The Tennessee Titans entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear sense of urgency. The team, which has experienced highs and lows in recent seasons, was eager to address several key needs that would help push them back into playoff contention. With a franchise quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and one of the league’s most formidable running backs in Derrick Henry, the Titans already had pieces in place. But as the draft concluded, one glaring need remained, one that could ultimately define the team’s future and determine whether they can rise to the level of true Super Bowl contenders.
For the Titans, the most significant need following the 2025 NFL Draft is wide receiver. It’s a position that has been a long-standing issue for Tennessee, with the team struggling to surround Tannehill with a reliable, dynamic pass-catching group. The Titans have attempted to address this concern over the past few seasons, but the results have been mixed, and they find themselves in a precarious position heading into the upcoming campaign.
A team built around the powerful running game led by Henry has had its fair share of success, but the NFL has evolved into a league where the passing game is more vital than ever. The Titans’ lack of a consistent, explosive receiving corps has become an ever-present hurdle in their pursuit of postseason success. When Tannehill has been forced to lean on his wideouts, it’s become clear that there simply hasn’t been enough firepower to complement the ground game, especially in critical moments of the season.
In recent years, the Titans have tried to remedy this with some high-profile signings and draft picks. However, their efforts haven’t fully paid off. A.J. Brown, once considered the cornerstone of the receiving unit, was traded away to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. That move raised eyebrows, as Brown was not only the team’s best receiver but also a player with the potential to be a true game-changer. While the Titans did receive valuable draft capital in return, the absence of Brown has left a void in the receiving corps that has been hard to fill.
Since the trade, the team has leaned on a combination of veterans and young players, none of whom have been able to provide consistent production. The likes of Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Treylon Burks have all seen significant playing time, but none have stepped up as the true No. 1 option that Tannehill needs. Burks, the team’s first-round pick in 2022, was expected to develop into that role, but his production has been inconsistent, and injuries have hindered his progress. Woods, a seasoned veteran, has been a reliable contributor, but his best years are behind him, and his lack of explosiveness limits what the offense can do.
The 2025 NFL Draft provided the Titans with an opportunity to change the trajectory of their passing game, but the results were somewhat underwhelming. While they made moves to address the offensive line and other areas of need, they did not come away with a wide receiver that will immediately contribute as a top-tier target for Tannehill. While some analysts are still optimistic about the development of their young receivers, it’s clear that the Titans are still searching for that game-changing playmaker who can stretch the field, make tough catches in critical situations, and provide the spark needed to elevate the offense to the next level.
The lack of a dynamic wide receiver has already proven to be a limitation in the playoffs. In their most recent postseason appearance, the Titans struggled to generate enough passing game production to keep up with high-powered offenses. Even with Henry running wild in the backfield, the team couldn’t overcome their inability to make plays in the air. As teams have increasingly leaned on the passing game in the modern NFL, the Titans’ old-school, run-heavy approach has become more vulnerable, particularly when it faces strong defensive teams in the playoffs. Without a legitimate deep threat or a No. 1 receiver who can consistently get open and make plays, the Titans’ offense stagnates.
Tannehill, a quarterback who has been productive when he has the right pieces around him, has been asked to carry too much of the load on his own. While he has had some solid seasons, his ability to perform at a high level is directly tied to his supporting cast. In the past, he’s flourished with weapons like Brown and tight end Jonnu Smith, but without a reliable receiving group, he has often been left without many options. Tannehill has proven he can lead a team to the playoffs, but as he gets older and his contract situation becomes more uncertain, it’s crucial that the Titans provide him with the tools necessary to succeed.
Additionally, the Titans have been limited by their inability to stretch the field vertically. The lack of a true deep threat has allowed defenses to key in on Henry, loading the box and stifling his ability to break off big runs. While Henry is undoubtedly one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, even he can’t do it all by himself. When opposing defenses don’t respect the passing game, they can afford to focus all their attention on stopping the run, which makes it more difficult for the Titans to sustain long drives and score efficiently. This imbalance has been a significant factor in the team’s struggles in recent seasons.
The Titans’ draft strategy this year reflected an effort to address some of their other needs, particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary, where they added depth to both units. These moves were important, as the Titans needed to improve their protection of Tannehill and find ways to shore up their defense. However, without a playmaking wide receiver who can be a true difference-maker, all the other moves will feel like band-aids. The offense will still lack the explosiveness needed to keep up with the top teams in the league.
Looking ahead, the Titans must focus on finding a solution to their wide receiver dilemma. This could come through further development of their current players, a trade, or perhaps a splash signing in free agency. However, they must be realistic about the fact that they can’t continue to rely solely on Henry and a patchwork receiving group. If the team truly wants to compete for a Super Bowl, they need to invest in a dynamic wideout who can provide the necessary balance to their offense.
The wide receiver market is not as deep as it has been in years past, but there are still options available. Teams across the league are constantly looking to upgrade their receiving corps, and some intriguing names could hit the trade block or become available in free agency. The Titans need to be aggressive in exploring these avenues. Even if they have to part with some of their draft capital or take on a larger salary, the return on investment could be enormous.
Ultimately, the Titans’ success in the 2025 season will come down to how effectively they address their wide receiver need. If they fail to land a true No. 1 target, they will likely continue to struggle in the passing game and be forced to rely on Henry for everything. If they can find the right addition to the offense, however, they could finally take the next step and become a true contender in the AFC. The clock is ticking, and the Titans’ window with Tannehill and Henry is closing. They can’t afford to let this need go unaddressed for much longer.