The NFL draft is a time of great anticipation for teams, players, and fans alike. Every year, the draft serves as a critical juncture where franchises can reshape their rosters and set the course for future success. For the Tennessee Titans, the 2025 NFL draft will be no different. As one of the league’s most intriguing teams, the Titans are looking to continue their quest for a return to the playoffs and championship contention. This year, many of the team’s needs are clear, and as the draft approaches, analysts, including NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein, have been speculating about who the Titans might select to address those needs.
In Zierlein’s most recent mock draft, his prediction for the Titans’ first-round pick comes as no surprise to those familiar with the team’s current roster and organizational needs. The Titans have been vocal about their desire to improve their offensive line, boost their wide receiver corps, and find a quarterback of the future. Given these priorities, Zierlein’s latest mock draft selection for the Titans is a player who could have a significant impact on the future of the franchise.
For the Titans, the focus of the 2025 draft is primarily on building a more dynamic, balanced offense. Over the past few years, the team’s offense has been largely defined by the dominance of running back Derrick Henry. While Henry is undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best and most unique players, the Titans have struggled to balance their offense with a reliable passing game. The lack of consistent wide receivers and the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s future have left the offense in a state of flux. As the Titans look to become a more well-rounded and dangerous team, they must focus on adding pieces that can elevate the passing game and provide Tannehill (or a potential future quarterback) with the weapons needed to succeed.
In his latest mock draft, Zierlein predicts that the Titans will use their first-round pick on a wide receiver. This selection would address one of the team’s most pressing needs, as the Titans have been unable to find a consistent No. 1 receiver since trading away A.J. Brown. The receiver position has been a significant point of concern, with several players in recent years failing to step up and claim the role of top target. As a result, Tennessee has struggled to develop a passing attack that can take pressure off of Henry, who has been the focal point of the offense.
Zierlein’s choice of wide receiver for the Titans makes perfect sense. It is no secret that Tennessee is in dire need of a playmaker at the position. While the team has a handful of solid contributors, such as Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, none of these players have emerged as a true No. 1 threat. Burks, who was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of promise but has been inconsistent. His development will be critical for the Titans, but it is clear that the team needs more weapons on the outside to complement him.
The Titans’ inability to consistently stretch the field and make explosive plays in the passing game has put significant pressure on their running game. Defenses have been able to focus primarily on stopping Henry, knowing that the Titans’ passing attack lacks the firepower to truly threaten them. If the Titans are to become a more balanced offense, they need to add a receiver who can make defenses respect the passing game and create opportunities for the running game to thrive. A talented wide receiver who can create separation, run precise routes, and make plays after the catch would provide just the spark the Titans need.
Zierlein’s selection of a wide receiver is also underscored by the overall depth of the position in the 2025 draft. This year’s wide receiver class is expected to be one of the strongest in recent memory, with several top-tier prospects who could immediately contribute at the NFL level. Among the names that have been frequently linked to the Titans are players like Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, Emeka Egbuka, and Malik Nabers of LSU. These are dynamic, versatile receivers who would provide the Titans with exactly what they need: a legitimate playmaker on the outside.
Harrison, in particular, has been one of the most talked-about players in college football. As the son of NFL legend Marvin Harrison, he possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. He has the potential to be an instant impact player at the NFL level, and his skill set is perfectly suited for the Titans’ offense. His ability to stretch the field with his speed, combined with his strong hands and ability to make contested catches, would make him an ideal fit for the Titans.
While wide receiver is a clear need for Tennessee, it’s also worth noting that the team has other areas that could benefit from attention in the draft. The offensive line, for example, has been a point of concern for the Titans in recent years. Injuries and inconsistent play have made it difficult for the team to establish a dominant presence in the trenches, which in turn has affected the team’s ability to execute in both the running and passing games. A strong offensive line is essential for any successful offense, and the Titans would be wise to consider bolstering their front five in the draft. However, given the depth of the wide receiver class and the importance of finding a No. 1 receiver, it seems likely that the Titans will prioritize adding a playmaker at wide receiver early in the draft.
Additionally, while the Titans’ quarterback situation has been a point of discussion, the team is unlikely to draft a quarterback in the first round this year. Tannehill, while not the long-term solution for the Titans, still provides a level of stability for the offense. The team also has Malik Willis, a promising young quarterback who has shown flashes of potential but is still developing. With a strong draft class of quarterbacks likely to emerge in future years, the Titans may choose to address the quarterback position in a later round or in the next draft. For now, the focus will likely remain on building up the offensive weapons around Tannehill and Willis to ensure the team can compete at a high level.
As Zierlein’s mock draft illustrates, the Titans’ needs are clear, and a wide receiver selection would help them address one of their most pressing concerns. While some fans may hope for a flashy selection at quarterback or a high-profile offensive lineman, the reality is that adding a top-tier receiver is the most logical move for the Titans at this stage. By investing in a dynamic playmaker who can take the pressure off of Henry and provide Tannehill with a reliable target, the Titans can take a major step toward becoming a more balanced and potent offense.
The Titans’ draft strategy will have a significant impact on the future of the team. In selecting a wide receiver, they would signal their commitment to building a more diverse and explosive offensive unit. With a talented receiver in place, the Titans could shift from being a one-dimensional offense to a team that can attack defenses from multiple angles. The right draft pick could be the difference between a playoff berth and another disappointing season.
As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Titans and their decision-making process. With Lance Zierlein’s prediction pointing toward a wide receiver selection, it seems clear that the Titans will continue their efforts to improve their offense and build a team that can compete with the league’s best. For fans of the Titans, the excitement is palpable, and the hope is that this year’s draft will set the stage for a more successful and dynamic future. Whether it’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or another top-tier prospect, the Titans’ first-round pick will be a crucial moment in the team’s journey to becoming a championship contender once again.