success. Whether they trade down or choose to leverage the top pick for a transformative player, the journey ahead should be thrilling for fans and analysts alike! 🎉