Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts

The NFL Scouting Combine is more than just a showcase of athletic talent—it’s a high-stakes evaluation event where every drill, interview, and measurement can make or break a prospect’s draft stock. For Tennessee Titans scouts, the Combine is a critical opportunity to identify players who not only have the physical tools to succeed but also fit the team’s culture and scheme. Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts focus on specific traits that align with the Titans’ style of play: physicality on both sides of the ball, durability, football IQ, and the ability to perform under pressure. Unlike some teams that prioritize raw speed or size, the Titans’ scouting staff looks for a balance of athleticism and practicality—prospects who can translate Combine success into on-field production in Nashville. For Titans fans, understanding which Combine performances stand out to scouts offers insight into how the team builds its roster year after year.

Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts often begin with positional priorities, as the team’s needs shift each draft cycle. In recent years, for example, the Titans have focused heavily on offensive line and defensive secondary prospects, making their Combine evaluations in those groups particularly rigorous. For offensive linemen, the Titans’ scouts zero in on the bench press (measuring upper-body strength and stamina) and the three-cone drill (assessing agility and change of direction)—two drills that directly translate to success in pass protection and run blocking. A prospect who can bench 225 pounds 30+ times and finish the three-cone drill in under 7.5 seconds is likely to earn a spot on the Titans’ radar. For defensive backs, the 40-yard dash (speed) and the shuttle run (short-area quickness) are top priorities, along with performance in one-on-one coverage drills. “We don’t just look at numbers—we look at how those numbers translate to football,” says Titans senior scout Mike Leach. “An offensive lineman with a great bench press might not be useful if he can’t move laterally. We need prospects who excel in the drills that matter for their position in our scheme.” This positional focus ensures the Titans don’t waste time on prospects who don’t fill a specific need.

A key part of Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts is the mental and interview component, which carries nearly as much weight as physical drills. The Titans’ scouting staff conducts 15-20 minute one-on-one interviews with top prospects, asking questions about their football knowledge, work ethic, and ability to handle adversity. For example, a prospect might be asked to diagram a play from their college offense or explain how they bounced back from a season-ending injury. The Titans also administer the Wonderlic test, a cognitive assessment that measures problem-solving skills and football IQ—though they emphasize it’s just one piece of the puzzle. “We’ve had prospects with great Wonderlic scores who didn’t pan out, and vice versa,” Leach says. “But the interview gives us a sense of who they are as people. Do they take responsibility for mistakes? Do they understand our team’s values? Those are the things that make a player a Titan.” A memorable example came in 2019, when the Titans interviewed linebacker Rashaan Evans. His detailed breakdown of defensive schemes and his story about mentoring younger teammates in college impressed scouts, leading the team to select him in the first round. Evans later became a key part of the Titans’ defense, proving the value of the interview process.

Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts also include a focus on “game tape vs. Combine” alignment, as the team prioritizes prospects whose on-field production matches their athletic testing. For the Tennessee Titans, a prospect who dominates the Combine but underperforms in college games is often less appealing than one who has solid (but not elite) Combine numbers but consistently makes plays on Saturdays. For example, in 2022, the Titans evaluated wide receiver Treylon Burks, who ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash (good, but not elite for his position) but had a standout college career with 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season. Burks’ Combine drill work—particularly his ability to catch contested passes in one-on-one drills—aligned with his game tape, showing scouts he could handle the physicality of the NFL. The Titans selected Burks in the first round, and he quickly became a reliable target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “Combine numbers are important, but they’re a supplement to game tape—not a replacement,” says Titans general manager Jon Robinson. “We want players who can do it when the lights are on, not just in a controlled environment in Indianapolis.” This focus on consistency helps the Titans avoid drafting “workout warriors” who fail to translate their athleticism to the NFL.

Another critical aspect of Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts is evaluating prospects for durability—a trait the team values highly, especially given the physical nature of their offense (which relies heavily on running back Derrick Henry). Scouts closely examine a prospect’s injury history and use Combine measurements to assess their long-term viability. For example, offensive linemen with long arms (33+ inches) and a sturdy frame (6’4”+, 310+ pounds) are often prioritized, as these traits correlate with better injury resistance in pass protection. Defensive linemen who score well in the vertical jump (measuring lower-body power) are also viewed favorably, as it suggests they can maintain their strength and speed over a 17-game season. In 2021, the Titans evaluated defensive end Harold Landry, who had a clean injury history and posted a 35-inch vertical jump at the Combine. Landry’s durability and athleticism made him a top target, and he went on to record 12 sacks in his third NFL season, becoming a cornerstone of the Titans’ defense. For the Tennessee Titans, durability isn’t just about avoiding injuries—it’s about selecting players who can stay on the field and contribute week in and week out, a necessity for a team with championship aspirations.

Looking ahead, Combine Performances Targeting Tennessee Titans Scouts will continue to evolve as the team’s scheme and needs change. With a new coaching staff in 2024, the Titans have shifted to a more aggressive defensive scheme, meaning scouts will now prioritize defensive prospects with elite pass-rushing speed (measured by the 40-yard dash and 10-yard split) and coverage ability (evident in one-on-one drills). On offense, the team’s focus on a balanced run-pass attack means scouts will still value offensive linemen with strong bench press numbers and running backs with good shuttle run times (showing they can make quick cuts in the run game). The Titans are also placing more emphasis on mental health and character in interviews, recognizing that players who are emotionally resilient are better able to handle the pressures of the NFL. For the Tennessee Titans, the Combine remains a cornerstone of their draft process—a chance to identify the next generation of players who will carry on the team’s legacy of toughness, consistency, and success. As Leach puts it, “Every year, the Combine gives us a chance to find players who don’t just fit our roster—they fit our culture. That’s the key to building a team that can win now and in the future.”