As the Tennessee Titans prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are on the roster and what moves the team will make to strengthen their lineup. With 65 players under contract heading into the draft, the Titans’ front office has a solid foundation to work with. However, in a league that constantly evolves, no roster is ever fully set until the final picks are made, and the Titans’ decision-makers are likely to keep making moves to put their best foot forward in the upcoming season.
Heading into the draft, the Titans’ roster features a mix of young talent, experienced veterans, and key position battles that will be critical for the team’s success in 2025. For the Titans, this year’s draft is pivotal, as the team looks to balance its immediate goals of staying competitive with longer-term rebuilding efforts. With the draft approaching, it’s important to break down where the team stands at each position and what might be in store for the upcoming season.
Quarterback: The Future of the Franchise?
At the quarterback position, the Titans find themselves at a crossroads. Ryan Tannehill has been the team’s starting quarterback for several years, leading the Titans to the playoffs in multiple seasons, including a run to the AFC Championship game in 2019. However, Tannehill’s age and the Titans’ evolving roster have created questions about the future. Last season, rookie Will Levis was brought in with the hope that he could eventually become the franchise quarterback, and that vision could be closer to reality this season.
Tannehill, still capable of playing at a high level, enters the season with the pressure of knowing that Levis is waiting in the wings. The team’s decision at quarterback may be influenced by how quickly Levis develops and whether Tannehill can elevate the team in the short term. There’s also the chance that the Titans could explore the draft to add depth at the position or even a long-term solution.
Running Back: The Heart of the Offense
No position on the Titans roster is more emblematic of the team’s identity than running back. For the past several years, Derrick Henry has been the focal point of the offense. A two-time NFL rushing champion and one of the most dominant backs in modern history, Henry is as synonymous with the Titans as any player in franchise history. Despite his age, he remains one of the league’s most physically imposing backs, and the Titans still rely heavily on him to carry the load.
However, questions are starting to arise about Henry’s long-term future in Tennessee. With the team’s overall direction uncertain, it’s possible the Titans could look to trade Henry before the season, or at the very least, begin to look for a future replacement. The Titans have other options at running back in the form of second-year back Tyjae Spears, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season. Spears is seen as a potential future contributor, and the team may choose to use him more heavily in 2025. This could create an intriguing dynamic in the backfield, as Henry’s workload could be reduced to preserve his health, while Spears could step up and prove himself as a capable number-two option.
Wide Receiver: A Work in Progress
The wide receiver position is another area where the Titans have seen significant turnover. A.J. Brown’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles left a major void in the Titans’ receiving corps, and while rookie Treylon Burks has shown promise, he hasn’t quite filled the shoes of the team’s former star wideout. Burks has the talent to be a number-one receiver, but consistency remains an issue. Other players, such as Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chris Moore, have been solid contributors but lack the explosive ability to truly elevate the passing game.
As the draft approaches, the Titans could be looking for ways to upgrade their receiving corps. A deep class of wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft presents the opportunity to add a playmaker who could immediately make an impact. The Titans may prioritize a wide receiver early in the draft, particularly one who could complement Burks and help bring balance to the offense. The goal would be to give Levis, or Tannehill, a legitimate downfield threat to pair with Burks and create a more dynamic passing attack.
Offensive Line: The Foundation for Success
While the Titans’ offense has had its struggles in recent years, one position group that remains a strong foundation is the offensive line. The Titans’ offensive line is a physical group, known for its ability to create space in the running game. Taylor Lewan, a veteran left tackle, has been a cornerstone of that unit, but with his future in question, there are opportunities for younger players to step up and prove themselves. With key players like Lewan potentially on the move or nearing the end of their careers, the Titans may look to draft a potential long-term answer at tackle or guard.
The success of the offensive line is critical to the team’s success, particularly in a run-heavy offense. If they can establish the line of scrimmage and create lanes for Henry, the Titans’ offense will be far more effective. The team may use the draft to add depth along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, where the future remains uncertain.
Defensive Line: The Strength of the Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans have a well-established group of players who have consistently performed at a high level. Jeffery Simmons, one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, anchors the unit. Simmons is a rare combination of power and explosiveness, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback and clog running lanes makes him indispensable to the Titans’ defense. Alongside Simmons, veteran defensive end Denico Autry continues to provide stability and leadership on the defensive line.
While the defensive line is strong overall, the Titans could look to add another piece to the rotation. Depth has been an issue in recent seasons, and the team could use the draft to bolster their defensive line, especially if they look to move on from certain veterans or add youth for the future. With Simmons as the centerpiece, adding a player who can complement him and take some of the pressure off the defensive front could make a big difference.
Linebacker: A Position of Stability
At linebacker, the Titans feature a solid core, including veteran David Long Jr. and rising star Monty Rice. Both have shown the ability to be impactful players, but the unit could use more depth, particularly in terms of speed and coverage ability. The Titans may look for a versatile linebacker in the draft, someone who can contribute in multiple ways and add to the team’s coverage schemes.
The linebacker position is critical for the Titans, as it is the foundation for their run defense and plays a key role in pass coverage. Long has proven to be a capable tackler, while Rice has shown promise as a coverage linebacker. With the NFL evolving toward more pass-heavy offenses, the Titans may look to add a linebacker who can help them compete in the modern game.
Secondary: The Need for Playmakers
The secondary has been a weak spot for the Titans in recent seasons. While they have some solid contributors in cornerback Kristian Fulton and safety Kevin Byard, the group as a whole lacks the playmaking ability that other top defenses possess. The team has struggled with consistency in the back end, and this year’s draft could provide an opportunity to add a difference-maker to the secondary.
The Titans will need to address the cornerback position, particularly in terms of depth and talent. A ball-hawking corner or safety could be a game-changer for the defense, allowing them to make key plays in critical situations. The draft is deep in defensive backs, and the Titans will likely target this position in an attempt to elevate their defense to the next level.
Special Teams: A Stable Unit
The special teams unit has been a relative strength for the Titans in recent years. Kicker Nick Folk and punter Ryan Stonehouse provide a solid foundation, while the return game has been serviceable. While not an area of immediate concern, the team could look to add competition to special teams during the draft, particularly in the return game.
What’s Next for the Titans?
With the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Titans find themselves in a position to make strategic moves that will impact the direction of the team for years to come. With 65 players under contract, there’s plenty of talent on the roster, but there are still key areas in need of improvement. From upgrading the wide receiver corps to adding depth on the defensive line and in the secondary, the Titans will need to make calculated decisions to balance the needs of today with the team’s long-term goals.
The upcoming draft presents a golden opportunity for the Titans to improve their roster and build around their young players. Whether they decide to focus on adding immediate contributors or plan for the future, one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft could be a turning point for the Titans, setting the stage for a new era in Nashville.