With the NFL Draft just 10 days away, speculation is swirling about the Tennessee Titans’ selection at the 11th overall pick. As the clock ticks down, mock drafts have been filling with varying predictions, each proposing a different path for the Titans’ future. The Titans’ decision is one of the most highly anticipated choices, not just for the team but for the NFL landscape as a whole. After a season of significant change, including a shift in the offensive coordinator position and an underwhelming performance from their once-promising offense, the Titans are left with several key needs that could shape their draft strategy.
The Titans have been in a state of flux over the last few seasons, finding themselves in a difficult position where they have the potential to be contenders but often fall short of consistency. Their quarterback situation remains one of the most pressing issues as veteran Ryan Tannehill is no longer the player he once was. At the same time, the franchise has been hesitant to fully commit to Malik Willis, their second-year quarterback. With Tannehill’s contract expiring soon, the question surrounding the team is whether they will invest in the future by selecting a quarterback in this draft or if they will make other moves to build a better supporting cast around Tannehill or Willis.
The Titans’ offensive line has been a source of concern for several seasons. Whether it’s been injuries or poor play, the line has often failed to create holes for the team’s running back, Derrick Henry, and hasn’t provided enough protection for Tannehill or Willis. This year, the team has to focus on improving this aspect of their roster if they plan on maintaining offensive success. Henry’s production has been slightly on the decline, but the 6-foot-3, 247-pound back remains a workhorse who is still capable of carrying the offense. However, Henry’s success is often tied to the line’s ability to create holes and give him space to break tackles. If the Titans want to stay competitive in the AFC South, bolstering their offensive line will be crucial.
The Titans also find themselves in an interesting position with their receiving corps. The departure of star wide receiver A.J. Brown last year has left a significant gap that has yet to be adequately filled. The team’s top wideout, Treylon Burks, showed flashes of potential in his rookie season but has yet to prove that he can be the dynamic playmaker Tennessee needs. Behind Burks, the Titans have a mix of veterans like Robert Woods and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but no one stands out as a legitimate, game-changing option. This leaves the Titans with a glaring need for a true No. 1 receiver, someone who can take the pressure off Henry and Burks while giving Tannehill or Willis a legitimate downfield target. The question, then, is whether the team will choose to invest in a wide receiver early in the draft.
Looking at the defensive side of the ball, the Titans are in a relatively strong position. Their defense has been one of the team’s more consistent units over the past few seasons, led by stalwarts like defensive linemen Jeffrey Simmons and Denico Autry, as well as linebacker Rashaan Evans. That being said, there are still areas for improvement. One of the most pressing concerns is the secondary. The Titans have had their fair share of struggles in the defensive backfield, and this year they will need to find ways to shore up their coverage. With top cornerbacks like Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon expected to be available early in the draft, the Titans could very well opt to invest in one of these talented players to improve their secondary and boost their defense’s overall capability.
Despite their solid defense, there are questions regarding their ability to stop high-powered offenses in today’s NFL. In the AFC, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals dominating offensively, it’s clear that Tennessee must improve their defense to contend for a title. If the Titans focus their attention on improving the defense with their first pick, a cornerback or a pass rusher could be the logical selection.
The most significant unknown in all of this, however, is the team’s approach to the quarterback position. This is where the biggest debates and mock draft scenarios have revolved. Malik Willis showed a great deal of promise when he was drafted in 2022, but his performance as a rookie left much to be desired. While he possesses significant athleticism and a strong arm, his decision-making and accuracy need substantial improvement. Some believe that Willis has the potential to develop into a starter, while others argue that he might never become more than a developmental project. As the team evaluates their options, there is a growing belief that they will either stick with Tannehill for at least another season or make a move to bring in a more experienced quarterback via free agency or trade.
The alternative scenario would be for the Titans to draft a quarterback. Several intriguing prospects are available in this year’s draft, including quarterbacks like Will Levis from Kentucky, Anthony Richardson from Florida, and Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Levis has shown flashes of brilliance, though he has been inconsistent at times. Richardson, on the other hand, has tremendous upside thanks to his athleticism and raw talent, but he is still very much a developmental project. Hooker, the most polished of the group, had an excellent season at Tennessee before suffering an ACL injury. Despite the injury, Hooker has garnered significant attention as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick. The question for the Titans is whether they want to roll the dice on one of these young quarterbacks or whether they’ll wait until next year’s draft class, which promises to be deeper at the position.
As we approach the final stretch leading up to the draft, one of the major factors in determining the Titans’ pick is likely to be the moves made by other teams around them. The draft order and the needs of teams ahead of Tennessee will certainly play a role in shaping the choices available to them. For example, if a team like the Indianapolis Colts or the Houston Texans selects a quarterback early, that could drastically alter the board for Tennessee’s pick. Additionally, the Titans’ decision could be influenced by potential trade offers, as they have often been active in moving up or down the draft board in past drafts.
It’s also worth noting that the Titans have a relatively tight salary cap situation and may need to consider how they balance their immediate needs with long-term cap flexibility. While they would love to add a marquee player to the roster, they will also have to keep an eye on future contract commitments, particularly as key players like Simmons and Henry come up for extensions. This might lead the Titans to prioritize positions that offer more immediate value or take the best player available, regardless of position, to avoid reaching for a player out of need.
Ultimately, there is no shortage of possibilities for the Titans at the 11th pick, and the uncertainty surrounding their direction makes them one of the most interesting teams to watch on draft night. Whether they focus on shoring up their offensive line, adding a dynamic wide receiver, or investing in a quarterback to replace Tannehill, the team’s decision will have long-term implications for the franchise. In what is shaping up to be a wide-open AFC, the Titans’ draft pick could be the difference between staying relevant in the playoff picture or taking a step backward in an increasingly competitive division.
One thing is certain: the Tennessee Titans’ pick will be one of the most scrutinized selections in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the team’s direction will undoubtedly shape the future of their roster for years to come. As we count down the days to the draft, the debate surrounding who the Titans will pick is only just beginning, and fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the moment when their team’s future is secured with their first-round selection.