A decision-maker for the Tennessee Titans gives a clear indication on the first NFL Draft pick.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Tennessee Titans stand at a crucial crossroads in their journey toward rebuilding and returning to playoff contention. The team’s decision on the first overall pick could set the tone for their future, shaping the roster and determining the direction of the franchise for years to come. With so many potential prospects available, from dynamic wide receivers to aggressive pass rushers, the Titans’ front office faces an unenviable task: selecting the player who will provide the most immediate impact while fitting into the team’s long-term vision.

While the Titans have kept their cards close to the chest, hints and signals have emerged in recent weeks suggesting that they may have a clearer idea of their plans for the first pick. A recent interview with one of the decision-makers within the organization has provided valuable insight into how the Titans’ front office is approaching this critical decision. This piece will explore the clues provided by this insider, examining the players the Titans are reportedly focusing on and how these options align with the team’s current roster and future needs.

The Titans’ Rebuilding Project

Before diving into the specific players being considered for the first pick, it’s important to take a step back and assess where the Titans currently stand. After a few seasons of underperforming despite having some key players like Derrick Henry and Jeffrey Simmons, the Titans have clearly entered a rebuilding phase. Ryan Tannehill’s time as the team’s quarterback is coming to an end, and the offensive line has shown signs of wear and tear. The team has struggled with consistency, especially in the passing game, and their defense, while solid, has lacked the dynamic playmakers needed to compete at a championship level.

In an interview earlier this offseason, a Titans decision-maker hinted at the direction the team would likely take with the first pick. The individual, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of selecting a player who can contribute right away but also fit into the team’s long-term vision. “We’re not just looking at the short-term,” the decision-maker said. “We need someone who can be a cornerstone for this franchise, not just a one-year wonder. We want a guy who can impact the game immediately, but who will also be part of the foundation for the next decade.”

The mention of “cornerstone” and “foundation” strongly suggests that the Titans are targeting a player who can be a game-changer on either side of the ball and someone who can grow with the team. With this in mind, let’s explore the two main players that seem to be the focus of the Titans’ decision-making process: Travis Hunter, the versatile cornerback and wide receiver from Jackson State, and Abdul Carter, the explosive linebacker from Penn State.

Travis Hunter: The Dual Threat

The Case for Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter’s unique dual-threat abilities make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class. At 6’1″ and 165 pounds, Hunter has the athleticism, speed, and skill set to be a game-changer both as a cornerback and as a wide receiver. His exceptional ball skills, quickness, and vision have allowed him to dominate on both sides of the ball during his college career at Jackson State. As a cornerback, Hunter has proven to be a shutdown defender, able to match up with the best wide receivers in the nation. On offense, his agility and route-running make him a dangerous weapon who can stretch the field and create mismatches.

The decision-maker’s comments about selecting a player who can be a “cornerstone” for the franchise align with Hunter’s unique skill set. The Titans have long struggled with their passing attack, particularly after trading away A.J. Brown in 2022. While Derrick Henry remains the focal point of the offense, Tennessee’s receiving corps has been inconsistent. By selecting Hunter, the Titans would be adding a dynamic weapon who could contribute immediately as both a defensive back and a wide receiver, thus addressing two of their biggest needs at once.

Moreover, Hunter’s versatility provides the Titans with the ability to be creative in their offensive and defensive schemes. He could be deployed in various ways, creating potential mismatches against opposing defenses. His playmaking ability, combined with his work ethic, makes him a potentially perfect fit for the Titans’ current needs and future aspirations.

Concerns with Hunter

However, there are also questions about whether Hunter’s transition from Jackson State to the NFL will be smooth. Though he has demonstrated impressive skills in college, the level of competition he faced was not always on par with what he will encounter in the NFL. His jump from the FCS to the NFL could involve a period of adjustment, especially in terms of facing elite wide receivers week in and week out.

Furthermore, while Hunter has shown flashes as a wide receiver, his experience in this role has been somewhat limited compared to his work as a cornerback. While his natural talent could allow him to make an immediate impact on offense, there may be a learning curve as he refines his route running and develops chemistry with Tennessee’s quarterback.

Despite these concerns, Hunter’s upside is undeniable. His combination of athleticism, versatility, and natural playmaking ability makes him a top candidate for the Titans’ first overall pick.

Abdul Carter: The Defensive Force

The Case for Abdul Carter

While Travis Hunter’s versatility and dynamic potential have earned him significant attention, Abdul Carter, a linebacker from Penn State, has also emerged as a top contender for the Titans’ first overall selection. At 6’2″ and 246 pounds, Carter has the physical attributes to be a force on the field. He is a highly skilled pass rusher with the ability to disrupt quarterbacks, as well as an excellent tackler who can stop the run. Carter’s ability to read the game and cover both tight ends and running backs out of the backfield makes him a versatile asset in modern NFL defenses.

The decision-maker for the Titans has expressed the need to “build a strong foundation” and “create a defense that can dominate.” Carter fits this description perfectly. His ability to immediately step into a starting role and provide an impact in the Titans’ linebacker corps would address one of the team’s most pressing needs. The Titans have long been in need of a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can affect the game in multiple ways, and Carter fits that mold. His leadership and aggressive style would make him a perfect fit for a Titans defense that already has strong pieces like Jeffrey Simmons and Harold Landry.

Moreover, Carter’s ability to rush the passer could help the Titans elevate their pass rush to a new level. In an AFC South division that features strong offenses, having a linebacker who can generate consistent pressure and be a versatile weapon in the middle of the defense would be crucial.

Concerns with Carter

The main concern with Carter is his ability to transition from college to the NFL, particularly in terms of his coverage skills. While he has shown promise in coverage, there are still questions about whether he can consistently handle the demands of covering faster, more athletic NFL players. His pass-rush technique also requires refinement, as he can occasionally struggle to disengage from blockers at times.

Despite these concerns, Carter’s potential to be a top-tier linebacker at the NFL level is evident. He possesses the physical tools, instincts, and work ethic to be a key building block for the Titans’ defense. Given the team’s emphasis on creating a dominant defensive unit, Carter would be an ideal fit as the first pick.

What the Titans Are Looking For

So, with all of these factors in mind, what is the Titans’ front office looking for in their first overall pick? From the decision-maker’s comments, it seems clear that the team is focused on finding a player who can contribute immediately but also be a cornerstone for the franchise moving forward. The Titans are likely looking for a player who has the potential to make an immediate impact on either side of the ball, with a long-term trajectory that will help them build a championship-caliber team.

Both Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter would fulfill these needs. Hunter offers immediate impact both on offense and defense, making him an attractive choice for a Titans team that needs a playmaker at wide receiver and cornerback. His versatility could allow the Titans to address multiple weaknesses in one selection.

Carter, on the other hand, offers immediate impact as a linebacker and potential pass rusher, helping to solidify the Titans’ defense. Given the team’s current roster, Carter could be an ideal fit for a defense that needs a leader in the middle. His ability to be a game-changer on defense could help elevate the Titans to new heights in the AFC South.

 Which Player Will the Titans Choose?

After analyzing the Titans’ current needs, the potential of each player, and the decision-maker’s comments, it seems that the Titans are leaning toward selecting a player who can be a difference-maker on defense. While Hunter’s offensive versatility makes him an intriguing option, the Titans may feel that building a strong defense with Carter, who can immediately contribute in both coverage and pass rushing, will be the key to their success.

The decision-makers may ultimately choose Carter for his ability to immediately impact the defense, set the tone in the middle of the field, and help elevate the Titans’ defense to elite status. Whether the Titans select Hunter or Carter, both players have the potential to reshape the team and lead them toward future success.