The Titans’ pick remains uncertain, with various mock drafts predicting different strategies, focusing on key positions like quarterback or offensive line.

As the NFL draft approaches, one of the most intriguing questions on the minds of Tennessee Titans fans, analysts, and general managers alike is: Who will the Titans pick? The answer to this question is uncertain, with various mock drafts predicting different strategies and potential selections. The Titans are at a crossroads in their franchise’s history, and this draft will likely play a pivotal role in determining the future direction of the team.

Coming off a challenging 2024 season, where they failed to make the playoffs despite boasting a solid defense and a few standout offensive players, the Titans face several critical decisions in the draft. Tennessee has had a relatively successful period under head coach Mike Vrabel, but their window for contention is narrowing. With the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position, offensive line, and even their long-term vision for the defense, the team’s first-round pick could very well shape their fortunes for the next several years.

This article will explore the various mock drafts surrounding the Titans’ potential first-round pick, break down the team’s most significant needs, and analyze possible draft strategies that could secure their future success.

Titans’ Key Needs: Identifying the Areas of Focus

Before diving into mock draft predictions, it’s essential to identify the Titans’ primary needs. Like any team on the verge of a rebuild or retooling, the Titans must focus on areas where they can improve immediately to become contenders again.

1. Quarterback: A Critical Decision

The most glaring and talked-about position for the Titans heading into the draft is quarterback. Ryan Tannehill, once viewed as a reliable starter, is entering the final years of his contract, and his performance in 2024 raised questions about whether he is the long-term solution. Despite some flashes of brilliance, Tannehill’s inconsistency, particularly in big games, has led to growing speculation about whether the Titans need a new face to lead their offense.

The Titans also have Malik Willis, who showed some potential in limited playing time. However, Willis has not yet proven that he is ready to be the starter, and there is a general sense that the team would prefer to find a more stable and long-term option at quarterback.

This makes the quarterback position a top priority in the draft. If the Titans want to build around a franchise quarterback who can carry the team for the next decade, this could be the perfect opportunity to find that player.

2. Offensive Line: Protecting the Future

The Titans have one of the league’s most talented running backs in Derrick Henry, but their offensive line has been inconsistent in recent years. In 2024, Tennessee’s offensive line ranked in the middle of the pack for both pass protection and run blocking. The unit has had issues with injuries and personnel changes, and while they have a few solid pieces like guard Nate Davis, the group as a whole needs to be retooled.

With a potential quarterback in the mix, improving the offensive line becomes even more critical. Whether it’s providing better protection for a young quarterback or creating more running lanes for Henry, Tennessee needs to make significant improvements to this unit.

3. Wide Receiver: A Lack of Playmaking Talent

While Tennessee has some talent at wide receiver, particularly in veterans like DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks, they lack the kind of elite playmakers who can consistently stretch the field. The Titans’ passing game has been far too predictable in recent years, and their ability to generate explosive plays has been hampered by a lack of depth at the receiver position.

In the draft, the Titans may look to add another dynamic wide receiver to complement Burks and give their offense more versatility, especially with a potential new quarterback at the helm.

4. Defensive Upgrades: Reinforcing a Strong Defense

Tennessee has had one of the more solid defenses in the NFL over the past few years, led by defensive stars like Jeffrey Simmons, Kevin Byard, and Harold Landry. However, the Titans’ defense is aging in some areas, and they could benefit from adding youth and depth to both their front seven and secondary. The defense has been prone to lapses at times, particularly in critical moments, and strengthening the pass rush or secondary would help ensure they remain competitive in a high-scoring league.

The Titans’ defense has historically been their backbone, but with a retooled offense on the horizon, they will need to ensure their defense stays strong and can hold up under pressure.

Mock Drafts: Predictions for the Titans’ Pick

Now that we’ve outlined the Titans’ key needs, let’s dive into what various mock drafts are predicting for Tennessee’s first-round pick. The Titans have the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which gives them some flexibility in terms of which position they can address. The following positions are among the most frequently predicted in mock drafts:

1. Quarterback: The Future of the Franchise

Most mock drafts have the Titans selecting a quarterback in the first round, with names like Will Levis (Kentucky) and Anthony Richardson (Florida) frequently appearing as the most likely options. Tennessee’s front office has made it clear they are looking for long-term stability at the position, and the 2025 quarterback class is one of the most intriguing in recent years. While there are questions about which quarterback will ultimately be the best fit, the Titans are likely to consider a high-upside pick at this position.

Will Levis has a cannon for an arm and has been praised for his ability to make all the throws. While his decision-making can be inconsistent, his raw talent makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a quarterback with a high ceiling.

On the other hand, Anthony Richardson has been generating a lot of buzz due to his unique combination of size, speed, and arm strength. Though he is raw and lacks experience, Richardson’s athleticism and potential make him a potential star in the right system. Given Tennessee’s current situation at quarterback, a high-upside selection like Richardson could give them a quarterback to develop for the future.

While both Levis and Richardson are considered developmental projects, the Titans may view them as long-term solutions with higher ceilings than Tannehill or Willis. Selecting either quarterback would send a message that the Titans are ready to move forward with a new face of the franchise.

2. Offensive Tackle: Protecting the Quarterback

Another position that many mock drafts have linked to the Titans is offensive tackle. With their struggles along the offensive line, selecting a premier offensive tackle could go a long way in ensuring that whoever is under center next season has the protection they need to succeed. The 2025 draft is loaded with talented tackles, and many experts believe this is the best draft in years to invest in a left tackle who can anchor the line for the next decade.

Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State) and Broderick Jones (Georgia) are two names that have been linked to the Titans in recent mock drafts. Johnson, in particular, is seen as a plug-and-play left tackle, while Jones is known for his impressive run-blocking skills and would be a solid fit for a team that likes to establish the run with Derrick Henry.

Selecting an offensive tackle could serve multiple purposes for the Titans: it would improve their protection for a potential rookie quarterback, stabilize the offensive line, and help open up running lanes for Henry. Given the number of high-quality tackle prospects in this draft, the Titans could walk away with a top-tier offensive lineman, even with the 11th overall pick.

3. Wide Receiver: Adding a Playmaking Threat

With Tennessee’s need for more playmaking on offense, some mock drafts have the Titans selecting a wide receiver in the first round. Players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State), Jordan Addison (USC), and Zay Flowers (Boston College) are frequently mentioned as potential fits for the Titans, who are searching for a reliable receiving threat to complement Treylon Burks.

Smith-Njigba, in particular, has been drawing a lot of attention for his route-running and ability to create separation. He would provide the Titans with a well-rounded receiver who could step in immediately and contribute to a revamped passing attack.

A dynamic wide receiver could be the missing piece in the Titans’ offense. Whether it’s giving a young quarterback a top-tier weapon or bolstering the passing game for an aging Tannehill, selecting a wide receiver would make sense for the Titans.

4. Defensive Line: Building Around Simmons

The Titans have a strong defensive line, but there is always room to add depth, particularly in a league that thrives on pass rushers. Players like Jalen Carter (Georgia) and Bryan Bresee (Clemson) are potential first-round picks that could help the Titans get even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improve their overall defense.

Carter, in particular, is seen as one of the most disruptive players in the draft, capable of impacting both the pass and run games. Pairing him with Jeffrey Simmons could create one of the most formidable defensive lines in the NFL.