What would the Tennessee Titans receive if they traded for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and with it, the possibility of teams making significant moves to secure top-tier talent. The first overall pick is typically one of the most coveted assets in the NFL Draft, offering a franchise the opportunity to select a generational talent or address a glaring positional need. For teams like the Tennessee Titans, who may be looking to retool or pivot toward a new era of success, the prospect of trading for the first overall pick can be an intriguing proposition.

But what would the Titans receive in return for trading for the first overall pick? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the context surrounding the Titans’ current roster, their draft strategy, the player pool available in the 2025 NFL Draft, and what potential trade offers could look like.

The Tennessee Titans: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Tennessee Titans have been a solid team in recent years, with a strong defense and a productive offense led by running back Derrick Henry. However, the franchise has faced challenges in terms of long-term stability at the quarterback position, which has hindered their ability to consistently compete for championships. Ryan Tannehill, the team’s current starting quarterback, has been a reliable option, but he is entering the later stages of his career and has shown signs of regression. Additionally, the team has struggled to surround him with consistent playmakers at wide receiver.

As the Titans look to the future, there is a strong possibility that they will want to either draft or trade for a young quarterback who can lead the team for the next decade. Given the state of the franchise, it would not be surprising if the Titans seriously considered trading for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure that franchise quarterback or another game-changing prospect.

2025 NFL Draft: Key Players to Consider

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event, with a number of top-tier players expected to be available, especially at the quarterback position. As of now, the 2025 draft class is expected to include several standout quarterbacks, but the most notable names that are likely to go high in the draft include Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, and Quinn Ewers of Texas. These quarterbacks are expected to be the centerpiece of any draft discussions, and they would certainly be at the top of the list for a team like the Titans looking to secure a future franchise leader.

In addition to quarterbacks, there are a few other players who could entice the Titans to trade up for the first overall pick. For instance, top-tier offensive linemen and game-changing defensive players, like edge rushers and cornerbacks, could also be among the prospects who could potentially sway the Titans’ decision-making process.

However, the primary consideration for the Titans would likely be the quarterback position. If they decide that they need to make a bold move to secure their next signal-caller, trading for the first overall pick could provide them with the opportunity to select Caleb Williams, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who is widely regarded as the best quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Williams is expected to be a future superstar and would immediately elevate the Titans’ offense. His skill set, leadership, and ability to create plays both in and out of the pocket would make him an ideal fit for a Titans team looking to move into the next chapter.

Assessing the Value of the First Overall Pick

To understand what the Titans would need to offer to trade for the first overall pick, it’s crucial to evaluate the typical value of the top pick in the draft. The first overall pick often comes with a hefty price tag in terms of draft capital, especially when a franchise quarterback is expected to be the selection. Historically, the price for moving up to the first overall pick has varied, but it is generally agreed that it takes a significant haul of picks to move that high.

The Chicago Bears found themselves in a similar position in 2023, as they held the first overall pick and decided to trade it to the Carolina Panthers. In return, the Bears received the Panthers’ 2023 first-round pick (No. 9 overall), a second-round pick (No. 61 overall), a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and wide receiver DJ Moore. This trade, which ultimately resulted in the Panthers selecting Bryce Young as their franchise quarterback, gives us a reference point for what the Titans could expect to give up if they were to pursue the top pick.

Given that the 2025 draft class is expected to feature another highly regarded quarterback in Caleb Williams, the price to trade up for the first pick could be similarly steep. However, the specific value that the Titans would need to offer would depend on a few factors, including the team holding the first overall pick and their willingness to move down.

Potential Trade Scenarios: What the Titans Could Offer

If the Titans decide to trade for the first overall pick, they would likely need to offer a combination of their own first-round pick, multiple future picks, and potentially even a key player or two to entice the team holding the top spot to trade down. Here are a few possible trade scenarios:

Scenario 1: A Package Built Around Draft Picks

In this scenario, the Titans would likely offer their own 2025 first-round pick (currently projected to be in the mid-to-late teens) along with multiple future first-round picks. This could include:

• Tennessee’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 15 overall)
• 2026 first-round pick
• 2025 second-round pick
• 2025 third-round pick

This type of trade offer would give the team holding the first overall pick immediate first-round value in both the current and future drafts. The team could use these picks to bolster their roster or select players at other key positions of need. In exchange, the Titans would get the opportunity to select a franchise-changing quarterback like Caleb Williams and instantly revamp their offense for years to come.

Scenario 2: Adding a Player to Sweeten the Deal

In this second scenario, the Titans might sweeten the deal by offering a current player on their roster in exchange for the first overall pick. This would likely be a move that involves trading a veteran who could help the team holding the pick in the short term.

For example, the Titans could offer:

• Tennessee’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 15 overall)
• 2026 first-round pick
• Derrick Henry (RB)
• 2025 second-round pick

In this case, the Titans are providing an immediate, proven playmaker in Derrick Henry, one of the NFL’s top running backs, to help the team holding the first overall pick build its offense. Adding a player of Henry’s caliber could help a rebuilding team get immediate production, while the Titans still secure their future at quarterback. Henry’s trade value would be contingent on his contract status and the team’s willingness to move on from him.

Scenario 3: Multiple Picks and Players for Immediate Impact

Finally, the Titans could go all-in with an even bigger trade package, including multiple picks and a combination of players to give the team holding the first pick everything it needs to jump-start a rebuilding effort. This trade would likely look something like:

• Tennessee’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 15 overall)
• Tennessee’s 2025 second-round pick
• 2025 third-round pick
• Tennessee’s 2026 first-round pick
• Tennessee’s wide receiver Treylon Burks (or another key young player)

This scenario would provide the team holding the first overall pick with a plethora of picks and a young player like Burks, who could immediately contribute to their offense. The Titans, in return, would secure the top pick to draft a franchise quarterback like Caleb Williams, who could take over as their leader for years to come.

Why the Titans Should Make the Trade

The Titans have been competitive for several years, but they are now at a crossroads in their franchise’s trajectory. They need to find their long-term quarterback solution to continue competing at a high level in the AFC. If they believe that Caleb Williams or another top-tier quarterback is the answer, trading up for the first overall pick could be a move that pays long-term dividends.

Additionally, the Titans have other areas of need, but none are as pressing as quarterback. By making this trade, they would secure their future under center and be in a position to build around their new leader, particularly with their strong defense and established offensive line. This could set the stage for sustained success in the AFC South and beyond.